Photos and Article By Marcus Smith
On a cold November morning, community members, families, leaders, and supporters gathered once again for the Steps Towards Healing: Still Here Together walk—an annual event centred on remembrance, solidarity, and collective healing. Organized through Red Road Reclamation and guided by Dustin Dick, the walk has become a meaningful tradition for many within Siksika Nation and beyond.
The event is rooted in Dustin’s personal journey. His own path toward recovery taught him that healing can feel isolating, especially for those who face it alone. The walk grew from his recognition that no one should have to navigate that journey without support. His intention is to Honor those who continue to struggle with addiction, as well as the loved ones the community has lost along the way. For Dustin, this walk represents both a memorial and a commitment to stand with others who are still fighting.
A defining feature of the walk is the cultural presence—drummers, dancers, performers, and horseback riders who join in solidarity. For Dustin, their involvement reflects the heart of the event: unity without judgment. He believes strongly that recovery does not follow one single path and that every individual heals in their own way. The walk reinforces the idea that people should be accepted, encouraged, and supported regardless of how their journey looks. The cultural components help ground the event in identity and community, reminding participants that they are part of something larger than themselves.
Many who attend come carrying stories of loss, struggle, or resilience. Dustin hopes the walk creates a space where people feel seen and supported, no matter what stage of healing they are in. He emphasizes the importance of meeting people exactly where they are—whether they are newly sober, many years into recovery, or grieving someone who could not overcome addiction. The event encourages people to connect, talk, laugh, cry, and share openly, recognizing that community interaction is essential to healing.
The reality of addiction continues to weigh heavily on Indigenous communities. Dustin’s message to those dealing with addiction or loss is centered on courage and connection. He encourages individuals to step out of isolation and into spaces where support is available. His own experiences showed him the power of accepting help from others and allowing guidance to come from unexpected places. The walk reflects this belief by creating a safe, compassionate environment where people can lean on each other.
Looking ahead, Dustin envisions Steps Towards Healing growing into a movement that reaches all members of the community—not only those on the reserve, but also those off reserve, and to those living in urban areas or away from home. He sees the walk as something deeply tied to Siksika Nation, yet wide enough to include anyone who needs support. Because addiction affects people without discrimination, the event aims to extend that same sense of inclusiveness and care.
As the walk continues each year, its purpose remains steady: to bring people together in remembrance and unity, to honor those who have struggled, and to move forward as a community—stronger, connected, and walking the Red Road side by side.
