11th annual Spirit Walk marks 10 years since Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report

The annual Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal’s Spirit Walk is underway at Parc du Mont-Royal on Saturday.

This year’s event highlights a decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report (TRC)— but with only 15 of the 94 Calls to Action completed, many say there’s still a long way to go.

“At this rate, they won’t be completed until 2081,” states a press release from the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.

The 2025 Spirit Walk is focusing on the TRC’s Calls to Action, especially those addressing the systems that continue to harm Indigenous women and children.

“Reconciliation means to recognize that this land that we are on was ours at first and that it was stolen from us, not given. And reconciliation also means to help build up the relationships between Indigenous people and other Canadians,” said Shyanna Cecire, a drum player for the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal’s Spirit Walk.

“I like how it feels when all of the women’s voices come together. I like how it feels to just be proud of who we are and not be afraid to use our drums and our voices anymore and to use them for something good and beautiful.”

“Reconciliation would mean they accept the words they’re saying. When they say this is unceded Kanien’kehá:ka Haudenosaunee territory, they mean it. We’re not here to send all of you away. And we never did. Our ancestors took care of the ones who came across the ocean. They could have killed them right away, but that’s not our way,” said Niioie:ren Patton, a faith keeper.

Participants took part in a 5-km walk as both a form of reflection and a call for change. The walk emphasizes the need to reform institutions that impact Indigenous communities, from child welfare and education to health care and the justice system.

This year’s goal is to raise $50,000 to support the Native Women’s Shelter and its annual healing retreat.

“The top [calls to action] are all about the youth protection system. If all of those were actually applied, I might be out of a job. There may not be anyone, right?We keep having to hire more family care workers at the Native Women’s Shelter because the demand is so high, because people aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do,” said Nakuset, the executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.

“We’ll provide activities for the children, delicious food, elders ceremony, we’ll provide everything so that when they come back they’ll have beautiful memories about spending this time with their children, getting all those teachings that they need, getting the direction to go and to keep fighting because it’s not easy being Indigenous.”

The healing retreat offers the women and children staying at the Shelter the opportunity to leave the city, be close to the land, share their stories, receive teachings, and participate in traditional healing ceremonies.

Montrealers can find information on how to register or donate to the cause here.