Propelled by a crisis, this man biked across Canada for Indigenous youth

Rylee Nepinak had no experience as a cyclist when he decided to bike from Vancouver to Halifax, but he knew he had to do something to raise money and awareness about Indigenous youth suicide. 

He was prompted to take on the cross-country trek by the crisis in Tataskewayak Cree Nation in Manitoba, which this summer declared a state of emergency after losing 13 community members to suicide this year, including 11 youth. Four of the deaths have been within the last two months.

"I wanted to act fast because of the pace of suicides that were occurring," Nepinak said. "I just wanted to do this right to dedicate to them and show them that we care about them. They're important."

Nepinak, who is Anishinaabe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba, reached Halifax on Monday, marking the end of his trip by jumping in the harbour with some members of Tataskweyak Cree Nation who drove across the country to surprise him at his end point. 

About 20 people met Nepinak on the Halifax boardwalk, carrying "Every Child Matters" flags and photos of their loved ones who were victims of suicide. 

"They're representing their brothers and their sister," said Melanie Spence, whose son Chaiton Spence died in July. "These are their close family members … and there is a suicide epidemic in our community."

Nepinak started his journey on Aug. 11. Since then he has travelled almost 4,500 kilometres. He tackled much of the ride alone, with just his bike and his thoughts.