While the temperatures were above average, a group of people travelled over 50 kilometres on horseback from Kehewin Cree Nation to Blue Quills University, as part of a healing ride held on June 20.
Starting at 9 a.m., the riders completed their trek eight hours later at the ceremonial grounds at Blue Quills. Ben Badger helped coordinate the ride, which he says shows a strong message to the younger generation.
"My family, we've been going through this cycle of trauma, and it just gets handed down. One of the reasons I'm doing this is for her," Badger said, pointing to an 18-year-old member of his family, Megan.
"Healing is the most important thing. We have to move on, work together," said Megan. "It just amazes me that it takes just one person to do all of this. I didn't expect this at all."
Badger and his family were reeling after the recent death of his brother. Following the trauma, he felt responsible to end the cycle of negativity and grief.
"I don't want Megan to have to carry everything I had to carry. My biggest hope is that this generation behind us - it doesn't matter who they are, what race they are, or what political party they belong to - there's been some wrongdoings and we got to learn from that," he said.
"A lot of times we put value on things, and with this ride we're trying to put value on ourselves. We're not seeking recognition from anybody, or acknowledgement or validation. We're doing it for the younger generation."
Badger said during his address to the crowd that more truth "needs to come out," before reconciliation can begin, regarding the history of indigenous people in Canada. He says the memory of putting together the ride is something he hopes his children hang onto.
The idea for the trek came from Jim Miller's Dakota 38 + 2 journey, which he sets out to complete every year to honour 38 warriors who were hanged by the U.S government on December 26, 1862 - the largest mass execution in U.S. history.
Miller now completes the ride to the hanging grounds each year, a 16-day journey that ends on Dec. 26. Badger went down one year to witness the ride in person. That's where he met Miller, who was also a part of the Healing Ride on June 20.
Miller spoke to the crowd of people inside the Bethel Worship Centre, the final stop of the ride before reaching Blue Quills. He talked about his first impressions of Badger, and the person he has become.
"When I met him, he really touched my heart. He came and represented Canada. He came on the ride and told me this story. He says 'You know what brother? I'm ready to go back and face the person who killed my brother. I want to forgive him. . . That's a leader."
