Puamun Meshkenu 2024: A week of walking for resilience and reconciliation
QUICK SUMMARY
The Puamun Meshkenu walk embodies a path of resilience, healing, and reconciliation between peoples. Driven by a vision of transmission and dialogue, it highlights the importance of preserving cultural ties and keeping traditions alive through concrete and meaningful actions.
Puamun Meshkenu, meaning “the path of a thousand dreams” in the Innu language, is an organization founded by Stanley Vollant, Quebec's first Indigenous surgeon. The idea for the organization arose 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 the historical hardships experienced by Indigenous peoples.
The organization's mission is to inspire young Indigenous generations and encourage them to dream big, while reconnecting with their cultural roots. The community walks organized by Puamun Meshkenu are a way to forge strong bonds between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, by fostering understanding, respect, and reconciliation. Since its creation, the organization has covered thousands of kilometers across traditional territories, drawing attention to issues such as mental health, education, and the strengthening of Indigenous identity.
The first day began with a 17-kilometer walk to the community of Kitcisakik. The community warmly welcomed the walkers, and several members joined in for the first few kilometers. A touching moment was shared with the students of Mikizicek school, who listened attentively to Dr. Stanley Vollant's inspiring messages and helped to transmit their dreams into 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 pouches, made by Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan, to each walker. These pouches are intended to protect and guide them throughout the many kilometers 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-kilometer journey, 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 kilometers of the day, which concluded with a community dinner and a short film screening evening, organized by Wapikoni mobile.
Despite constant rain, the walkers covered a distance of 26 kilometers with the accompaniment of youth from Lac-Simon. Their courage and energy were a source of motivation for the entire group. In parallel, Dr. Vollant gave lectures at UQAT and AgnicoEagle Mines, discussing his inspiring journey and his desire to foster reconciliation through the Mamu Nikantetau walks.
The day was marked by a gathering at UQAT and a solidarity walk through the city of Val-d'Or. Community members joined the walkers, helping to advance the process of healing and reconciliation.
With 27 kilometers to cover, the fifth day was the longest of the entire expedition. Fortunately, the good weather allowed the walkers to rest and enjoy moments of relaxation on Kinawit site's beach, where kayaks were also available.
Under a beautiful blue sky, the walkers covered 24 kilometers along Highway 111. The day was punctuated by moments of sharing around the fire, laughter, and blister management after a week of intense walking.
The last day was particularly moving, marking a 22-kilometer journey to the former site of the Saint-Marc-de-Figuery Indigenous residential school. This place, bearing the history of residential schools, reminded the walkers of the traumas experienced by Indigenous children and allowed for a deeply touching moment of commemoration. This moment of connection with history and the personal emotions of the walkers was a real step towards collective healing.
Day 8, Monday, September 30 — The end of a long journey on the Anicinape Aki
After a 25 km walk, accompanied by their families, members of the Pikogan, Amos, and other communities, the walkers reached their goal of covering on foot the nearly 200 km separating Kitcisakik, Lac Simon, and Pikogan.
It was with great pride and several blisters on their feet that the Anicinabek of the Pikogan community welcomed the walkers 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 ties between communities. Each step, each conversation, each exchange contributed to building bridges between peoples, honoring both the memory of the past and the hope for a reconciled future. Thanks to the Puamun Meshkenu organization, this annual walk project has shown that together, it is possible to walk 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 founder, initiated this initiative to encourage young people to follow their dreams while remaining rooted in their culture and values. The organization does not merely organize walks; it also works to improve mental health, promote education, and build bridges of solidarity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Photos: Janie Helen
Sources and references:
1. Official Facebook page of Puamun Meshkenu
2. Testimonials from walkers and local participants
3. Official presentation of the Puamun Meshkenu organization
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