ᨒ Black on the Bruce
ᨒ Black on the Bruce
In 2022, I completed a 900 km thru-hike along the Bruce Trail, stretching from Niagara to Tobermory.
Black on the Bruce was about three things:
Learning the history of the Underground Railroad in Ontario
Sharing practices of sustainability
Black Joy in the outdoors!
For me, this project was an opportunity to connect with community and somatically process history, to walk the land while reflecting on the journeys of those who traveled north seeking freedom. Moving through forests, farmland, cliffs, and small towns felt like a living conversation between past and present.
One thing that makes the Bruce Trail unique compared to other long-distance hikes is that it weaves through both public and private land. Because camping isn’t always permitted directly on the trail, we had to carefully plan where we would stay, often relying on hosts and “trail angels” who opened their homes to us. That interdependence became a powerful part of the journey.
A Story from the Trail
One of my favorite moments came after one of our longest days, over 30 km of hiking. We were completely exhausted. The kind of exhaustion where everything feels sticky and you’re too tired to speak.
We ended the day at the top of a hill in a quiet cement suburb and collapsed onto our packs while waiting for our trail angel to pick us up. As we sat there, sweaty and barely moving, a big 18-wheeler truck slowly climbed the hill toward us. Instead of passing by, it stopped.
The passenger hopped out and asked, “Would you like some cold water?”
We answered YES immediately.
He handed us two ice-cold bottles of water and a ginger ale. To this day, it was the crispest, most heavenly ginger ale I have ever tasted.
In long-distance hiking, there’s something called trail magic, unexpected acts of kindness from strangers that meet you exactly when you need it most. That moment was trail magic. Sweaty, depleted, and barely speaking, we were met with generosity on the side of the road. It reminded me that even on the hardest stretches, we are not moving alone.
I would like to dedicate this project to my wonderful hiking partner and artist, Sima Fabricant. I learned so much from you through hiking this trail together. I am grateful for the season we got to exist in side by side, and for everything you taught me through your stillness, grounding presence, and artistic drive. You had a profound impact on my journey as an artist.