“I have a photo. Christie could see him, but they wouldn’t let the kids in. The photo is of his hand on one side of the window and theirs on the other. That just broke me.”
These restrictions had a huge impact on the homeless population. Estimated at around 3,000 people, with 600 people sleeping exposed to the elements, these individuals had nowhere to go. Albertans with homes were isolated inside. The streets of the city were eerily deserted, except for the people whose only home is the streets.
When not actively engaged in providing security for Pekewiwin, the Brotherhood tended the sacred fire that burned for the four months the camp was in operation. “The fire has not stopped. It’s a sacred fire to help us keep up our spirits,” said Cardinal.