Hope for Indigenous Youth

Tansi/Hello, my name is Antonina. I’m from Churchill, MB and a member of York Factory First Nation.

Today, while attending school in Winnipeg I learned of the tragic passing of Indigenous youth by suicide in two northern communities. I was shattered thinking of the families, friends, and communities. There is an ongoing suicide epidemic within Indigenous communities in Canada & it is completely heartbreaking.

As an Indigenous youth myself who grew up in an isolated community. I know the feeling of thinking there is nothing more than what is right in front of you. I was exposed to community and opportunity through sport, recreation, and music. Through this, I was able to learn about things and have things to look forward to. Today, physical activity is how I manage my own battle with mental health.

Our Indigenous youth deserve so much more than what this life has to offer them. They deserve to live lives full of hope and excitement for the future. They deserve things to look forward to and spaces to feel safe.

I am committing to running 3.5km a day for 30 consecutive days for a total of 105km. Through this journey I hope to raise awareness to this ongoing issue. I have a goal of fundraising $3000 to contribute $1500 to each community effected to go towards recreational activities for youth to engage in and to have things to look forward to. While it is not much, it is my goal to help in any way possible while living so far away and managing school. I encourage each and every one of you to join me in any way possible & to donate if you are able.

Ekosi,

Antonina