From the Kenora Daily Miner and News

A day on the Trans-Canada Highway begins early for the small but dedicated group of marchers.

By Reg Clayton
Miner and News
Monday May 30, 2005
A day on the Trans-Canada Highway begins early for the small but dedicated group of marchers.

The eight walkers break camp after breakfast and by 9 a.m. they’re on the road, signs on the back of two support vans and the banner that leads the procession identifies their cause as the Youth Suicide Prevention Walk. Their cross-country mission is to promote awareness of the crisis that affects many communities, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal. The walk began March 31 in Nanaimo, B.C. and continues six days a week to its final destination in Ottawa on June 21, National Aboriginal Day.

“We’re getting a lot of beautiful receptions and healing. People reach out and honour us and what we’re doing,” said Vincent Watts, organizer of the annual walk, now in its third year.

Watts lost a nephew to suicide and chose to channel his grief into positive action to save other young people who may be contemplating suicide as an escape from the difficulties of a life that has lost all meaning. His research into the crisis estimates the suicide rate among aboriginal youth is five to seven times higher than the national average

“It has to be brought out in the open,” he said. “We’re trying to break free from the past and make a difference for people, to let go of problems and work together for a new generation to have a future.”

Watts hopes the walk and the attention it brings to youth in crisis will motivate the Canadian government into funding a national suicide prevention program.

Back home in Nanaimo, Watts through his involvement with Street Life Ministries, hosts healing circles, sweat lodges and traditional prayer ceremonies to help youth and others in need of recovery.

The walkers arrived in Kenora on Friday. They were escorted by supporters from Wabaseemoong (Whitedog) First Nation as they wound their way through the city’s streets for receptions at Ne-Chee Friendship Centre and Treaty 3.

“We joined their march into Kenora and we’re in full support what they’re doing,” said Whitedog resident Patrick Paishk who, along with his brother Leslie, participated in a similar walk from the First Nation to Ottawa in 2001.

Paishk said youth suicide continues to plague the community, claiming its most recent victim only a few weeks ago.
Last year the Grand Council of Treaty 3 declared a state of emergency following a rash of suicides and attempts among youth at Whitefish Bay First Nations. The Grand Council has since adopted a youth suicide strategy including a working group comprised of youth, elders and specialists to plan events related to the strategy.