Community Release
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Theland’s Journey:
Walk/Run for Children of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirits
Theland Kicknosway is an incredible young man. At 11 years old, the Pottawatami Cree youth from Walpole Island is already a valued and trusted leader in the Indigenous community in Ottawa and beyond.
Theland is a traditional drummer, singer, and hoop dancer who shares Creator’s gifts with the community at FSIS’s (Families of Sisters in Spirit) anuual October 4th and February 14th healing ceremonies and vigils honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirits (MMIWG2).
As he nears his 12th year in the Physical World, 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 and MMIWG2. Coming from a People of runners, Theland has initiated a 134 KM Walk/Run from Gatineau to Kitigan Zibi First Nation (Quebec) beginning on Tuesday, March 31st, 2015. The Walk/Run is expected to last between 5-7 days with approximately 5-6 hours each day dedicated to running.
Theland’s Journey begins Tuesday at Gatineau Park in Gatineau, Quebec at the site where Kelly Morrisseau, who was seven months pregnant and mother of three, was murdered in December 2006. Stops will be made at the spot on Highway 105 in Kitigan Zibi where Gladys Tolley was fatally struck by Quebec police in October 2001 and the MISSING billboard for Shannon Alexander and Maisy Odjick who disappeared from Maniwaki, Quebec in September 2008.
To kick off Theland’s Journey there will be a community potluck feast (Turkey dinner provided) as well as prayers from Elder Thomas Louttit, sign-making and 50/50 draw on Monday March 30th from 6:30 — 8:00 PM at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre (250 City Centre Ave). Please come show your support.
Support Theland’s Journey:
- Come to Theland’s Journey kick-off feast, sign-making and 50/50 draw!
- Visit Theland’s Journey’s GOFUNDME page as he tries to reach his $5000 fundraising goal? http://www.gofundme.com/walk4mmiwchildren
- Volunteer as a driver (for the support vehicles) during various legs of the journey (gas money provided*)
- Join Theland during the Walk/Run!
- Follow Theland’s Journey on facebook! Details TBA!