A line of approximately 80 cyclists streamed through The Forks in Winnipeg on the evening of July 19 in support of 33-year-old professional artist Peatr Thomas, who set out on July 20 to cycle home to Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) in support of Indigenous health and well-being.
Thomas led the cyclists through some of his cherished Winnipeg art spaces on Sunday evening – through green space, under a graffiti-covered overpass, and behind heritage buildings, stopping on occasion to share stories and play indigenous inspired hip hop. The ride ended with a barbecue at The Forks skateboard park. Thomas has since finished his epic adventure, receiving a hero's welcome in Cross Lake. Residents honked their horns and held signs in support of his accomplishment.
Thomas, the son of residential school survivors, announced his plans to ride home earlier in July. After putting out a call for support, around $5,000 came in, allowing him to gear up for the 780-kilometre trip. He cycled alone, although he had requests from other cyclists wanting to share the experience.
Thomas, whose mother was a teacher, moved around a lot as a kid. He landed in a Winnipeg high school in 2001.
“It was a big life change in a sense that I wasn’t used to being away from the woods for that long,” he said. “Naturally, I faced some discrimination in the city, so it was tough for me personally. There were fights sometimes, and I had to take care of myself.”
Moving to Winnipeg also brought opportunities for Thomas, including an artistic rebirth inspired by street art, and a career in carpentry.
“Moving to the city brought that back for me,” he said. “And so I started painting again. I was a carpenter for 10 years. I did my own subcontracting for the last few, and then decided to become a full-time artist.”
Outside of graphic design, Thomas stays busy with videography and leading youth art programs around the province.
“I do what I do out of love,” he said. “I’m basically an open book when it comes to my past – my trauma and things I’ve learned the hard way – to help people realize that they’re not alone if they’re on reserve – you feel like it’s the end like I did. But there is hope. I’m living proof of that as a byproduct of residential schools.”
