Often mistaken for a powerline worker, a hitchhiker, or just someone struggling, Teajai Travis is actually on a long walk home by choice.
The Windsor native reached the halfway mark in his 750-kilometre journey across parts of Ontario this past week.
“It’s taking the first step to start the walk and then and then getting to getting to the completion,” Travis shared about his mindset.
On July 1, Travis began his 750-kilometre trek from Ottawa to Windsor as part of “an ancestral pilgrimage” to honor those who escaped the Fugitive Slave Act.
Teajai Travis Walking from Ottawa to Windsor, Teajai Travis reached what he views in the halfway point of his month-long trek. (Source: Teajai Travis)
As he walks, he’s also raising funds and awareness for organizations in Windsor-Essex that support youth.
“They sacrificed so that I could have everything that I have today, and they were thinking about future generations. So, I’m walking the 750 km in their memory but also to continue their legacy of service,” Travis explained during a call from a hotel in Mississauga.
Windsor connected with Travis via Zoom on Saturday as he prepares to finish his walk to Windsor on Aug. 1, Emancipation Day.
While passing through small towns and rural areas, Travis has noticed how many people deal with similar barriers and equity issues he’s seen back in Windsor.
Many conversations with locals along stretches of highway have been brief yet meaningful.
These encounters often feature what he calls “small-town gestures of kindness.”
“A fellow in a pickup truck pulls up beside me on the highway. It’s so hot, and he says, ‘ Oh, buddy, you need a ride? ‘I said, ‘Oh, no,’ I showed him my sign. I said, ‘I’m walking,’ and I was like, ‘I have to get my steps in,’” he recalled.
“He gives me two cans of iced tea and then kind of goes on his way. I’ve had a few people who thought I was hitchhiking. They tried to pick me up.”
Walking across provinces has come at a time when weather conditions are extreme.
In the beginning days of his journey there was intense heat followed by heavy rain that caused flooding; more recently there have been dangerous smoke levels due to wildfires.
“I was also thinking about all of the communities, all the people, all the families who are losing everything right now due to the water from wildfires and how this also kind of becomes an opportunity for me to walk in solidarity with them,” he added.
In his pocket, Travis carries cards with QR codes linking to local causes he’s supporting.
When starting this walk, Travis aimed to raise funds for both Sandwich Teen Action Group and Windsor Youth Centre.
The first is an organization he used when growing up while the second is one he experienced firsthand as part of its founding board.
“I just figured while they’re doing all this good programming it’d be great if they didn’t also have to worry about fundraising,” he said
With four different pairs of shoes and help from his wife who’s driving nearby , T ravis says he’s ready for another two weeks on foot.
Despite what many might see as tough days ahead , he feels “almost home” even though there’s still lots left ahead.
Throughout it all , T ravis expresses gratitude for everyone supporting him through social media updates on progress.
Once finished , he hopes to partner with businesses and corporations for further fundraising efforts towards youth organizations.
In coming years , he wants similar treks across Canada’s other nine provinces.
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