Saugeen First Nation Band Council would like to invite everyone to participate in a Unity Walk Tuesday, November 15 in support of the Standing Rock Tribe, who are Water Protectors acting against the Dakota Access Pipeline and the resulting destruction of their burial grounds. Some of the participants have gone to Standing Rock in person as directed by the Band Council.
Participants will be encouraged to wear blue tops in recognition of the fact that Water is Life - signs are welcome. There will also be drummers and dancers in regalia involved. This will be a peaceful event, will not be closing roads, and has support from the OPP and Saugeen Shores Police. Saugeen Band Councillors will be doing a deputation at the Saugeen Shores Council meeting on Monday, November 14th at 7:30pm to ask for their support and participation as well.
There are two locations from which to participate in the Walk: Saugeen First Nation's Youth Centre and the Southampton St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. The GC Huston Drum Group will be drumming at the church hall prior to leaving. Designates from the two groups will join together briefly on the bridge before moving to Scubby's Point (north side of the river mouth) for a Water Ceremony, then will be bused back to the James Mason Centre for fellowship, refreshments and further education.
People are welcome to come at any point, including just the end of the day at 5pm for fellowship at the Rec Centre if they can attend after work hours. All staff of Saugeen First Nation have the opportunity to participate. We are expecting at least a few hundred people to participate, including people from Neyaashiinigmiing, Owen Sound and Saugeen Shores.
When: Tuesday, November 15
Overview of schedule:
12pm Group #1: Saugeen First Nation (SFN) Youth Centre: Pipe Ceremony
~1pm Group #1: Start walk to Southampton Bridge with OPP and SFN Fire Truck
1pm Group #2: Meet at Southampton St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall, GC Huston Drum Group songs, refreshments
~1:50pm Group #2: Walk to Bridge for 2pm
~2pm Meet at bridge (sidewalk, not on highway)
Prayer and song
Short speeches
Move to Scubby's Point
~2:30pm Water Ceremony
~4pm Buses from Scubby's Point to James Mason Memorial Cultural and Recreation Centre
~5pm Speeches and education, food and fellowship
Where: Saugeen First Nation Youth Centre (Hwy. 21 across from Amphitheatre)
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall (off Hwy. 21, hall on Lansdowne)
James Mason Memorial Cultural and Recreation Centre (47 French Bay Rd., Saugeen First Nation)
We invite all to any part of the event, but ask for no photos or video to be taken during ceremonies.
To learn more, check out the Standing Rock website and Sacred Stone Camp
Donations are accepted through the websites:
For the camp or the Sacred Stone Legal Defense
