A local residential school survivor is set to walk for the third consecutive year for his own healing journey, to honour lives lost, and to promote reconciliation.
Archie Chantyman, a Lhoosk'uz Nation Elder will be walking nearly 700 kilometres round trip from the Lhoosk'uz Reserve, through the Dakelh, Tsilhgot in and Sewépeme territories to the Saint Joseph Mission residential school in Williams Lake starting on Friday, Sept. 5, which is his birthday.
This is the third year the 'March with Arch' is taking place and anyone can join Chantyman in the walk, which aims to raise awareness about residential school survivors and their experiences as well as to promote reconciliation within the local communities.
"This walk is not just a physical journey, it symbolizes the path toward healing and understanding for Indigenous peoples affected by the Indian Act and the legacy of residential schools," said Chantyman. "By participating in this event, we hope to shine a light on the ongoing struggles faced by survivors and the broader indigenous movement for justice and recognition."
This is the third straight year Chantyman is partaking in the walk, which is expected to take around 30 days.
"The journey from Lhoosk'uz Dene territory to the site of the former Saint Joseph's Mission, symbolizes the weight of trauma, neglect, and generational pain still carried by indigenous communities," stated a press release. "[It is] a living ceremony, a call to action, and a sacred offering to future generations - one step, one spirit, and one story at a time."
