Trent to re-create The Great Walk of 1968
In the wake of reconciliation, Trent University has revived a 50-year-old event that demonstrates its support to First Nations.
The Great Walk is taking place Saturday, half a century after it first launched.
The 17.5-kilometre route goes from Champlain College to Curve Lake First Nation.
It’s the same path more than 200 people took in January 1968, to help raise money for the Curve Lake Community Centre.
Trent’s president, Tom Symons, and Curve Lake’s chief, Dalton Jacobs, were among the group that trekked through the snowy roads and over an icecovered lake.
When they arrived, band member Keith Knott was there to welcome them.
Through pledges, the group raised $1,500 for the community centre.
Now fast forward to today. As research was underway for Trent’s recent 50th anniversary celebrations, The Great Walk resurfaced.
University officials agreed it would be a great opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to Curve Lake as Canada works toward reconciliation.
“This is just one of those things that you can physically do to show your support… this is an event to truly show our dedication to our commitment to First Nations,” said Tina Fridgen, principal of Champlain College.
Participants aren’t collecting pledges this time, though, Fridgen said – the walk is meant to be a sign of friendship.
Curve Lake, however, is raising money to build a library and gymnasium at Curve Lake First Nation School. The Great Way is also highlighting that mission.
About 150 people have already registered for the walk, including Symons, Knott, Trent’s president Leo Groarke and David Morrison, who helped plan the initial walk.
That leaves about 50 open spaces for people to sign up and registration is required.
The Great Walk is open to
Trent students, staff, faculty and alumni.
Residents in Curve Lake are also able to participate and there’ll be a bus leaving from the Curve Lake Church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. to bring people to Trent.
Check in starts at 9 a.m. at The Great Hall in Champlain College, followed by opening remarks at 9:30 a.m.
Hikers strike out at 10 a.m., stopping at noon for a chili and bannock lunch at the Selwyn Township office parking lot – it’s the halfway point.
Afterwards, participants hit the road again, walking until they reach Chemong Lake.
In 1968, the group walked across the frozen lake. But this time, there’ll be voyageur canoes, single canoes and a pontoon boat for the 1 km stretch.
Anyone not keen on boating will be able to take a bus the rest of the way, Fridgen said.
Once in Curve Lake, a final five-minute jaunt will land walkers in Lancewood Park for closing ceremonies.
That should be at about 4:30 p.m., but it will depend on the speed of the group.
If anyone is interested in attending the ceremonies, but doesn’t want to walk, they’re welcome to join, Fridgen said, and registration is required.
A bus will be at Lancewood Park to transport walkers back to Trent after the event.
NOTE: To register for The Great Walk, visit www.trentu.ca/ colleges/ welcome/champlaincollege/events-traditions/great-walks