Completing the Loop: Reflections on the 2014 Healing Walk
A heavy grey fog hangs over the massive Athabasca River. Looking out the microbus window, my mind wanders to memories of last year’s tar sands Healing Walk. Apprehension and nostalgia mix, creating an unexpected anxiety about returning to this land of intensive industry and rapid resource extraction.
Born and raised in Calgary, the oil industry was a pillar of my adolescent life. Every second week, my Dad and little brother left for shift work in Fort McMurray and there was always an unspoken expectation that my Environmental Science degree would launch my career in one of the multi-million dollar oil companies. The side of the industry I experienced was shiny and new, the way of life for prosperous survival in Southern Alberta.
Last year, I arrived at Indian Beach, Anzac to open arms. I was welcomed by the host and surrounding First Nation and listened to stories of destruction—of their land, their water, their families. I witnessed Elders cry for future generations as their newest grandchild entered the world in the tipi next to my tent. I saw the Soviet-style residences that my father and brother slept in every night as they dreamed of a brighter future. I cried into the moonscape tailings pond sands on which I stood, kicked in the stomach by my own ignorance.
And now this year, I’ve returned. Traveling with my own Living Lakes Canada tribe, we’ve followed the Athabasca River from its headwaters all the way to the tar sands. Along the way, we drove through boreal forest as we listened to announcements of approved pipelines and recognition of treaty rights and titles. I feel uneasy in this land of contrasts, this land of separation and tension between families, communities, provinces, and the self.
I’ve been trying to remain open as I participate in this year’s Healing Walk, but it is proving challenging. I’ve been hearing talk of relocating entire Nations because of pollution and feel an overall community anxiety and fear for survival.
As we make our way around the 16 km loop between the Syncrude and Suncor tailings ponds and smoke stacks, prayers and offerings are performed to the four directions. Facing north, an Elder speaks of letting go of fear and anger. Of making space for positivity and unity in order to enter the movement against the destruction of land, water and people. I find my initial anxiety replaced by hope and lightness; a space to move forward and an extra beat in my step.
Watching the Healing Walk round the final corner and complete the loop affirms this positivity and hope with each step. New beginnings are founded in unity, acceptance and compassion. Learning from each other and from the past will create a brighter future for ourselves and generations yet unborn. It is time to complete the loop and return to a sincere relationship with each other and with our world.
By Raegan Mallison, Water Stewardship Coordinator
