Motorcycle ride from Winnipeg to Brandon honours Indigenous children who died at residential schools

Sunday marked the second annual Every Child Matters motorcycle ride, with members from both the Indigenous and Sikh communities participating.

Organizer Bava Dhillon says the purpose of the event is to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples after the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools across Canada.

“The end goal here is to create awareness and remind everyone that they are not alone. The families that went through this trauma, they are not alone,” said Dhillon. “We must come together in times like this.”

“It’s not fair that these children were taken away from their families. It’s not fair that these parents never got to see their children grow up. It’s unfortunate that they were found in this way, and it will never be forgotten for what happened.”

“Every Child Matters” ride in Manitoba. (Credit: CityNews/Alex Karpa)

The motorcycle rally, which had about 25 riders, made its way to the Brandon residential school, about 214 kilometres west of Winnipeg.

Many of the participants are part of the Royal Riders Winnipeg group, including Sukhjinder Singh.

“We are together,” said Singh. “We stand with them in this time. They are not alone. We stand with them.”

This year’s event carried a little more meaning, as it was in memory of Dr. Ray Mason, an important Indigenous advocate and residential school survivor who passed away three months ago. His son Kyle Mason says the fight towards reconciliation is not over.

“There are still survivors from day schools and other institutions that did not get included in the settlements for the apologies, so there is work to be done,” he said. “Day school survivors still need to find their justice as well, their compensation.”

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Residential school survivor Geraldine Shingoose says she is thankful for all the support survivors like herself are receiving.

“It’s going to be an emotional journey, but we need to bring that message that we are still finding graves in our First Nations communities, and we need acknowledge that truth,” said Shingoose.

Dhillon says it is important to share the message that every child matters.

“All we can do is remember those that have passed, and remember those who have mourned and have not been able to see their children and come together at times like this.”