Clarence Abraham, a 55-year-old from Takla Nation who’s embarked on a courageous journey along the infamous Highway 16, known as the Highway of Tears.
Clarence Abraham’s mission is deeply personal. He set out from his hometown on June 14th to raise awareness for the missing and murdered individuals along this stretch of highway and across the province. By June 17th, he had already covered nearly 200 kilometers, arriving in Fort St. James to a heartfelt reception from 85 supporters, including 30 drummers.
“I didn’t anticipate how tough it would be, but I will continue to walk until I can no longer walk.”
Abraham’s motivation stems from the tragic losses within his own family. His cousin Carmelita Abraham was found deceased after going missing from Williams Lake, and another cousin, Norma George, met a tragic end in Vancouver. These losses, combined with ongoing discussions about Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, prompted Abraham to take action.
“This is for those women who are voiceless. I’ll keep doing this for them, to give them a voice.” –Abraham
Abraham’s journey is not just about awareness; it’s about honoring the memory of those lost and offering support to their families. He invites people from all backgrounds to join him, emphasizing that it’s a journey of solidarity and remembrance.
Despite the challenges, Abraham remains determined. His trek, which includes overnight stops and community gatherings, aims to keep the issue in the public eye and foster respectful dialogue.
Abraham plans to resume his walk towards Burns Lake, with hopes of making this an annual tradition to sustain awareness and support for the families affected by these tragedies.
