A Walpole Island youth is set to embark on a run this week in honour of missing and murdered indigenous women across the country.
Theland Kicknosway, 12, is starting a 134 km walk/run from Kitigan Zibi First Nation in Quebec to Gatineau Park starting on Wednesday, March 23. The walk/run, which he is doing for the second consecutive year, is expected to last between three to five days with approximately five to six hours each day dedicated to running.
“These children lost their mothers, aunties, sisters, cousins and are left to struggle with the loss and trauma that largely goes unacknowledged,” Theland said before last year’s run.
Theland is a Pottawatami Cree youth from Walpole Island, whose family now lives in the Ottawa area.
He is a traditional drummer, singer, and hoop dancer and is involved in numerous healing ceremonies and vigils honouring missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two-spirits.
“Theland has decided to embark on a Journey to show his continued commitment, support, and solidarity with families, and in particular those youth impacted by violence,” said Elaine Kicknosway, Theland’s mother.
A GoFundMe page has been setup for anyone wishing to support Theland as he raises awareness for this cause.
Theland was a part of Canadian history back in November, as he led Justin Trudeau into Rideau Hall to be sworn in as Canada’s new Prime Minister.
Theland was picked to sing and drum a welcome song for the historic event, which led the procession for Trudeau, along with Trudeau’s family and his new cabinet ministers.
See the video here:
“I was trying to remind myself… don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t trip,” Kicknosway told the Sydenham Current after the ceremony. “Remember the song, but don’t trip. That is basically what went into my head at that point. There was a close call, I stubbed my foot on something but I didn’t want to be in the news headlines ’12-year-old boy falls during ceremony.'”
Kicknosway said he had the chance to meet Trudeau right before the ceremony.
“I talked with him for a couple of minutes before we actually went in, but we had to leave. There were a lot of people and lots of security too,” he said.
“He introduced himself and introduced me to his wife and his two sons and daughter. I said I was going to be singing a song and he wished me luck and I wished him luck too.”
Theland said overall the experience was surreal.
“At the time, I was like wow this is actually happening and after I was more freaked out… it was cool though. It was a cool experience and it was an honour.”
Theland’s experience landed him in the #1 spot on the Sydenham Current’s ‘Top 10 Stories of 2015.’
– Photo credit: GoFundMe
Way to go theland may you have strength and protection to accomplish all you set out to do!
I absolutely love to see the stories of young men that go out into the community and give back to such an important cause. As a mother and violence survivor, here is a big salute to Theland, his parents, and all of the other people in his life that have influenced him to continue to pay it forward and be a strong support and advocate for violence survivors and their children. Having such a painful issue be such a huge part of the man you are becoming is what will contribute and guide you on your continuous journey to becoming such a magnificent healer.