Wiikwemkoong man completes journey to former Indian Residential School sites in Spanish
WIIKWEMKOONG UNCEDED TERRITORY– When 32-year-old Wiikwemkoong resident Michael (MJ) Eshkawkogan decided to run 147 km from his home to the former Indian Residential School sites in Spanish to honour residential school children and survivors, his intentions were clear: he would inspire others to educate themselves as well as face their fears head-on.
The run took place over three days from July 1 to 3. Along the route, the runner stopped at Birch Island, Espanola, and Massey. Supporters were there to greet and encourage him at all of his stops. Brian and Ruth Galinis from the Sault Stryders Running Club accompanied him for some of the distance. Allison Abitong from Sagamok Anishnawbek was alongside him during the last leg of the journey on her bike.
Eshkawkogan was confident he could complete the journey as planned.
“I’m empowered by my community and ancestors. I feel scared but ready,” he said prior to the run.
The recent discoveries of unmarked graves at many of the school sites set off a spark motivating Eshkawkogan to do something, to make a statement, to deliver a clear message to others facing traumas and fear.
“My initial thought process in deciding [to do] this run was witnessing the true extent of the traumas and intergenerational traumas caused by the schools. I see many of my brothers and sisters struggling in their wake. I see a hesitation in my people to accept the unwarranted responsibility of healing these traumas. I wanted to show them they are capable of facing their potential fears. I run to Spanish as a symbolic showing to face your fears,” Eshkawkogan said. “We didn’t ask for these hardships, but we now have the duty to heal these wounds. These near impossible tasks we balk from are possible. Finishing school, quitting drugs or alcohol, losing weight, or whatever battle we have doubts about require action. Through this run I hope to show my communities scary, tough things can happen.”
A thoughtful man, Eshkawkogan believes the truth must be told no matter how hard it is to face.
“As the news breaks of more unmarked graves at more schools, I am reminded why I chose to do this run. We need strength now more than ever. As the truth becomes literally uncovered, we must remain composed. A great deal of strength and courage is needed to face the truth. The truth of this country and what has happened here needs to be told. Canada attempted genocide. They tried to remove an entire people. All of us have this harsh reality to face. We must not balk or falter. The ground we stand on is firm and honest, as should be our approach.”
On the second day of Eshkawkogan’s run, while making his way up a steep and steady incline, the runner felt a pain in his leg giving him pause. Plodding on with the hope that the pain would subside, he kept going; however, it got to the point where the pain intensified travelling from his hip down his leg to his foot.
Thinking a rest might make things right and enable him to continue his run, he took a time out. With the pain still there, and not knowing how he should proceed, or even if he should carry on, he called family members asking for direction on what he should do. Following conversations with family, some of whom are health care workers, he was advised to consider other options for the run rather than risk a permanent injury.
“I’ve pushed myself to my complete limits. Many times, my mental fortitude was tested. Figuring out if I’m hurt or actually injured was a tricky space. We made the right call after consults with my friends and family.”
Determined to complete his journey, Eshkawkogan made a quick call to his wife Rachel asking her to bring him his bicycle. He would complete the task at hand on his bike. Michael arrived at his destination the afternoon of July 3, walking the last few hundred meters with his wife Rachel and two children as well as dozens of supporters.
Allison Abitong from Sagamok Anishnawbek accompanied Eshkawkogan on the last leg of the journey on her bicycle. She is aware of the turmoil and suffering of those who survived the residential school system. Abitong knows personally of the disturbing effects the residential schools had on those who attended being the daughter of a survivor. When she heard about Eshkawkogan’s run, she decided she too had to do something to create awareness.
“When I heard of MJ’s run and the reason behind it, I knew I had to join. I am a daughter of a residential school survivor. I did it for my survivor, my mom. She attended the girls’ school.”
In front of the monument at the school site, Eshkawkogan was offered smudge from his father Michael senior. A local supporter sang a Unity Honour Song while others joined in.