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One Step, One Day At A Time: Yukon Healing Journey

One Step, One Day At A Time: Yukon Healing Journey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 31, 2024

One Step, One Day At A Time: Yukon Healing Journey

Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction, Yukon) Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) are proud to announce their upcoming engagement with the Yukon Healing Journey walkers, who will be traveling through CAFN traditional territory. The journey will commence on Sunday, August 4, with the walkers’ first stop at “Long Ago People’s Place” near Champagne, Yukon. A community dinner will be held at 6:00 PM.

The Yukon Healing Journey, an initiative led by Terrence Buyck in memory of his late brother Ian, aims to foster awareness and support for mental health and addiction issues within the Yukon Territory. The journey began in Mayo, Yukon, on July 18, 2024, and draws inspiration from the “Warrior Walk for Healing Nations.” It is dedicated to supporting those mourning loved ones lost to substances and suicide, while promoting the importance of mental health, addiction recovery, and trauma healing.

On August 4, the walkers will be welcomed at “Long Ago People’s Place” for a community dinner, providing an opportunity for local Citizens to come together in support and reflection. Following this, the Yukon Healing Journey will continue its route on August 5, as they proceed from Shadhäla (Champagne) to Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction). A second community dinner will be held that evening at 6:00 PM at Da Kų Cultural Centre.

The journey continues on August 6, walking from Dakwäkäda to Burwash.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations extend a warm invitation to all community members to join in the dinners and to support the walkers along their route. Let us all stand together in unity and support.

 “This last year has been extremely tough on our Citizens and our Community. It is important that we all remember to be kind to one another and continue to hold compassion for ourselves and those around us. I encourage you to walk with us as we all heal together.” – Chief Barb Joe

“It’s important to give voice to the pain, struggle, hopes, and feelings that people like Ian have in their hearts. There is a silent and lonely struggle affecting so many people in our communities and bringing this awareness to the whole of the Yukon is important.” – Terrence Buyck

Details of the route:

  • Start: Mayo on July 18th, 2024
  • Stops: Stewart Crossing, Pelly, Faro, Ross River, Watson Lake, Teslin, Tagish, Carcross, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Burwash Landing, Beaver Creek, Dawson City, Old Crow, Carmacks
  • End: Whitehorse on August 16th, 2024.
  • For more information about the Yukon Healing Journey or to get involved, please visit their FB page: One Step, One Day: Yukon Healing Journey

For individuals experiencing difficulties, support is available.

(National) Hope for Wellness helpline
1-855-242-3310
https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

(Local) Reach out support line
1-844-533-3030
https://yukon.cmha.ca/

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For more information:

Mike Rudyk
Communications Manager CAFN
867-334-5749
[email protected]

Jenna Henderson
Communications Officer CAFN
867-634-5286
[email protected]