There was a lighthearted atmosphere October 10 at the beginning of an event designed to raise awareness about a serious subject.
Men in the community wore high heels to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Before the walk, as men struggled to get accustomed to their new footwear, Pam Byrd offered a few serious words of encouragement: “Because you are doing this, more people will be aware.”
Byrd couldn’t resisting adding, “You guys all look cute in those heels.”
According to tribal victims’ advocate Marsha Schlueter, the event was sponsored by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, South Dakota Network and the Wholeness Center.
About 50 people, half of them tottering on high heels, walked around the block. Taking part in the walk were representatives of the tribal police, Flandreau Police Department, Moody County Sheriff’s Department, the ambulance service and the health class from Colman-Egan High School.
After the walk was finished (it was only around the block) and half the walkers hastily changed into their regular shoes, the mood got more serious.
Retired tribal police chief Ken James, who took part in the walk, had a sobering message about domestic violence. “There’s no borders,” James said. “It affects everyone.”
James said acts of domestic violence ripple through the entire community and are felt by victims, their families, law enforcement, counselors, hospital staff, courts and judges.
James praised the walkers for raising awareness about domestic violence.
“Being aware is more important than being smart,” said James, asking the walkers to remain vigilant. “Continue to share when you see something that’s not right in the community.”
