Protecting Our Mother - Walk to Toronto spring/summer 2008

It has been 12 days and 1,200 kilometres for 22 trekkers from Grassy Narrows First Nations, who stopped in the Sault Monday during a march from Kenora to Toronto to protest the industrialization of their land. "(The walk) came out of frustration at how our people are being criminalized for standing up for their land and rights," said organizer Chrissy Swain, 28. Grassy Narrows has one of the longest-running blockades in North America, protesting paper company AbitibiBowater's practice of clear-cutting trees on territory traditionally used by the First Nations. Swain said it is fitting that the community's youth are accompanying her on this walk. "It was youth that started the blockade five years ago. I feel really proud and honoured that they're walking with me." The group's trek ends in Toronto, on May 26, where they will join at least 1,000 other First Nations groups in a larger protest to raise awareness about environmental and land rights. Swain said she is hopeful. Recently, Boise Inc., one of AbitibiBowater's major pulp buyers, stated it would no longer use pulp produced from Grassy Narrows forests. "That's only the beginning," said Swain. "In the dream I had for this walk, when we got to Lake Superior, the sun was rising ahead. And that meant there would be a new beginning." The Grassy Narrows group is travelling with the help of donations along their route. To donate money to their trip, call Garden River band office, 946-6300. Copyright © 2008 The Sault Star