THUNDER BAY – A group of 42 Indigenous Walkers from Manitoba visited Thunder Bay this week as they continue their journey to Ottawa. Maureen Woods from Garden Island First Nation in Manitoba had a vision to raise awareness of the damage that crystal meth is doing in First Nations communities across Manitoba. The devastating damage of this drug grabbed onto people from the Manitoba First Nation communities after they were evacuated to Winnipeg during a forest fire.
Starting as a small group of walkers, they headed out from the north, along 1000 kilometres of roads, including winter roads on their journey. The first destination was the steps of the Manitoba Legislature. However as the journey continued, and more and more people shared their stories, Maureen Woods concluded that the walk could not end in Winnipeg.
The path east from Manitoba has the walkers on new roads.
They have headed east, with Ottawa as their destination.
They have been getting support from First Nations along the way to keep the walk going. Along the way it is likely they will need more support too. Funds for food, fuel, sox, and shoes are going to be needed.
Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day meet up with the walkers on Saturday after they left Thunder Bay. The Regional Chief offered his support to the team of walkers.
NetNewsLedger’s Amanda Perreault caught up with the Walkers and shares their story.
You can visit the walker’s Facebook page at SUPPORT and Raise awareness Walk #StopMeth for Islandlake
