The Tar Sands Healing Walk began in 2010. It was founded by Jesse Cardinal, in collaboration with the Indigenous women of Keepers of the Athabasca. Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, a Dene women, is the main organizer. One of Eriel’s co-organizers for the Healing Walk is Melina Laboucan-Massimo, a Lubicon Cree environmental activist.