Popular Community Walkabout to be expanded
A weekly walkabout by Toronto Police Neighbourhood Community Officers and Indigenous Elders has gained traction in 51 Division and will be expanded to other communities in the city.
The inspiring acts of relationship building and reconciliation are held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“This outreach program is important,” said Indigenous community Knowledge Keeper Kira Vallen. “When people see Neighbourhood Officers walking with Elders, their defences come down and they want to approach us. This year, we carry the Four Sacred Medicines should they want it. If someone is in a bad spot, we can do some healing.”
Each of the medicines -- tobacco, cedar, sage and sweetgrass -- are associated with a specific direction and holds unique spiritual and physical properties.
Constable Mike Jeffrey collaborates with Vallen on the program.
“Seeing Kira’s conduct on street smudges/healing and the offering of a personalized medicine bag to the less fortunate reminds me of how we are all connected to each other,” said the officer. “All of our Walkabout participants are encouraged to share their stories with each other while they are out walking. This helps to break the barriers between the police and the Indigenous community by gaining knowledge of how we share common interests and traits.”
Jeffrey said the feedback is overwhelming.
“This program helps to break the longstanding barriers that have been put over time and encourages all to walk with a kind heart, an open mind and a caring spirit,” he pointed out. “It is breaking new ground around teaching Indigenous culture in a respectful and caring way. Working alongside Elders and other Indigenous community members has not only taught me more about my culture, but about the importance of empathy.”
In 2016, Constables Mike Jeffrey, Sue Crawford and David McAllister along with Cree Elder Andrew Wesley started the Aboriginal Walkabout program that help officers connect with homeless Indigenous people in 51 Division.
Two years later, Valen joined the outreach program that has been expanded to include students in the Division.
He conducts a one-hour hands-on presentation that allows students to learn the Mohawk Creator Story, touch and smell the Sacred medicines and learn the importance of and be part of a smudging and piping ceremony.
“The young people also make a tobacco tie and learn the importance of the tie to the Indigenous community,” Vallen noted. “In addition, they make a beaded bracelet or necklace and a medicine bag to keep while learning about the importance of Indigenous art, customs and history. Soon, the medicine bag program will be led by Residential School Survivors.”
Jeffrey said the walkabout school program will be expanded citywide in September.
“The feedback from officers, students and school staff has been very positive,” he pointed out.
On Monday, June 23, a ‘Walkabout Tkaronto’ barbecue will be held at the Metropolitan Church, 56 Queen St. E.
“All are welcome to take part in the free barbecue, entertainment and conversation,” said Vallen. “It is a time to come together to celebrate Indigeous food, culture and community.”
The event runs from noon to 2 p.m.
