Hope in the Darkness: A national walk for youth mental health

Cst. Joshua Smith, Xuhlyaang (Lily Bell), Cst. Robert Campbell, Cst. Michael Hull. PC: Ileah Mattice

Rhonda Lee McIsaac

Constable Robert Campbell of the Anishnaubek Police Services completed the 246 kilometre walk from Gaw to HlGaagilda in three days. Campbell is accompanied by Tony Malakos from Peterborough, Ontario.

On their journey from Gaw they stayed in Gamadiis Port Clements, Lawn Hill and HlGaagilda, ending with a visit to the high school in Daajing Giids Queen Charlotte. The team was also welcomed by the youth centre at a community dinner and short performance by the Skidegate Youth Dancers.

Hope in the Darkness Walk founder, Sergeant Kevin Redsky of the Anishinabek Police Service in Ontario, began his eastern journey on April 1, 2018 at Cape Spear, St. John’s, Newfoundland. He’s completed just over 1800 km to date and is making his way to the Quebec and Ontario border. Redsky issued a challenge to all police officers from across the country to join in solidarity for youth mental health.

“We are challenging police to join us in taking a stand on youth mental health,” said Redsky. “We work with young people taking mental health calls every day, we need to let them know that we care about their path to wellness and stand behind them as they find purpose, meaning and health in their lives.”

The west coast portion of the walk will continue from Prince Rupert to Terrace along the Highway of Tears. They will then fly to Vancouver and begin again in Tsawwassen walking toward Winnipeg. The east and west walks will then meet in Winnipeg on August 3, 2018 at the National Human Rights Museum. The walk is a partnership between the Anishinabek Police Service and the BC RCMP Indigenous Policing Services (IPS), and First Nation Policing Program (FNPP).

You can follow the journey: www.hopeinthedarkness.ca Twitter: @YouthMHWalk Instagram: @walkforyouthmentalhealth, Facebook: facebook.com/walkforyouthmentalhealth