Cyclists pedalling across Canada to raise money for First Nation communities stop in North Bay
Two cyclists pedalling across the country to raise money and awareness of Indigenous health and education were in North Bay on Friday morning.
Nancy Morin and her close friend Karine Mathieu wanted to do their part in supporting First Nation communities. The two friends started their journey in Calgary on June 12 and expect to arrive in Prince Edward Island in August.
Morin is from northern Ontario and over the years she said she has seen a major gap in health services for Indigenous communities.
“We are really hoping that people will be more open to learning and to be able to help spread awareness, as well,” said Morin.
As for Mathieu, she recently graduated from the education program at the University of Ottawa, where she learned more about residential schools and other struggles Indigenous people currently face.
The spark that kept them going
“I think that was one of the main things that motivated me personally,” said Mathieu. “Why did I only learn this in my fifth year of university? Why did I never hear about this before? It was that spark that really kept us going.”
The pair hit their $5,000 donation goal while in North Bay and are donating all of the funds raised to True North Aid. It’s a charity that supports northern Indigenous communities in Canada.
“True North Aid provides mattresses and orthotics. They provide a whole bunch of stuff for Indigenous health issues and also education like school supplies and backpacks,” said Morin.
Throughout the journey, the two friends have met Indigenous leaders like Patricia Ballantyne, a Prince Albert, Sask., woman who is walking from her former residential school site to Ottawa. The pair met her in Kenora.
“She was telling us her story and it was definitely amazing to hear from her,” said Mathieu.
To donate to the cause, you can visit their Facebook page for more information.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old
A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.