Forty Five Warriors.  One Ocean.

• They were between 16 – 23 years old, self-identified as Indigenous, (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) and represented every region of in Canada.
• They met in Halifax on July 29th 2017 and on August 1st they departed on an experience of a lifetime.
• They were adventurous and positive risk takers!
• They were excited and ready for some hard work – but amazing experiences!
• Youth and adults in their communities recommended them and told us why they see them as leaders!
• They shared how they were trying their best to live in balance and practices activities and strategies that help them take care of their physical, spiritual, mental and emotional well-being!
• They were ready to build a strong community of other young Indigenous people who, like them, were wanting to build their skills and develop healthy relationships rooted in a shared powerful experience!
• They were filled with pride and knowledge about their culture and community that they shared with others!

They are 45 of the young people from across Canada who applied to be a member of the crew of the Gulden Leeuw, one of the most impressive Tall Ships in the world. It was their home as they sailed her across the Atlantic Ocean, from Halifax, Nova Scotia to La Havre (France) in August 2017 as part of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, all while taking part in Msit No’Kmaq, a Sail Training and Youth Leadership Program.

Msit No’Kmaq, the Mi’kmaw phrase that translates to All My Relations, speaks to the inter-connectedness between all people and things.  This concept of connection is an essential teaching in many First Nations, Inuit and Métis world views and guides how many Indigenous people walk the good way.  The concept speaks to how everything in the universe is connected and reinforces that everyone and everything has purpose, matters, is important and belongs.

The ideas, values and belief in Msit’ No’Kmag guided participants as they related to others, themselves and the world they lived within. This deep connection served as the foundation of the relationship young people have with their family and community to the world.

Click here to meet the Warriors of the Red Road at Sea who were announced on June 21st, 2017 on  National Indigenous Peoples Day!

Here are some highlights of this powerful collaboration and a partnership between Three Things and Ulnooweg Development Group Inc, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Sail Training International, Assembly of First Nations/Assemblee des premieres Nations, and Gulden Leeuw with many other champions from across Canada.