Community Unites for Awareness at Annual Grandmothers Walk

About 100 participants gathered in downtown Brandon, Manitoba, on the morning of September 29, 2023, for the annual Grandmothers Walk. This event, now in its seventh year, aims to raise awareness about the sexual exploitation of children and youth. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the sounds of drums and women’s singing, as the crowd assembled at Princess Park before embarking on their walk.

Participants donned orange shirts and ribbon skirts, symbols of pride and a spiritual connection to the earth, embodying a spirit of solidarity. The walk commenced and concluded at Princess Park, featuring speeches, drumming, and a communal lunch. Among those present were Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Brandon Police Chief Tyler Bates, and Deputy Chief Greg Hebert.

Lisa Noctor, a prominent organizer and advocate, spoke passionately about the need to address the issue of sexual exploitation. “This is a real issue — this takes people’s dignity and hurts them in the deepest way that you can hurt,” she stated. “We need to be talking about this every day.” The Grandmothers Walk was organized by the Sexual Exploitation Awareness Team Westman, highlighting a critical issue in the community.

Sexual exploitation involves the abuse of children and youth, often trading sexual acts for basic necessities like shelter, food, or protection. While this issue predominantly affects women and girls, boys and men are also victims.

Priscilla Benn, a grandmother participating in the event, walked hand-in-hand with her granddaughters. Despite the cooler temperatures and light mist, she emphasized the importance of leading by example. “We as grandmothers have so much love — we’re protectors,” Benn said. “It’s an honour and a blessing to be a positive influence in their lives.”

The walk also saw participation from men and boys, including Dyllin Houselander and Timothy Bowen. Bowen expressed his commitment to supporting the women in his life. “I’m here for the grandmothers, mothers, aunties, and sisters who are my relatives, co-workers, and female friends,” he said. Houselander, representing the younger generation, shared his motivation for participating. “It’s happening to young people, so I’m just trying to be there for others and to be a shoulder,” he remarked.

Noctor addressed a common misconception that sexual exploitation is confined to downtown areas. “We need to stop pretending this is a downtown problem,” she said. “If we really want to look at the roots of these problems, we need to look in the west end and our farm communities.”

She also highlighted the necessity for the Brandon Police Service to fill a long-vacant counter-exploitation officer position. Chief Bates confirmed that the position has been vacant since October 2024, but assured that the selection process is underway. He noted, “It’s important that officers are aware of what human trafficking looks like, what sexual exploitation looks like, in terms of being able to identify the signs of that activity.”

The Grandmothers Walk originated in Winnipeg in 2007, initiated by elder Margaret Lavallee after a tragic case involving a young girl. This annual event continues to raise critical awareness about sexual exploitation, fostering community support and dialogue.

For those affected by trafficking or seeking support, Klinic Community Health offers a toll-free helpline at 1-844-333-2211, providing 24/7 assistance and resources. The ongoing efforts of the Grandmothers Walk highlight the community’s commitment to eradicating sexual exploitation and supporting those in need.