2006 BLOG (weB LOG)

Stories and Miracles from the Road

June 21 : The walkers have arrived at their final desination, the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, B.C. They arrived at 2:00 PM. Thank you very much to all the donors, without you this walk would not have happened!!!

June 15 : The walkers are walking from Pitt Meadows to Vancouver today. The weather is OK and they are getting very close to the end of the walk!

May 3 : They are having a Sweat for us today at the Friendship Center in Kenora.

May 2 : We got into Kenora.

May 1 : We got to Dryden, Ontario.

April 30 : We left Thunder Bay and kept relaying west. Eagle Lake First Nation put us up, our headquarters for a few days as we walked, they put us up in a hotel. They held a round dance for us, and had a special sweat for us.

April 28 : Thunder Bay -we stayed at the Youth Treatment Center a couple nights on the invitation of Director Vincent Simon, (a Maritimer) and the youth and staff marched with us to the Friendship Center, where we were feasted and gave our presentation. Cheif Elvin Fiddler bought us pizza and invited us to a Metis gathering and another feast.

April 24-27 : We left Wawa and relayed towards Thunder Bay. Michipitcoten First Nation (outside Wawa) was our headquarters for a couple days, they put us up and fed us as we relayed west. Pic River/ Pic Mobert First Nation (near Marathon, Ontario) put us up and fed us, kind hearted people. And another first nation (Payes Plats?) put us up one night too. We relayed up to Nipigon.

April 24 : In Wawa with half a tank of gas, lots of tired feet. But....we are half way!!!

April 21 : We are at the Sleep Inn is SSM and trying to raise funds to get futher down the road.

April 20-23 :We relayed up to Sault Ste. Marie, fundraising for hotels along the way. As we got closer to SSM the Police joined us and walked with us into town. In SSM we gave our presentation at the Native Friendship Center. We were in SSM for a bit then began relaying towards Thunder Bay fundraising for hotels along the way, some nights this has not been easy.

April 19 :We relayed into Garden River First Nation, and they put us up at the Quality Inn.

April 18 :After leaving Sudbury, and the hospitality of White Buffalo Healing Center we relayed up to Blind River area and fundraised for a hotel. (Thanks White Buffalo!!)

April 17 :White Buffalo arranged for us to visit Manatoulin Island where we sweated with Jake. (Jake presented Vincent with a Pipe, and now he is a 'Pipe Carrier' with all its responsiblities!!) While we were sweating some of the kids went with Heather to talk to Sudbury North Star Newspaper and the North Bay Nugget Newspaper. The kids ran into a friend from past walks from Nippissing First Nation, and she was kind enough to give some phone cards to phone friends and family.

April 16 :Vince Pawis (White Buffalo) gave us another Sweat.

April 15 :We walked into White Fish Lake First Nation, and did media interviews, and a presentation to that community.

April 14 :A day of rest the kids were pretty tired. Heather Campbell and Vince Pawis (White Buffalo) took us to a Fish Fry.

April 13 :After Chas's Birthday sweat that night, we gave a presentation at a Youth Detention Center. Heather Campbel and Vince Pawis ( White Buffalo Healing Center) are putting us all up for a few days at her place.

April 8-12 :We relayed up to Curve Lake First Nation near Peterborough. We stayed in the home of a woman who is a blanket maker. The community held a huge healing circle, and we shared about our walk there. Chief Keith Knott provided pizza.

We relayed down highway 7 and then into Toronto where we walked with other community members from Friendship Center throught the downtown to another Friendship Center. We gave our presentation at the Center. The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario came out to meet us. He is him also Native, Here are the words of a community member joining our walk.

"We joined the walkers in Toronto at the Native Canadian Centre and were allowed the honour of joining in the opening ceremonies. The day was warm and sunny and the walkers were cheered along by passing motorists and pedestrians. A few people joined in the walk along the way. The Honourable James K. Bartleman, lieutenant-governor of Ontario, a member of the Mnjikaning First Nation, greets the walkers as they arrive at the Native Services School Drop-In on Yonge Street. Each step is a step of hope and courage. Thank-you."

In Toronto we met community members from the Six Nations Reserve (Brantford)who had recently experienced suicides. They asked us to come down and we left immediately. There were youth from all over visiting Six Nations, and we gave our presentation in a big hall to all the youth and many community members. We were there for land claims activities and were honoured to be part of those activities. Six Nations fundraised in the community and we are very grateful for that money towards our gas.

April 6 :The Walkers headed towards Peterborough. That night Sandra Russell owner of Lake Park Lodge donated two free rooms  and meals to the Walkers. The Walkers had the Lodge to mostly to themselves and played pool, and bopped to the juke box, and enjoyed endless pop from the soda fountain. In the morning they builtan Inukshuk infront of the Lodge. Tyler had pictures taken of himself in front of her neon sign 'TJ's' which she promised to give him if he returns there. She pledged to host a gathering should the group return another year. Thanks Sandra!

April 5 :Assembly of First Nations threw a lunch for the Walkers, and they met National Chief Phil Fontaine, who had inspiring words to share ! Also coming in near the end, a wonderful surprise-Canadian Actress- Tina Keeper from 'North of 60' (See the pictures). Thanks for AFN, Phil, and Tina, for a wonderful lunch!! The Walkers  met Health Canada staff at Iskotew Lodge. This is a round room, wood lined filled with beautiful medicine gifts. Health Canada Manager, Michele Bourque, and the Mental Health staff met with us.  Vincent opened with a prayer, a smudge and told about the Unity Staff we carry, and we shared stories from the road.  Ms. Bourque told us about the new National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy for 65 million over five years to help communities. Everybody clapped at this accomplishment. The Circle closed with a prayer from Vincent. Health Canada had laid out a lunch too, but everyone was too full from the AFN lunch, and we donated the food to the homeless. Thanks Health Canada for hosting us, for the lunch, and especially for the new Suicide Prevention Strategy!!

April 4 :Parliament Hill!! The Walkers met up with Assembly of First Nations staff and ITK (Inuit organization) at the AFN offices and with First Nation community members and  marched towards Parliament Hill. We carried flags representing the Inuit, the First Nations of northern ontario, the Nishnawbe, the Mi'kmaw, and more. Be sure to see the pictures of this march  We went up on the hill and were interviewed by APTN. It was Throne Day, so an honour to be there. We were  invited to lunch and met some MP's including Joan Crowder, an NDP from Nanaimo (Vincent and Ed's home town) who is pro-Aboriginal rights. Lunch was in the West Block Restaurant.  Photos were taken in the Parliament Buildings and MP offices. Thanks to all the MP's and to AFN for arranging this, specifically Brian Hendry and Sonia Isacc Mann. So busy and wonderful was the day, we are not clear on all the names of the MP's, but thanks for meeting with us.

April 3 : The Walkers arrived in Ottawa and had a the afternoon and evening to rest. Assembly of First Nations(AFN) hosted this Ottawa portion of the trip. They put the group up at the luxurious Albert at Bay Hotel beside the AFN offices. In Ottawa they picked up another Walker- Charlotte, who has done the Walk before. Charlotte is Inuit however she is currently staying in Ottawa. It didn't take Charlotte long to get her walking legs again. Vincent says now the the young women have arrived the van smell cleaner, not just the odour of road weary young men!!

April 2 : The Walkers headed towards Ottawa. That night they stayed with Pat and Richard Kerr of Dalkeith Ontario who have a house in the country. The quiet rural surroundings were a relaxing break from Montreal. The Kerr's also enlisted friend Amber and her band who took some of the youth to their house. The Walkers got to hear their music, and were learning to unicycle. They really enjoyed this overnight, and because neither household is Aboriginal, this demonstrated the unity that this Walk is about. Thanks Pat, Richard, Amber and Band.

April 1 : Ontario: The Walkers crossed the Ontario border. The Ontario police were waiting for them but this time instead of questions and rebukes they heard a big and friendly "Welcome to Ontario!!". That night they stayed at the Howard Johnson and were fed dinner thanks to the donation of this by the Manager. Thank you very much!!

March 31 : The Walkers took largely side roads towards the Ontario border. The last ten kilometers before the Ontario border was a protest march on the main road. The Quebec police had been very strict about not allowing marches down the main highway, much as was the case with Terry Fox. The Walkers had been forced to take longer side roads through that Province, and the youth were repeatedly stopped for questions. The Walkers were glad to have the Ontario border in sight.

March 30 : The Walkers picked up a new edition. Chasity Meuse from Indianbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia. Chasity met the Walkers when they came to her community, and like so many she was captivated by the wonderful mission this is. Chasity works for Phoenix - a prevention agency in Halifax. She applied for a leave of absence, and with her young son's blessing, she joined the walk. The first day was difficult, but Chasity soon got into her walking rhythm.

March 29 : Montreal: The Walkers went to the Montreal Friendship Center to witness a Graduation Ceremony honouring among the students, Inuit youth. The Walkers shared, and tears were shed by all. it was a very moving and beautiful evening, and an honour to attend.

March 27-28 : The Walkers moved quickly from the New Brunswick border to Riviere du Loup area where they spent a night, the following day it was warm and sunny and they quickly made Quebec City and spent a night in that area. After Quebec City the traffic became very heavy along highway 40, and the police had stopped a couple youth. They passed Trois Riviere and were so close to Montreal they kept walking, and made it by bedtime. They found Montreal very difficult to traverse through, given the busy fast moving traffic, bridges etc, an experience shared by many tourists to that area. They were met by Jennifer with the Quebec First Nation and Inuit Suicide Prevention Association. This agency is the Walk host agency and Normand D'Argon has employed Jennifer to help with Walk rganization. The group was put up in the Holiday Inn which was probably nice after two nights in the Van.

March 26 : The Walkers left Tobique First Nation, and were joined by Tobique Youth who walked the first 20 kilometers with them. That day they walked 80 kilometers towards the Quebec border, and then drove back to Tobique to have supper with community members at the new and lovely Tobique Truck Stop, with supper donated by the Truck Stop.

March 25 : Saturday morning the community provided a breakfast, and later in the day there was a Pizza Party with Tobique youth and the Walkers presented on suicide prevention. Vincent himself lead the sweat, and they were joined by Tobique youth.

March 24 : The Walkers arrived at Tobique First Nation in Northern New Brunswick late Friday night after a day of relay walking up from Fredericton. They were greeted by Tina Martin a Tobique Band Councilor and area Walk organizer. They had the night to rest, and were all billeted together in Raymonds big log house.

March 22 : The Walkers went back to Truro Nova Scotia to get the newest van. The youth were able to visit with new friends made in Indianbrook First Nation while Vincent got all the repairs done to the van, new gas tank, tires, insurance etc, made easier with the help of community members. When they got back on the road they were able to drive back up to Moncton New Brunswick, where they had stopped relay walking before. So they picked up where they left off and headed for Fredericton.

March 21 : The group returned to Elispogtog for a sweat with Sun Dance leader William Nevin. After this they hope to return to Antigonish Nova Scotia to pick up Van #3.

March 20 : The Walkers presented at the Rising Sun Treatment Center at Eel Ground First Nation (Miramichi). Later they were invited to a tribal meeting and were gifted gas funds.

March 19:The group is still in high spirits despite ongoing Van and insurance issues. Van #2 blew a tire, and a Truro resident kindly donated one to the group. Meawhile they have Van #3 waiting for them back in Antigonish Nova Scotia, because it is clear that #2 will not make it across Canada. The group visited Millbrook then Indianbrook First Nations. These two reserves are close to Truro Nova Scotia. At Indianbrook (Shubenacadie) they received a Sweat, and then the group broke into two as they were double booked. A group of youth stayed in that community do to a presentation on Suicide Prevention; meanwhile, Vincent Watts and a few youth continued on to Rexton, and Big Cove's Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick on the Atlantic coast. At Rexton they were joined by the kids from the largely non-Aboriginal school of Eleanor Graham who marched with them.They then gave their prevention presentation to these youth in addition to the community of Elispogtog First Nation. They also visited the Sun Dance grounds on the reserve, the only place where this is held in Eastern Canada lead by community member and healer William Nevin.

March 17: The Youth are relay walking through mainland Nova Scotia, past the communities of Antigonish (home of the Highland Games, and famous St of X University ) and New Glasgow (Westray Mine disaster 1992) and over scenic Mount Thom to Truro, Nova Scotia, and Millbrook First Nation. Tonight is a well deserved rest time, and they will be staying in a Truro motel for the night.

March 16: The Walkers arrived in Paqtnke'k First Nation, Afton Nova Scotia. Emmett sweated them, and in the small but bulging community hall they were able to share about their Walk, and were feasted by the warm welcoming community. The Youth shared that they want to bring back to B.C. all the cooks they have met, they cant believe how good, and plentiful the food is. Yeah to Nova Scotia, we are showing them our true Maritime Hospitality!!

March 15: The group took a ferry and walked to We'komaq First Nation, Whycocomaugh Cape Breton across the Bras D'Or where they were greeted by the community and spoke at the community hall, a feast followed, and the group was sweated by Mr. Johnson, and billeted in homes. March16: On a cool but sunny day the group set off led by the Chief of We'komaq carrying one of the Staffs. Other community members joined in for this beautiful walk throught the Cape Breton Highlands along the Trans Canada down to the Cape Breton Causeway enroute to Paqtnke'k First Nation, Afton Nova Scotia.

March 14: At 8.30 am the Walk officially started at the Sydney Boardwalk alongside the ocean harbour. The drumming group 'Sons of Membertou' sang the Mi'kmaq Honour Song', prayer, smudging, and speeches accompanied the launch which was well attended by the media. A bus load of youth arrived to meet the Walkers. The Police honoured the Walkers and the goal of Suicide awareness building/ prevention by accompanying them to the First Nation of Eskasoni on the shores of Bras D'Or. Mi'kmaq Family had made a banner to be carried through Nova Scotia that community members could write the name of a loved ones to be remembered. In Eskasoni the group marched through the reserve joined by the community. At the Cultural Center the groups shared about their mission. A community feast of local Moose and all the trimmings followed which many including Child and Family staff had helped to cook in their homes. The Walkers were sweated by Brendan Poulette and billeted in homes. Mi'kmaq Family had gathered tolietries to dispurse to the group, and made sure they all had clean laundry.

March 13: In Nova Scotia, Mi'kmaq Family and Children Services were the main contact and organizers of the Walk launch. Arlene Johnson invited volunteers to help organize the Walk, and a group of Women came together to plan not only the Membertou First Nation visit, but they planned and liased with the other communities in Nova Scotia to set up the whole route. They did fund raising, and brainstormed many ways to help the Walkers involving as many communities and members as they could. Suicide has touched these communities,and as will be the case across Canada, their work was a "labour of love" to help carry the important message of the need to raise awareness around, and address youth suicide. When Arlene heard about the situation in Quebec, plans were made to fly Vincent into Cape Breton so he could attend the community feast and talk planned that evening for Membertou. The Police would only release the Van to Vincent so it was decided that Reno, an experienced Walker would go instead. Reno took a taxi the rest of the way to Quebec City but missed the Cape Breton flight. When he finally flew into Sydney at 9.30pm that night the community was still waiting for him, having enjoyed the feast they had hoped to share with the Walkers. Reno was able to share about the Mission with the community. The next afternoon, Vincent had the Van out of the impound yard and the group were on their way again. They made good time and crossed into Nova Scotia after midnight that night, still high in spirits despite all the setbacks. They met some volunteers at the giant Blue Berry in Oxford Nova Scotia, and after catching up, hugs, well wishes, and prayer they were back on their way. The crossed the Cape Breton causeway, and made their way to Sydney where they were able to get some sleep in the Van before the official launch.

March 12: The group made good time into Quebec until just west of Quebec City where they needed to do some simple repairs to the Van. The Quebec police observing this asked for papers, and the Van being bought and insured on a weekend, there were as yet no insurance papers. The Van was towed away and impounded, the group ending up in an area motel. This delay meant they would not make the community dinner and presentation planned in Membertou First Nation, Sydney Cape Breton.

March 7: The Walkers five youth and Vincent Watts, left Nanaimo enroute to Vancouver where they attended a Summit Meeting of Chiefs. The hat was passed and enough money was raised for the gas across Canada. The group made good time until Thunder Bay where the van engine died. The local mechanic upon hearing about their vision and mission gave them a very good deal on a used van and they continued on to Sudbury Ontario. In Sudbury at the White Buffalor Road Healing Centre they were able to do some planning with volunteers Heather Campbell and Vince Pawis.