Thunder Bay, Ontario - September 12 – Calvin Skead arrives in White River tonight continuing his 2000 kilometre journey to Ottawa to create awareness of the injustices to First Nation children as the result of misguided federal policies.

Skead, who started his trek from Pow Wow Island in Wauzushk Onigum Territory on August 22, says he was prompted to undertake this journey to remind all people and governments that First Nations have traditional laws and structures that include child welfare laws. He said “I wish to create an awareness of past injustices inflicted on First Nation children by foreign laws designed to assimilate aboriginal nations”.

He also wants to raise awareness and support for future generations and to honour the children who succumbed to injustice and lost their lives.

He explained: “Many of us survived the ordeal of assimilation politics that were forced on us as First Nation peoples, but many children did not. It is those children’s lost lives that I honour on this journey. Our children are the ones who will prevent further destruction and assault on our Nations. They are the ones who remind us about the damage foreign laws can bring.”

Skead’s journey is also designed to oppose the federal government’s First Nations Governance Act, introduced in June of this year. Skead said, “The past is being repeated through the proposed Governance Act that will restrict our efforts to revive our own laws regarding childcare issues. The Governance Act conflicts with our traditional child welfare laws and will ultimately weaken the strength and continuation of our Nationhood.”

Skead is asking all people to help him denounce the Governance Act by writing messages and letters wrapped in red ribbons. He promises to deliver these when he reaches Ottawa. He is also accepting donations to help the journey along.

Donations are being accepted to the account of “RESPECT THE CHILDREN FUND” CIBC Transit #787, Account #1191136

Skead was based out of Thunder Bay for a few days. This past weekend, Calvin participated in several events including the Confederation College Welcome to Students Pow Wow, Nishnawbe Aski Nation FNGA Stomp and a Fundraising Golf Tournament for his journey to support his basic journey expenses. Skead is proceeding down Highway 17, the Trans Canada Highway and looks forward to meeting with the local First Nations along his journey. His first stop after Thunder Bay is Wild Goose and he will go on to Dorian, Nipigon, Lake Helen, Rossport, Schreiber and Terrace Bay in the next seven days. Five days later, on September 22, he is scheduled to reach Sault Ste. Marie, which is the next major town on his journey. His itinerary calls for an arrival in Parry Sound during the third week of September.