Sonya Roote invited Saugeen Shores Council to the Unity Walk in support of Standing Rock, taking place today (November 15), beginning at noon.

Hub Staff

While extending an invitation for the community to join in on the Unity Walk for Standing Rock, taking place today (November 15), Saugeen First Nation Councillors Sonya and Ken Roote informed Saugeen Shores Council about their time in North Dakota, during the Committee of the Whole meeting November 14.

In September, Sonya, along with other members of the Saugeen First Nation Band Council travelled to Standing Rock in North Dakota to unite in a peaceful stand against the Dakota Access Pipeline which, if construction continues, will run over 1,100 miles. For two weeks they joined the thousands of peaceful protesters from across North America, who have been protecting sacred land as well as the main water source for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe since the Spring.

The Unity Walk is set to begin at noon with a pipe ceremony at the youth centre. Then at 1 p.m. participants will walk, guided by Saugeen First Nation Fire and the OPP to the bridge in Southampton.

Members of the community are invited to join the walk from Southampton’s Presbyterian Church, where, beginning at 1 p.m., the G.C. Huston drum group will play. A walk to the same bridge will begin from there at 1:50 p.m., bringing both groups together at the bridge at 2 p.m.

After song, speeches and prayer, the walk will move to Scubby’s Point for a water ceremony. Officials have asked that there be no photography during ceremony. Following the ceremony, buses will take walkers back to the James Mason Centre for fellowship.

Sonya Roote said her time in Standing Rock was unlike anything she has never experienced, and will go back if she has a chance. She said it was very family oriented and was “just like one big family”.

“I never heard one negative word while I was there,” said Roote.

She added that there hasn't been a lot of media attention on the situation, however, there is a social media movement regarding the Standing Rock issue that keeps people informed. She said the camp is surrounded by state troopers and the National guard.

Roote said a family member expressed interest in going back to Standing Rock, and if schedules allow it, she would go back without question. “I would love to just take everybody, just to feel that feeling of unity, I mean it really was amazing,” said Roote.

See: Unity Walk for Standing Rock

Ken Roote invited Saugeen Shores Council to the peaceful Unity Walk.