For Liam Haime, reconciliation is a process and not an end point, so for him anything that moves the needle in the right direction is valid and worthwhile, so that’s why for the last two months he’s been riding his bicycle around Canada, visiting former residential schools where unmarked graves have been discovered.
“This is something I could do, bring some attention and awareness, and demonstrate that I care - someone cares,” he said during a stopover in Fernie.
“People throw money at a lot of things, but not a lot of people care - visit these sites, these communities, and give these people the time of day.”
Haime, who is a Métis school teacher from Winnipeg, said that he believed the start and end point for reconciliation was education.
“For too long has indigenous education has been for a day or a week - its been a small little pocket for teaching. We’re fighting for it to be involved in everyday practice. We need to teach Canadian history to its full extent, not just the colonial history.”
Haime’s students are following his journey around Canada to schools.
On his ride so far (which by the time he reached Fernie was above 4,000km worth of riding), Haime has visited the schools in Brandon, Cowessess, Muscowequan, Regina, Kamloops, Penelakut Island and Cranbrook, and he was plotting how he’d get to Fort Providence in the Northwest Territories.
Haime said the experience of visiting each site and reflecting upon what happened was different at each site - he was in Kamloops on September 30 for the national Day for Truth and Reconciliation where there was large gathering, and also passed through Cranbrook where he visited the former residential school there, now operated by the Ktunaxa as a resort.
While Haime said communities were reflecting and healing in their own way and in their own time, it was important for reconciliation to stay at the forefront in Canada - something he believed didn’t appear to be happening.
“You could see it in the buildup to the truth and reconciliation day … and then after that, we move on.
“Its disappointing, but it makes me feel good there’s people still out there fighting the good fight.”
Haime’s journey of course isn’t just about his own personal reflection - he’s raising money to be divided between three organizations that seek reconciliation and Indigenous empowerment - Idle No More, Take Action Stop Line 3, and No More Stolen Sisters. Those wishing to support can can do through his GoFundMe account under ‘Ride For Reconciliation’, and those who want to follow his journey can do so through his Instagram account at ‘rideforreconciliation’.
Haime set out for Edmonton from Fernie last week, having taken two rest days thanks to some local hospitality from Mike and Butch Coultry, and a complimentary tune-up of his bike from GearHub.
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