Volunteers on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation are taking the annual Terry Fox walk to the next level.
This year, three high school students are running from the First Nation’s school to Prince Albert over the course of a day and a half.
Teacher Charlotte Campbell says the students Jordan Knife and Landon and Chase Sasakamoose came forward with the idea on their own, with support from teacher’s aide Josh Sasakamoose.
“I’m very honoured because it kind of, it really, caught me off guard and I didn’t expect them to be so involved and dedicated and excited,” she said.
They started on Friday at 2 p.m., with the plans to make it to Shellbrook by nightfall and to Prince Albert at suppertime on Saturday.
Campbell says the whole community is cheering them on.
But when there was a death in the community, the run was almost postponed. Campbell explained it’s a cultural sign of respect to “stop everything” when something like that happens. The boys asked the family of the deceased what to do.
“The family said to continue because what they’re doing is important and their kids should be honoured and recognized for the contribution that they’re giving to our community,” she said.
Campbell says she’s been amazed by the respect the teens have shown.
They’ve raised more than $800.