A walk to remember; 12-year-old N.S. boy walks across province to raise awareness of residential schools
A 12-year-old Nova Scotia Indigenous boy is leading a walk that will take at least six days, and span more than 150 kilometres across the province.
Carrying the weight of a community, Landyn Toney began his journey with one step on Thursday- and plans to take tens of thousands more by the time he's done.
“We’ve been walking for three days now… (Sunday) is going to be our fourth day,” said Landyn, who turned 12 on Friday.
He’s walking the equivalent of nearly four marathons to raise awareness about residential schools, while also raising money along the way.
It’s an issue close to Landyn’s family – his great-grandmother was a residential school survivor.
“Landyn and I were talking to people who had no idea what took place in the residential schools, and we were shocked by that,” says Marsha McClellan, Landyn’s mother.
He began his journey on Canada Day in Bible Hill, N.S., not far from where the Shubenacadie Residential School once stood.
His goal is to walk all the way to his home at Annapolis Valley First Nation – symbolic, as not all First Nations children made it home from residential schools.
“All I think to push myself to go, is I think of the kids from the residential schools,” says Landyn. “They weren’t allowed to take breaks, and they had to run way further than we are right now.”
“We feel the spirits with us, and it’s giving us strength,” adds McClellan.
Strangers have gathered on the overpasses along N.S. highways to cheer him on, providing a jolt of emotional energy on the tiring trip.
“On all of the bridges, there’s a lot of people cheering me on and stuff,” says Landyn. "It makes me happy, it's really cool."
Supporters like 10-year-old Hazley Gehue have also joined in.
“To know there are little babies taken away from their families at a young age, that they shouldn’t have to,” says Gehue. “The kids from the residential schools couldn’t stop and neither will I.”
Landyn has already raised more than $12,000 on his walk, with the goal to donate it somewhere to continue to raise awareness to the issue.
“Yesterday, I was talking to two survivors from residential schools, and they gave me more inspiration for this walk,” says Landyn. “I’m doing it for a good cause, and just to spread the word that I’m trying to make the world a better place.”
A six-person committee that includes Landyn and his mother will decide where to spend the money based on recommendations from both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous groups.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.