PHEASANT RUMP FIRST NATIONS - On a cold day in March 1901, the people of the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation (PRNFN) were told to leave their homelands and forced to amalgamate with White Bear First Nations (WBFN).
A group of people commemorated and remembered the sacrifices of their ancestors and honoured their people March 21 by doing the walk.
The journey began at 5 a.m. at White Bear with a smudge and prayers offered by young elder Calvin McArthur and an honour song by Patrick McArthur. They were also joined by Aaron McArthur, who carried the eagle staff for his people and his family.
The group of walkers were joined by Chief Ira McArthur from PRNFN, who carried the eagle staff for his people to lead them home, JJ Big Eagle, Coun. Ramona Knebush, Coun. Sheila Knebush, and Coun. Julie Kakakaway all from PRNFN. Chief Jonathon Pasap from WBFN also participated in the long journey to Pheasant Rump.
It was a brisk -8 C that morning but this did not stop the group from walking to Carlyle behind the lead warriors as they made their journey home, just like their ancestors did many years ago.
Once they arrived in Carlyle, they took a short break and then continued on to Arcola, where they were joined by more dedicated walkers.
“Some that joined were children and it was difficult to watch them walk with minimal breaks,” said Vanessa Big Eagle from PRNFN, “knowing that this is what took place in 1901 and the possibility of some of those children not making it to WBFN.”
Many people stopped out of curiosity to see what was happening, and most of them were very respectful when the group walked on Highway 13.
“Some even honked their horns as they passed and drove slowly and we are thankful for their support and considering our safety on the highway,” said Vanessa Big Eagle.
They arrived home at around 1 p.m. and were greeted at PRNFN by other band members with warrior calls and women liliiling (a term used by Indigenous people for women singing).
The drivers also felt honoured and welcomed, and were happy to be home. They carried on to the Women’s Cultural Centre where the elders also joined them for a feast and giveaway.
Calvin McArthur opened the 小蓝视频 with a prayer for the people who walked home and did a brief history of this day back in 1901.
Chief McArthur spoke about understanding the history of the day, where they came from and where they are going to make a future together.
Pasap was asked to address the community with words of encouragement and thankfulness. Aaron McArthur also presented Pasap with his own beautiful eagle staff. This is a huge honour with the Indigenous people, as it shows respect and gratitude.
Elder Olive McArthur was called on to open the feast by remembering the history on White Bear, and talked of how the Nakota people were successful farmers before 小蓝视频 forced off their land.
Young brave McArthur prepared the spirit dish as requested.
“We are proud that our youth can act on these prodigals when requested and it shows that we are teaching our youth our way of life with ceremonies and language,” Big Eagle said.
Throughout the journey, they had Paisley Bone and Kane Big Eagle to provide first aid. They showed the people how to wrap a rolled ankle and treat walking wounds. They also handed out drinks and snacks on the walk.
As a community they continue to prosper to a better future with phenomenal decisions by their leadership and program managers.
This day brings their communities together and it reminds them that they are a community that loves each other, respects one another and that needs each other so that they live together as family.
Chief and counsel would like to thank everyone involved who made this a successful day.
