The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
An unwavering Cranberry Portage grandmother was on her way home Monday after completing an ambitious awareness walk to Winnipeg. Marlene Carriere endured the 750-kilometre trek to the steps of the Manitoba Legislature in hopes of raising awareness for grandparents' rights. "We don't have any rights in the courts, with guardianship, adoption or in the (child and family services) system. Now it's time to change," Carriere told The Winnipeg Sun upon her arrival last Friday. Carriere became an advocate of grandparents' rights a few years ago when she began raising her grandchildren. She soon discovered that as a grandparent, she has no legal clout or supports. "It is important that people understand the role of the grandparents in a family, in the community and in the lives of our grandchildren," said Carriere, an aboriginal, prior to the walk. "In today's world, the role of the grandparent is diminished and that is wrong. If there is one thing that First Nation cultures can teach Canadians, it would be the importance of valuing Elders and the experiences they have collected." Carriere and others who share her dream may not have to wait much longer. According to The Winnipeg Sun, the province is considering rolling out a strategy this fall that would provide grandparents with more rights. Carriere was not available for comment at press time, but The Reminder is planning a follow-up interview.
