Pilgrimage Stories from Up and Down the Staircase Podcast

30/07/2024

How great to see The Good Walk in the University of Saskatchewan alumni book nook! https://greenandwhite.usask.ca/articles/2024/alumni-book-nook-dr-matthew-r-anderson-ba81.php University of Regina Press Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society

24/06/2024

Any spare time this week has gone to "Buildings and Grounds" as Sara calls it. Cleaning up the lawn and house and adding a few more flowers, in preparation for today's visit from an EastLink Community TV crew. They're shooting an episode of The Final Draft (about writers and writing in Nova Scotia) on me.

27/04/2024

Today is the day ... "The Good Walk" page no longer says "pre-order". World, meet my newest book: a carefully researched and lovingly written tale of beauty and challenge on Western Canadian trails and the people who share both the trails -- and their tangled histories.

The Good Walk: Creating New Paths on Traditional Prairie Trails

22/04/2024

Some of you may remember the podcast episode on Walking the Whithorn Way: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bab92-e40302

If you're in Nova Scotia's Antigonish/Cape Breton area, I'll be talking about that Way and its elusive Saint Ninian at the Antigonish Heritage Museum this Sunday afternoon, April 28th (1pm). Saint Ninian is the namesake of the cathedral here on StFX University campus. While facts on Ninian are scarce, stories of the saint abound. This talk, "The Mystery of Ninian" will share a little of both.

14/02/2024

Sacred Journeys a MAJOR book award for Kathryn R. Barush's new book on pilgrimage:

19/01/2024

𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗟!

This week, I got to see the final cover design for 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑊𝑎𝑙𝑘: 𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑃𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑒 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠 (University of Regina Press). It is off to the printer's! I love it.

The cover photo is on the Trader's Road trail in 2015. Photo by George Tsougrianis! Let's see if I can remember everyone who was walking... I'm on the lower left. Next to me is Stew Tasche. The lower right person is actually 2 people - Hugh Henry of the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society, and Harold Steppuhn. Along the top from left to right are Cindi Tasche, Madonna Hamel, and Kathryn Scott.

One of the amazing things that can happen with seeing the full cover is it can be the first moment you realise who has given endorsements. In this case it's a parade of my prairie heroes and mentors. My heart is warmed.

“Step by thoughtful step, 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑊𝑎𝑙𝑘 guides us through the
minefield of western Canada’s history."
—Candace Savage, author of 𝐴 𝐺𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑

“Anderson observes and savours all the spirits and souls of life.”
—Louise Halfe – Sky Dancer

“This book is a powerful meditation on land, history, and Reconciliation.”
—Kristin Enns-Kavanagh, Executive Director, Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society

“Unsettles all our precious notions of a peaceable history with wisdom, erudition, and such good grace."
—Trevor Herriot, author of 𝑇𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎 𝑃𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑒 𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡

13/01/2024

My latest post on pilgrimage: Be Careful What You Name a Lunar Lander https://somethinggrand.ca/2024/01/13/be-careful-what-you-name-a-lunar-lander/

04/12/2023

We pilgrims know well the connection between path and mind, as did ancient walkers long before. There is now also some science to support this lesson our feet have taught us.

Link: "Why Walking Helps us Think" by Ferris Jabr, The New Yorker.

23/11/2023

Robert Macfarlane: "while place-writing often begins in the aesthetic, it must always tend to the ethical"

13/10/2023

There are lots of anglophones out there who speak French better than I do. But this was my moment of bravery: a full interview with the wonderful, golden-voiced Denis Chagnon on Radio VM about pilgrimage and decolonization. Enjoy!

Épisode 1 – Vers la réconciliation : le pèlerinage de décolonisation.Pérégriner sur le Territoire du Traité 4. Courtoisie Matthew Anderson. 12 septembre 2023 — Déjà le dernier épisode de la seconde saison de Marcher vers le bien-être, le 60è depuis le début de l’émission le 14 se...

10/09/2023

Solitary pilgrimage and being a woman...

I take risks on solo hikes, navigating animal traps and dangerous terrain. But for a woman, men are the biggest threat. I do it to be more open to the world, in the hope it will be more open to me

08/09/2023

great article by Alana Vincent that touches on pilgrimage, tourism, religion, and culture! https://www.american-religion.org/amrel-goes-global/alabama

Sacred Journeys International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

by Alana Vincent

14/08/2023

I'm sure missing this biannual Western walk (and its walkers) this week!

It is Day 4 of the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society Historic Walk! Today, participants will walk 20 km and end the day’s journey with a visit to the Poundmaker Interpretive Centre and Cut Knife Hill Battle Site on Poundmaker Cree Nation.

The Battle at Cut Knife Hill was an important component of the Northwest Resistance of 1885.

“The Battle of Cut Knife Hill, fought on May 2, 1885, was an encounter between the Cree forces under chief Poundmaker (pîhtokahânapiwiyin) and the Battleford Column of the Canadian Militia Field Force commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel William Otter. The action ended in the defeat and withdrawal of the militia; the engagement was prevented from turning into a slaughter of the militia force only by the personal intervention of Poundmaker.”

Excerpt from the Indigenous Saskatchewan Encyclopedia by the University of Saskatchewan: https://teaching.usask.ca/indigenoussk/import/cut_knife_hill_battle_of.php

Need to brush up on the Northwest Resistance of 1885? Here is a summary of a complex and lifechanging event also provided by the University of Saskatchewan: https://teaching.usask.ca/indigenoussk/import/north-west_resistance.php

Do you have a book or resource about the Northwest Resistance of 1885 that you would recommend? Please do so in the comments!

Eyewitness Harriet Yellow Mud Blanket Jr describing the victory at the Battle of Cut Knife (1885, which took place when she was 14 years old) to W.B. Cameron, Mr. & Mrs. Campbell Innes, J.S. Bell (Indian agent) and Paul Lewis (farm instructor). Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, September 22, 1947. Everett Baker Slides. Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society.

01/07/2023

29/06/2023

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Pilgrims: are you ready for... THE NORTH SHORE STORYTELLING CAMINO WITH NICOLE UZANS?

When: August 21 to 25, 2023

Where: Begins in Pictou and ends in Tatamagouche

Cost: $550 + $100 non-refundable deposit + optional shuttle

From Nicole Uzans: "Story is how we speak of ourselves when we have the opportunity for long conversation. Story is how we speak of the land when it holds particular importance for ourselves, our family, our community, or our ancestors. On this unique Camino, we’ll listen to the stories of those who have called the North Shore ‘home’ – and we’ll share the stories we bring, as well as those we make along the trail. The area through which we’ll trek remains strongly Gaelic in flavour today, but is layered with the living histories of the Mi’kmaw whose land this is, as well as the Acadians, Germans, Shambhala Buddhists, Americans, and others who have found refuge and possibility here. From Pictou’s picturesque harbour to the Northumberland waters of River John and Tatamagouche, come listen to the spiritual stories of the land, and add your own!"

Our three days of walking will take us through diverse country: the harbour walk of Pictou, the forested trail between Scotsburn and River John, and the Northumberland Strait coastline around River John and Tatamagouche. We will follow the “rails to trails” hard surface walking trailways of the “Great Trail” (the Trans-Canada Trail), with some local pathways, beaches, and backroads in the River John area.

The trail will take us alongside fishing wharfs, churches, scenic villages, and beautiful shorelines. Our plans are to overnight the first night in Pictou (the home of the reconstructed Hector, the first ship to bring Scottish immigrants directly from the Highlands to Nova Scotia), and then to walk west and north. We hope to spend time with master storyteller and River John resident Sheree Fitch, as well as others, ending our North Shore Camino in the town of Tatamagouche, whose name is derived from a Mi’kmaw word meaning “meeting of the waters.”

The spiritual aspect of this North Shore Camino is evident both in the stories we will hear, and in those we can add about how intentional Camino walking and community-building contributes to a world of greater understanding and peace.

As with all Camino NS pilgrimages, our Camino is both local, and guided. The routine involves some participant help with meals (clean up etc), as well as check-ins and a brief daily, optional, time of spiritual reflection. Camino NS staff will be on hand to facilitate the walking, the pilgrim accommodation, and luggage transportation. We plan interactions with local storytellers – but be prepared to add to your own story as a pilgrim!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/camino-nova-scotia-north-shore-storytelling-camino-august-21-25-2023-tickets-632935375747
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COVID POLICY: Camino NS takes the pandemic seriously. Walkers and staff must be up to date on bivalent vaccines; masks are encouraged in enclosed spaces such as the van; ventilation and air flow will be monitored and a Corsi-Rosenthal filter used in sleeping quarters. Please do not attend if experiencing symptoms or after a known exposure to covid-19.

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Camino NS is copyright Atlantic School of Theology (AST). Our walks are generously supported by the Oifis Iomairtean na Gàidhlig / Office of Gaelic Affairs.

Canadian Company of Pilgrims-Halifax Chapter Pictou County Trans Canada Trail Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

14/06/2023

Walking pilgrimage provides a liminal space where we can finally pull out that "Other To-Do List".

Read my blog post for inspiration to make time for retreat, pilgrimage, or reflection soon!

Dear Friends of Camino NS, From junior high all the way through our retirement years, we humans just can’t escape to-do lists. We’re busy - and we have a jumble of different commitments, obligations, and goals. How we handle these lists varies a lot by personality! Some of us keep spreadsheets. ...

26/05/2023

I LOVE that there seem to be more reasons than ever to go for a good walk!

Walking is the simplest and most natural thing to do, but its impact on our health and wellbeing is dramatic and far-reaching, says Anna Fielding

16/05/2023

Registration is now open for five guided pilgrimage walks this summer and fall with Camino Nova Scotia: The Gaels' Trail. Read more:

Four shores = four (actually FIVE) walks run by Camino NS this 2023 season! REGISTRATION FOR ALL WALKS IS NOW OPEN! We will be organizing two Gaelic-themed pilgrimages in Cape Breton, a "storytelling" pilgrimage along the North Shore, an autumn Camino along the Annapolis Valley, and another fall Cam...

24/04/2023

I'm one of the organisers of this pomodoro / Hours walking and creation retreat! In beautiful St Margaret's Bay, NS.
Registration details in the original post.

May 5-7 2023
100$ includes meals and registration
(accommodations not included)
A Camino Nova Scotia event

Letter writing.
Rug hooking.
Sermon writing.
Knitting.
Academic research.
Macrame.
Basket-weaving.
Whittling.
Writing poetry.
Writing fiction.
Sketching.
Watercolour.
Card-making.
Organising photo albums.
Cartooning.

Finish your projects in an ideal setting at "Spirituality Through Our Feet: A Walking and Creating Retreat."

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/spirituality-through-our-feet-a-walking-and-creating-weekend-tickets-574685258077

20/04/2023

Congratulations to my fellow pilgrim, Rev. Dr. Rob (Robert C.) Fennell, on the launch of his book, "Camino Close To Home," on how to start creating meaningful paths right in your own backyard. Launch party (and, of course, short hike!) this Saturday afternoon in Halifax at the Atlantic School of Theology (AST).

Join us for a book launch and celebration of Camino Close to Home, the new book by Rob Fennell, Founding Director of Camino Nova Scotia

16/04/2023

Thanks to the blogger "Dim Lamp" for his review of "Our Home and Treaty Land"!

I was delighted to discover, recently, a review of the book Dr Ray Aldred (Vancouver School of Theology) and I put out last year, “Our Home and Treaty Land.” The review is on the blogsi…

14/04/2023

Congrats to Ken Wilson, Hugh Henry, and Fran Sreedhar who appeared on CBC Radio's "Blue Sky" recently to talk about walking in general, and also, walking in Saskatchewan. Have a listen! https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-189/clip/15978154

Canadian Company of Pilgrims Sacred Journeys Camino Nova Scotia: The Gaels' Trail CBC Tourism Saskatchewan Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society

Frances Sreedhar has walked one million steps and counting on the Meewasin trail, Hugh Henry plans a historic walk for the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society, and Ken Wilson studies walking and won a 2022 City of Regina Writing Award for “Walking the Bypass: A Meditation on Place."

26/03/2023

"The problem is solved by walking."

H/T Ken Wilson

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/25/opinion/walking-hiking-spring.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&fbclid=IwAR0n02crBkrlx4h36Z4Glz3NtwOwmR5YvA0lfK2p5G3w49TvSzjrF3ll2hc

A walk begins to carve out space between my thoughts that allows clarity to rise up through my shoes.

19/03/2023

On this eve of St Cuthbert's Day, why not enjoy a half-hour of walking with me along his pilgrimage trail in the borders region of England and Scotland? https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/meeting-st-clare-on-st-cuthberts-way/id1525283078?i=1000487197467

05/02/2023

Congratulations to my friend Rob Fennell on his new book, "Camino Close to Home." Not quite as close as your staircase, but basically just out your front door.

Not all of us can make the trip to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago. Local pilgrimages are a fantastic alternative! A route close to home but away from our daily concerns is an opportunity to experience the physical challenges of walking, the joys of community, spiritual growth, and our relation...

09/10/2022

Looks like the Canadian Mennonites are getting into the pilgrimage movement! (thanks to Cathy McPhail for passing this on to me): https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/walk-through-mennonite-history

Canadian Company of Pilgrims

A new trail, spanning almost 55 kilometres across southeastern Manitoba, has been created by a group of Mennonites. The Peace Trail was dreamed up and implemented by the EastMenn Historical Committee, a group under the umbrella of the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society, along with community membe...

19/09/2022

No new episodes to announce yet, but I've been very busy! Just got the cover image today for "Our Home And Treaty Land: Walking Our Creation Story" which comes out next week with Wood Lake Publishing Inc. Co-written with Cree professor and pastor Ray Aldred, it is a dialogue that imagines Settler and Indigenous "walking well" in right treaty relationship with each other and our shared Land. Pilgrims will enjoy the focus on getting out there and literally walking.

16/09/2022

Reminiscing about walking the Whithorn Way as tomorrow is the feast of Ninian. A short photo montage:

A video about the first group of Canadians to walk the reconstituted Whithorn Way, Scotland, in July 2019.

31/08/2022

Come walk with me this fall, pilgrims! www.caminonovascotia.ca

22/07/2022

In case you don't know it, here's something about the Indigenous, Lac Ste-Anne pilgrimage the Pope will be attending...https://globalnews.ca/news/9007564/history-lac-ste-anne-pilgrimage/

On Tuesday, Pope Francis will accept a longstanding invitation to take part in an annual pilgrimage to Lac Ste. Anne which has a history dating back to before 1889.