Puamun Meshkenu 2024: A week of walking for resilience and reconciliation
The Puamun Meshkenu Community Walk began anew in September 2024, embodying a week of resilience, solidarity, and healing for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Led by Stanley Vollant, the initiative aims to reconnect communities to their roots, while encouraging open and honest dialogue between peoples. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from this milestone week.
Puamun Meshkenu, which means “the path of a thousand dreams” in the Ilnu language, is an organization founded by Stanley Vollant, the first Indigenous surgeon in Quebec. The idea for the organization was born from his desire to contribute to the healing of his community by combining traditional walking, the transmission of Indigenous knowledge, and the importance of resilience in the face of historical hardships experienced by Indigenous peoples.
The organization’s mission is to inspire younger generations of Indigenous peoples and encourage them to dream big, while reconnecting with their cultural roots. Puamun Meshkenu’s community walks are a way to build strong connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, fostering understanding, respect and reconciliation. Since its inception, the organization has walked thousands of kilometres across traditional territories, drawing attention to issues such as mental health, education and strengthening Indigenous identity.
The first day began with a 17-kilometre walk to the community of Kitcisakik. The community warmly welcomed the walkers, and several members joined in for the first few kilometres. A touching moment was shared with the students of Mikizicek School, who listened attentively to Dr. Stanley Vollant’s inspiring messages and helped to convey their dreams in the symbolic walking stick. The day concluded with enriching exchanges in Lac-Simon, accompanied by traditional dances presented by Lolik.
A particularly symbolic moment was the presentation of medicine bags, made by Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan, to each walker. These bags are intended to protect and guide them throughout the many kilometres of walking. The presence of these symbolic objects reinforced the spirit of spiritual connection and protection throughout the expedition.
As the walkers continued their 24-kilometre route, Dr. Vollant gave a lecture at Amik-Wiche High School in Lac-Simon and participated in a podcast produced by the students. Later, he joined the walkers for the final kilometres of the day, which concluded with a community dinner and a short film viewing evening, organized by Wapikoni Mobile.
Despite constant rain, the walkers advanced over a distance of 26 kilometres with the accompaniment of young people from Lac-Simon. Their courage and energy were a source of motivation for the entire group. At the same time, Dr. Vollant gave lectures at UQAT and AgnicoEagle Mines, discussing his inspiring journey and his desire to promote reconciliation through the Mamu Nikantetau walks.
The day was marked by a rally at UQAT and a solidarity march through the city of Val-d'Or. Community members joined the marchers, helping to advance the healing and reconciliation process.
With 27 kilometres to cover, the fifth day was the longest of the entire expedition. Fortunately, the good weather allowed the walkers to rest and enjoy some relaxing moments on the beach of the Kinawit site, where kayaks were also available.
Under a beautiful blue sky, the walkers covered 24 kilometers along Route 111. The day was punctuated by moments of sharing around the fire, laughter and managing blisters after a week of intense walking.
The final day was particularly moving, marking a 22-kilometre walk to the former site of the Saint-Marc-de-Figuery Indian Residential School. This site, which bears the history of residential schools, reminded walkers of the trauma experienced by Indigenous children and provided a deeply moving moment of commemoration. This moment of connection with the walkers' history and personal emotions was a real step towards collective healing.
Day 8, Monday, September 30 — The end of a long journey on the Anicinape Aki
After 25 km of walking, accompanied by their family, members of the community of Pikogan, Amos and elsewhere, the walkers achieved their goal of covering on foot the nearly 200 km that separate Kitcisakik, Lac Simon and Pikogan.
It was with great pride and several blisters on their feet that the walkers were welcomed by the anicinapek of the Pikogan community to celebrate their accomplishment and thank them for the message of hope they carried throughout this long expedition.
A message of openness and reconciliation
Throughout these seven days, Puamun Meshkenu 2024 demonstrated the importance of sharing and listening to strengthen the bonds between communities. Each step, each conversation, each exchange contributed to building bridges between peoples, honouring both the memory of the past and the hope for a reconciled future. Thanks to the Puamun Meshkenu organization, this annual walking project showed that together, it is possible to make a path towards healing, respect and recognition of Indigenous cultures.
About Puamun Meshkenu
Puamun Meshkenu is an organization dedicated to the resilience and empowerment of Indigenous peoples. By creating healing walks, the organization allows participants to experience a sense of connection, reconciliation, and identity strengthening. Dr. Stanley Vollant, as the founder, implemented this initiative to encourage youth to follow their dreams, while remaining grounded in their culture and values. The organization does not only organize walks, but also works to improve mental health, promote education, and build bridges of solidarity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Photos: Janie Helen
Sources and references:
1. Puamun Meshkenu Official Facebook Page
2. Testimonies from walkers and local participants
3. Official presentation of the Puamun Meshkenu organization
