‘The accountability has to begin:’ March on Ottawa moves out of Regina

A group of walkers took their first steps out of Regina on Tuesday on their way to Ottawa.

About 10 people are walking to the nation’s capital for the “March On Ottawa: Families March for Justice” to call for a national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Boys, Men and Two-Spirited People.

When the walkers get to Ottawa, they hope to meet with federal justice officials and members of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).

Many of the marchers wore shirts with photos of their loved ones whom they want to be remembered. On the backs of vans that trailed behind them, signs read “It’s About Healing” and “Justice for Haven.” Hanging out the back of one of the windows was an orange Every Child Matters shirt.

Participants in the March On Ottawa: Families March for Justice started on their way from Regina to the nation’s capital on June 6, 2023. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)

Chief Matthew Peigan of the Pasqua First Nation said he stands behind those who began their march.

“The accountability has to begin and not just words, empty words, that are being said,” said Peigan.

There is no set timeline as to when the walkers are to arrive in Ottawa, but it’s estimated it will take more than two months to get there. Marchers are encouraging others to join them in Ottawa.

Among the walkers was Richelle Dubois. Her son Haven died when he was 14 years old in an incident that coroners ruled as an accident, but Dubois’ family disagreed. His body was found in a creek in Regina in May 2015.

June 6 — the day the march began — was Haven Dubois’ birthday; he would have been 23, but his family says he will be forever 14.

The walk departed from the creek where he was found.

In May, Richelle Dubois met with the chief coroner, Clive Weighill. Last Thursday, Weighill’s office made the decision to hold an inquest into the death of Haven Dubois.

Peigan said the issue at the heart of the march can’t be ignored any longer.

“We seem to put that aside, and justice is not doing what needs to be done in order to be accountable when our Indigenous men, boys and Two-Spirited go missing,” said Peigan.

The walkers also hope to encourage the AFN to help advocate for the safety of Indigenous people within the health-care system.