Blood Tribe first responders take a ‘Walk in Her Shoes’

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 21, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad First responders from the Blood Tribe police and fire departments marched on Wednesday morning in Standoff at the 11th annual Walk in Her Shoes event to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Members of the Blood Tribe Police Force and Fire Department strapped on their heels to raise awareness for domestic violence at the 11th annual Kainai Women’s Wellness Shelter Walk in Her Shoes event on a cold Wednesday morning.

November is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Canada, with many organizations bringing awareness to the cause.

Doris Low Horn, manager for the Kainai Women’s Wellness Shelter, says they do the walk to help raise awareness that domestic violence is still prevalent in the communities on the reserve.

“The awareness is for the women (who) come through our shelters and that we make sure people are aware out there that domestic violence is still alive and well in our communities and on our reserves,” said Low Horn.

Const. Kuljeet Khangura, a constable for the Blood Tribe Police, participated in the walk and says his feet hurt just after five minutes, but understood the importance of bringing awareness as he has had to attend several calls from survivors and has seen how violence has been normalized in the communities.

“Compared to bigger cities we have more domestic (violence) calls and it’s really hard because people think it’s normal. So I think this walk is necessary because we do need to bring awareness in the community that it’s not okay,” said Khangura.

According to a report by Stats Canada, 44 per cent of Indigenous women have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.

Low Horn is part of that 44 per cent, saying when she left, she didn’t have the choice to leave on a nice day, which is why the Women’s Wellness Shelter chose to do the event, even though it was a chilly day with negative 10 temperatures.

“When I was younger and married for the first time I had to walk out there and stand in just my shoes, so I know the feeling and I know what these women are going through,” said Low Horn.

Through many speeches from all service providers, it was made clear they are here to support anyone who is being abused.

While women are often the focus of domestic violence, Low Horn emphasized anyone can experience domestic abuse and these walks are to bring awareness to everyone.

“Domestic violence is alive and well in our community and we need to be the voice for everyone, even the elders, because there’s elder abuse happening too,” said Low Horn.

Low Horn was also touched by the support of the first responders on the reserve, saying how important it is the women she serves every day need to know someone has their back.

“That really helps us knowing there is someone out there (who’s) going to get the first responders to help these women and bring them in (to the shelter,)” said Low Horn.

Khangura encourages anyone facing domestic violence of any kind to reach out for help, before it’s too late.

“You deserve way better, if you’re getting assaulted, just reach out to your closest police because we are here to help,” said Khangura.

If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence call or text the family violence hotline at 310-1818 or 911 in an emergency.