The 5K Messenger Run/Walk promotes health and wellness among Indigenous communities in Southwest Ontario.
Registration fee: $25 or by pledge.
Please note that fees are due the day of the Run at the registration table. All participants must fill out a waiver form, which can be printed below, signed and submitted the day of the Run/Walk or beforehand. Forms will also be available at the registration table.
Messenger Run Registration Form-2018-Fillable
Messenger Run Walk Waiver-2018
The Messenger Run is open to all ages, including children. All minors (14 and under) must be accompanied by an adult. Water and refreshments will be provided.
2018 Details
Saturday, October 20
9:00 am – sign in and registration
10:00 am – walk/run starts
Free BBQ lunch will take place following the run!
Aamjiwnaang Community Centre
1972 Virgil Avenue, Sarnia ON
The proceeds from the 2018 Messenger Run will support the Aamjiwnaang First Nation Non-Insured Service Fund. This Aamjiwnaang uses it to help band members to be able to cover medical expenses that are unable to be covered by any other means. It is also used for urgent health matters where we cannot wait till approved. The Non-Insured Service Fund has helped individuals pay for PSA Tests, OT Assessments, orthopedic brace/boot, treatment centre activity fee, equipment/test/supplies during hospital stay, emergency travel to support family member, and items cancer patient’s may require through their treatment such as medications, prosthetic bra, wigs, specialized massages that are prescribed by MD. Each case is looked at individually; if someone is facing a barrier to health services, we will try our best to work through it the best we can as our goal is the heal the whole person.
The Messenger
Many First Nations communities are combating high rates of suicide, diabetes, obesity, food and housing insecurity, addiction and HIV/AIDS as a result of the socio-economic effects of colonization. The 5k Messenger Run/Walk was created as a way to raise awareness in Southwest Ontario, and to improve health by promoting knowledge and healthy, active lifestyles. The event is named after the historical ‘messenger’ of Indigenous communities living in the region, whose traditional role was to scout for danger and run back to the community to warn them. Each year, communities in the area choose an important health issue and use the Run/Walk to inform the people and raise awareness while being active!
Organizing Committee
The Messenger Run organizing committee is made up of representatives of the following communities and organizations:
Aamjiwnaang Health Centre
Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario
At^Lohsa Native Family Healing Inc.
Bkejwanong (Walpole Island) Nation
Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point Health Centre
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Health Centre
Delaware Nation at Moraviantown Health Centre
Elgin Oxford Legal Clinic
Munsee-Delaware Nation Health Centre
N’Amerind (London) Frienship Centre
Oneida Nation of the Thames Health Centre
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)