Treaty 3 Obishkiniigiig Youth Council Joins The Hope in The Darkness National Walk for Youth Mental Health
On Monday July 16, 2018, Will Landon of the Treaty #3 Obishkiniigiig Youth Council joined Chief Erwin Redsky, and Treaty #3 citizens to welcome Kevin Redsky home to Treaty #3 territory. Kevin has been walking across Canada to raise awareness and support for Youth Mental Health. Will joined Kevin as he walked through Treaty #3 towards Kenora, Ontario.
Kevin had a warm reception and was greeted by a welcoming song, a smudge, and some words of encouragement. Kevin, Chief Redsky, Will, Billy Wahpay, and youth Ainsley Redsky started the first leg of the walk-through Treaty #3. Kevin has already walked close to 4,000kms from Cape Spear, St. John’s, Newfoundland to just outside of Ignace, Ontario. His final destination is Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Hope in the Darkness National Walk for Youth Mental Health is a cross-country walk for youth mental health led by youth and police officers from across the country which started on April 1, 2018. The walk will provide police officers and youth with the opportunity to take a stand on youth mental health and the supports that are needed nationally.
Will Landon stated: “Mental Health in Treaty #3 communities is a key priority for not only the Youth Council but the Grand Council; as such it is important that we commit to supporting and participating in strong initiatives such as Kevin’s walk. Currently many calls for service from police are in direct relation to mental health; therefore, it is imperative that all police services and officers that operate in Treaty #3 territory receive support for more mental health resources and training to ensure that their jobs of protecting our communities and people are done safely and as efficiently as possible.”
“Most importantly; this is an opportunity for youth and police to interact with one another, dialogue and trust must be built to effectively address service and resource gaps that are impacting young people currently dealing with mental health issues. I encourage all youth to participate in the walk and have your voice heard.”
For More information go to The Hope in The Darkness Website: https://hopeinthedarknessca.wordpress.com/
To Donate visit their gofundme page:
https://ca.gofundme.com/hopeinthedarkness
-30-
Contact:
Gary Allen
Phone: 807-548-4214
Email: executive.director@treaty3.ca
