Walkers determined

Page 2

On April 28, just 27 days after setting out from Nanaimo, eight people walking to Ottawa to raise awareness for youth suicide prevention arrived in Edmonton. There they were treated to a meal by Pearl Calahasen, Alberta's Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, while they explained their cause.

Paul Lalibert, the walkers' media organizer and support van driver, explained that because of walking restrictions on B.C. highways the group had not covered the entire distance by foot but had managed to walk for several hours each day.

"We walked into each First Nations territory and were warmly greeted and given meals and funds for our trip," Lalibert said. "We've had very warm receptions and people have been helping us everywhere."

Thus far the group of walkers has visited the Squamish, Musqueam, Stolo, Osooyos, Penticton, Lower Nicola, Kamloops, and Adams Lake First Nations in British Columbia, and in Alberta, the Morley, Tsut'ina, Erminskin, Sampson, Louis Bull, Saddle Lake and Enoch First Nations.

On April 30, they set out again from Edmonton to walk the rest of the distance on foot, planing to arrive at Parliament Hill in Ottawa on National Aboriginal Day, June 21.

Lalibert said that others would be joining the group, including some long-distance runners who will help the group run and walk in relays the rest of the distance.

The cell number to reach the walkers is 250-741-7795.