Trek (Updated!)

As you probably know because you're on this page, I’m about to embark on a pretty epic trek with my friend Myles through Costa Rica from April 28-May 10. We’ll be walking down the Coast, from Jaco to Dominical (over 100km), covering ~20-30km a day. Coincidentally (or not), my divorce will be final on the day I fly out *insert happy dance*, and with my marriage collapsing because of a substance use disorder, I can’t shake the feeling that this trip should be about something bigger than me. Follow along on Insta (@deir_r) for all of the journey updates.

(Myles and me fresh and peppy on Day 1)

While not directly related to my story, I believe youth hold SO MUCH power and potential for our future, while also being incredibly vulnerable to their environment. So, I want to dedicate this fundraising effort to supporting youth—in particular, those who are at a higher risk of struggling with their mental health and substance use.

Indigenous Youth

In BC (and Canada) Indigenous youth face some of the greatest barriers from society to expressing their full power and potential. One example is that Indigenous youth are grossly overrepresented in the foster care system—in 2017, 60% of children and youth in care were Indigenous despite the fact that Indigenous youth represent less than 10% of the child population in BC.

Due to a myriad of factors, youth in care have a significantly greater risk of developing mental health and substance use disorders, and unfortunately, BC's current care system struggles to provide integrated support. This means there are much bigger hurdles to accessing consistent health and support services for those youth most in need of them (see this Canadian Mental Health Association article for more information)

UNYA

Enter Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA). UNYA provides culturally-sensitive programs and services that support Indigenous youth, including (but not limited to) those who are struggling with their mental health and relationship with substances. Through traditional healing, counseling, life skills training, and youth advocacy, UNYA empowers Indigenous youth by prioritizing their voices and experiences, fostering community connections and support, and promoting holistic healing approaches that draw upon Indigenous cultural teachings and practices. They take an integrated approach and, while they do offer intervention services (e.g., Young Bears Lodge), they focus heavily on creating support systems to prevent the need for urgent intervention.

UNYA's ultimate goal is to help Indigenous youth achieve wellness and resilience through positive self-identity development, healing from past traumas, and strengthening cultural connections.

SO, as Myles and I trek our little toes through Costa Rica, I invite you to join me in supporting UNYA and their incredible work. We have a goal of raising $3000 by May 12. With your help, we can contribute to UNYA and, in turn, positively impact Indigenous youth in Vancouver.

Much love friends. Thank you for your support, always.