Police, Indigenous youth reach Winnipeg, finish cross-country journey to highlight mental health struggles

A cross-Canada journey by police officers and youth to shine a light on the issue of mental health wrapped up in Winnipeg on Friday.

Teams of walkers set out from starting points on both the East and West coasts, walking toward the centre of the country. They officially ended the walkat Oodena Circle at The Forks on Friday night.

The project, dubbed Hope in the Darkness Walk for Youth Mental Health, was launched by Kevin Redsky, a sergeant with the Anishinabek Police Service, an Ontario First Nations police force.

Redsky said the walk was partly inspired by the experience of losing his niece to suicide five years ago. She was in the care of Child and Family Servicesin Winnipeg at the time.

"As front-line workers we're often seen at the hospital with the youth, while they're in crisis. We're first on scene, and we're not confident that the systems that are currently in place are working,"saidRedsky, who walked a total of 4,500 kilometres and spoke at The Forks Friday morning.

"There's a definite need. Our youth are screaming for help."

Opportunity to build relationship

The East Coast walkers began at Cape Spear, N.L., near St. John's, on April 1, while the West Coast walkers began in Old Massett in Haida Gwaii, B.C., on May 15.

Hope in the Darkness Walk for Youth Mental Health

6 years ago

Duration 2:12

A cross-Canada journey by police officers and youth to shine a light on the issue of mental health will wraps up in Winnipeg.

The walk also serves to call attention to the issue of racism and the impact that has on youth, Redsky said.

"Racism is a huge issue in this country, and it's evident. A lot of us around social media, we've been seeing the tangents going on on social media when it comes to racism. It just can't be tolerated anymore. We have to think of our kids."

Anishinabek Police Service Chief John Syrette says he hopes the walk improves relationships between Indigenous youth and police.

"Police oftentimes in First Nations aren't seen in a very good light, and so opportunities like this are valuable to try and rebuild some of those relationships that have become strained over the years," he said.

The walkers set off on the last leg of the journey at mid-afternoon Friday from BrucePark fromthe west, and Lakewood Boulevard from the east, before congregating at the CanadianMuseum for Human Rights at The Forks.

A celebration washeld Friday evening at OodenaCircle.

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or having a mental health crisis, there is help out there. Contact the Manitoba Suicide Line toll-free at 1-877-435-7170 (1-877-HELP170) or the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-688-6868.