Hi my name is Brett Merchant and I am going to walk over 1236km across BC on Highway 16 to raise awarness for the young women who were murdered or are missing along this highway. Named the Highway of Tears, Highway 16 has been the setting of over a dozen unsolved murders between the time of 1969 -2011. The majority of these murders are young aboriginal girls.

I am doing this because I am facing significant health issues.  I have SLE lupus, early onset dementia and diabetes and am very aware that I have a limited time in which I will be physically able to make a difference in the world. 

I was raised in Cranbrook and my family was  very involved with and connected to the local Native Community. As I grew up I witnesssed the struggles aboriginal people had and still have to deal with and the injustices towards this population. This is my way of giving back and increasing awareness for the families and victims of the Highway of Tears murders.

I will be starting at the Bristish Columbia- Alberta border at the sign that says welcome to BC.  on Highway #16 September 1st. 2016  At 12:00 pm. Arriving at my destination for December 31. 12:00 pm. 2016 at Old Masset on Haida Gwaii with my dog Kura.  I will be walking and tenting only if you are along the highway and see me stop and say hi, I will be accepting small food packages I can only pack small amounts, and there are a few spots where there is nothing for many kilometres.  The monies raised will go towards a Native Women's Shelter. It is my belief that this is the best place for the money to be directed because it will help empower the next generation of aboriginal women. It will help provide women with an alternative  safe, emergency shelter to go to.  While I cannot undo the murders that have occured along the Highway of Tears, I hope that by raising awarness during my 1236km walk I can help prevent further injustices from happening.  

I am grateful for any donations. I am also grateful for any  emails encouraging me along the way.  Please don't hesitate to email me [adresse e-mail supprimée]

Thank you again for your encouragment, kindness and support as I embark on this journey.