At a young age, Kenny Kawtiash stopped going to school. It wasn’t until the death of his grandmother Annette Kowtiash that he decided to turn his life around and inspire others to do the same.
Now a music engineer, the 18-year-old from Thunder Bay has taken steps to change his life. He enrolled in the music program at York University and joined Walk for Nations, a cross-country tour to that brings awareness to youth and gang issues.
Through his own participation in the group, Kawtiash said he learned the importance of having proper education. It’s also why he donned a pair of sneakers and set off across the country.
“I’m walking to inspire people,” Kawtiash said on Wednesday, arriving in his hometown, a little weary but much more inspired for the wear.
“Each community we go to we get a positive response. They are all nice people and they open up their homes to us. My grandmother recently passed away in April. She was a residential school survivor and we’re here to empower the youth and give the power back to the elders. I’m doing this for my grandmother.”
The seven group members started their journey in Newfoundland in May, and planned to arrive in British Columbia sometime around New Year’s Eve. They made a quick stop in Thunder Bay before they continued on their journey.
Ervin Chartrand, one of the group’s founders, said his brother recruited him into a gang when he was about 10. From that point on, his gang was his family. He fought for turf, sold drugs and butted heads with the law.
It wasn’t until he reconnected with his daughter and mother, while in jail, that he decided to do something positive with his life.
“I grew up in the gang culture in Winnipeg,” Chartrand said. “I was in and out of prison both provincially and federally, but I decided I had enough about 10 years ago. I started talking to youth, took a broadcasting course, got involved in the TV and film industry, and started talking about my past.”
Chartrand said he wanted to use his story as a way to keep youth away from gangs and in school and was hopeful that he could accomplish that goal.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit said they have been monitoring the walk closely and making sure they had all the support they needed on their long journey.
“It’s very important because it is contributing the lack of action which is contributing to a lot of social problems in our communities. These kinds of actions and initiatives help to encourage our youth to go to school and stay in school so they can have a better outcome and better lives.”
--- Follow Jeff Labine on Twitter: @Labine_reporter
Now a music engineer, the 18-year-old from Thunder Bay has taken steps to change his life. He enrolled in the music program at York University and joined Walk for Nations, a cross-country tour to that brings awareness to youth and gang issues.
Through his own participation in the group, Kawtiash said he learned the importance of having proper education. It’s also why he donned a pair of sneakers and set off across the country.
“I’m walking to inspire people,” Kawtiash said on Wednesday, arriving in his hometown, a little weary but much more inspired for the wear.
“Each community we go to we get a positive response. They are all nice people and they open up their homes to us. My grandmother recently passed away in April. She was a residential school survivor and we’re here to empower the youth and give the power back to the elders. I’m doing this for my grandmother.”
The seven group members started their journey in Newfoundland in May, and planned to arrive in British Columbia sometime around New Year’s Eve. They made a quick stop in Thunder Bay before they continued on their journey.
Ervin Chartrand, one of the group’s founders, said his brother recruited him into a gang when he was about 10. From that point on, his gang was his family. He fought for turf, sold drugs and butted heads with the law.
It wasn’t until he reconnected with his daughter and mother, while in jail, that he decided to do something positive with his life.
“I grew up in the gang culture in Winnipeg,” Chartrand said. “I was in and out of prison both provincially and federally, but I decided I had enough about 10 years ago. I started talking to youth, took a broadcasting course, got involved in the TV and film industry, and started talking about my past.”
Chartrand said he wanted to use his story as a way to keep youth away from gangs and in school and was hopeful that he could accomplish that goal.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit said they have been monitoring the walk closely and making sure they had all the support they needed on their long journey.
“It’s very important because it is contributing the lack of action which is contributing to a lot of social problems in our communities. These kinds of actions and initiatives help to encourage our youth to go to school and stay in school so they can have a better outcome and better lives.”
--- Follow Jeff Labine on Twitter: @Labine_reporter
