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Cyclists pedalling across Canada to raise money for First Nation communities stop in North Bay

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. (Eric Taschner/CTV News) 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. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)
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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.

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