Press Release
Oshki Aa-yaa’aag Mino Bimaadiziiwin (Good Life For Young People) is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to bring to life the dreams and aspirations of aboriginal youth through confidence building and culturally-affirming activities.
One of these activities is the “Walk for Good Life”—a seven-day, 500-km journey for aboriginal youth to walk and learn together.
Walking with their elders and other youth from communities within the Treaty #3 territory, it is a journey of self-discovery and accomplishment.
The third-annual “Walk for Good Life” will take place Aug. 1-8, starting at Eagle Lake First Nation and completing a full circle, passing through Couchiching First Nation, Rainy River First Nations, Onigaming First Nation, and Northwest Angle #37.
The theme for this year’s walk is “Empowering youth by celebrating their gifts.”
This week-long camp experience is an opportunity for youth to work together, play together, and accomplish a goal together.
They will learn about their culture through ceremony, historical teachings, and story-telling.
Although the campers do the majority of the walk, community members are encouraged to come out and join in for a mile or two along the way to give them a much-needed break.
Keep checking the website or Facebook page to find out when they will be coming through your community.
A reminder that those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“The First Nation communities welcome the walkers with gatherings and meals, and it’s a great feeling for the participants to be honoured this way,” said Good Life CEO Teresa Hazel.
Larissa Desrosiers and Jeremy Jordan (Mack Sickz), two up-and-coming singer/songwriters, will be participating in this year’s walk and performing at community gatherings to share their stories and dreams for a good life.
“Larissa is also working with us this year as a youth co-ordinator through a Summer Experience Program grant given out by the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture,” noted Hazel.
Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $100 to support this year’s walk.
Donations of supplies also are much appreciated.
To register for the walk, obtain sponsorship opportunities, or for more information, contact Hazel or Desrosiers at 274-4088 or via e-mail at hazelteresa@hotmail.com
To learn more, visit www.goodlifeforyoungpeople.com or check out photos from last year’s walk on their Facebook page, “Good Life for Young People.”
