September 1, 1980 was the day when Terry Fox was forced to end the marathon of Asha, after Terry Fox walking more than 5,000 kilometers and bringing awareness for cancer research.
Now, 45 years later, two first nation runners – Luther Alexander and Samantha Powderhorn – have taken inspiration from Fox and his run. He completed a walk of about 8,000 km from Thompson to Vinypeg to raise awareness for mental health crisis in the north.
It was all part of their treatment that eliminates previous experiences – or Hope – Movement Walk.
Alexander told Citynues, “Many people were encouraging it and they were not only rooting us, but also saying that it is important that it is called message.”
Alexander, who is from Vinnipag, but whose family is from Pine Creek First Nation, says that he heard the same thing from many people: There is not enough help to remove the need in remote communities.
“There are people who are needed everywhere,” they explained. “It hurts me to know that the needy is sitting on a bench to wait for the needy people.”
Powderhorn from Saiye Denne First Nation says that he first experiences the need for hand support.
“You don’t have to go anywhere. You are already isolated,” he said. “You are a fly-in and medical, very few resources in terms of consultation.
“Immediately I saw all the obstacles and gaps that first face nation communities, especially those who are in remote, northern communities.”
In an email statement to Citynews, the Manitoba government says it has increased services in Thomspon and is in the process of hiring mental health workers across the province.
“Our government is working hard to ensure that manitobans are struggling with addiction and mental health challenges,” said a spokesman of Berndate Smith, a spokesperson for Manitoba Minister Housing, Jeevan, and homeless, said in an email statement. “We have expanded detox and treatment services, launched mobile support in Thompson, which helps 400 people per year per year, which makes it easier for people to take care when needed.
“With an investment of $ 15.25 million, we are hiring 100 new mental health workers across the province to improve the crisis reaction, reduce pressure on emergency services and bring real support for communities in Manitoba.”
Alexander and Powderhorn exited Thompson on 17 August, turning on highways; He made it in Vinnipag in 10 days.
They both say that his personal experiences continued him. For Powderhorn, the share of inspiration was taking place 46 months in his restraint.
“It was different to go through each day and I always portrayed my ancestors and all countries that are struggling in silence,” Powderhorn said.
For Alexander, he thought of his brother, who was struggling with mental health and died a year ago after a long stay from each other.
“This is just one person,” he said. “This is just a case in this entire region of mental health and addictions. I felt that it was important that I take that first step out and walk.”
Both Manitoba runners hopes that the healing centers directly in the communities can help meet the needs of people struggling.
Alexander said, “Sometimes it is difficult to ask, but taking the first step to reach that first step, sometimes reaches the hand.”