The Busy Signal > Member Voices

The Most Humbling Week of My Life

By Melina Tallentire | Summer/Fall 2026

When we travelled to Winnipeg to help drag the Red, we knew it would be an important experience. What we didn't fully appreciate was just how much we would learn, how many people we would meet and how deeply the week would affect us.

We arrived Monday afternoon, and Tuesday morning we met up with Jill to take part in a community walk.

The walk began at a building in downtown Winnipeg, where Unifor Local 1-S had donated water, snacks and other supplies to distribute along the way. Before heading out, everyone gathered in a circle and took part in a smudge. It was a meaningful way to begin the day, bringing everyone together before going out into the community.

Jill introduced us as a group from Regina and Unifor Local 1-S who had travelled to Winnipeg specifically to help drag the Red. She also explained that we wanted to connect with and learn from other parts of the community.

People were genuinely surprised that we had made the trip simply to help.

After attending a conference where Jill and Jeremy had spoken, I had wanted to learn more about their work. Hearing about it at a conference was one thing. Being there, walking alongside them and taking part in the work was something entirely different.

Learning the Stories of the River

After the community walk, we headed out on the boat for an afternoon of learning. Jill is an incredible teacher, and what stood out was not only how much she knew, but how she remembered the names and stories of the people connected to the river.

As we travelled along the water, she pointed out places where people had been found and locations where searches had taken place. She remembered who had been found where and shared those stories with us.

It was powerful to listen to someone speak about each person with such care and remembrance.

One thing that stayed with me was the number of eagles we saw throughout our time on the river. They were in the trees and seemed to be all around us as we travelled. For First Nations people, eagles hold deep significance. I can't pretend to fully understand what their presence meant, but it was something I won't forget.

Everyone Had a Part to Play

Wednesday was another day on the water, and we took turns dragging.

The drag bar is heavy work, and it takes two people working together: one managing the rope while the other pulls the bar through the water. Everyone found a way to contribute.

Joseph from Paladin was particularly determined. He kept putting the drag bar down and going again. I think he did it 21 times before finally letting someone else have a turn! He was completely committed and wanted to do everything he could to help.

Roberta worked hard on the rope, and David was right there putting in the effort as well. It was incredible to see everyone so willing to take part.

There was no question about whether the work was easy or whether someone else could do it. People simply stepped in and helped.

Community, Ceremony and Small Acts of Kindness

On Thursday, we met up again with Jill and Gina, who had been with us throughout the week.

We also had the opportunity to witness the beginning of a Sundance ceremony, including the raising of the Tree of Life. It was an incredible experience. We sat for a while, taking it all in and appreciating the opportunity to witness something so meaningful.

Afterward, we headed out on another community walk. Once again, Local 1-S had provided water and fruit to distribute.

Sometimes we don't realize how much a small gesture can mean until we see it firsthand. Some people living on the streets have difficulty eating certain foods, including those who have lost their teeth. Having food they could actually eat was appreciated.

Jill also brought along a wagon filled with clothing because the nights were getting colder. We were able to hand out sweaters and other warm clothing.

A bottle of water. Some fruit. A warm sweater.

These may seem like small things, but the gratitude we received was something that really stayed with us. It was a reminder that showing care for someone doesn't always require a grand gesture. Sometimes it means recognizing an immediate need and doing what you can to help.

A Week to Reflect On

Friday brought us back onto the water for another day of dragging.

After several days of learning, walking and working together, we ended the week at Jill's home. Jeremy joined us and shared songs as a drummer. We were able to participate with rattles and then gathered in a talking circle and pipe ceremony to reflect and unwind after what had been a very full and emotional week.

The talking circle gave everyone an opportunity to share and process the experience.

We were also gifted a medicine box from Jill, and some members of our group received eagle feathers. These were meaningful gifts, and we were grateful for the generosity and welcome we had received.

More Than Showing Up

Looking back, I think what stays with me most is how much we were welcomed and how much we learned.

We travelled from Regina because we wanted to help drag the Red. We came away having listened to stories, learned from others, taken part in community walks, witnessed ceremony and worked alongside people who are deeply committed to this work.

We didn't arrive with all the answers, and we certainly didn't leave with them. But we left with a better understanding of the importance of showing up, listening and being willing to learn.

Sometimes solidarity isn't about having the perfect words or knowing exactly what to do. Sometimes it's about putting your hands on the rope, taking your turn with the drag bar, walking beside someone or offering a bottle of water or a warm sweater.

It's about being willing to travel, to listen and to stand alongside others.

We went to Winnipeg to help drag the Red. We came home with a deeper appreciation for community, connection and the importance of showing up.