Youth run an Amazing Race in Sagamok
By Colleen Toulouse
SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK – Six teams of two youth between ages 12 to 24, pushed their bodies and minds to the limit for three days in hopes of being the first-ever team to win the Amazing Race Sagamok. Each leg of the race challenged the participants to complete tasks unique to their land, culture, and to socially interact with community members.
The Amazing Race Sagamok was specifically designed to reinforce the cultural knowledge the youth gained from previous learning opportunities. Based on the Amazing Race, a popular reality television competition series, each team raced to arrive first at “Pit Stops” at the end of each leg of the race to win prizes. Each day the teams were within different parts of their community performing a task together. Talented artisans, language speakers and skilled community members assisted the youth with the required tasks. The tasks included reciting a story in Anishinnabemowin, canoeing, fishing, hiking, making a lean-to and doing quill work (earrings). The mental challenges had the youth drawing the Sagamok Logo and listing the Chief and 4 out of 12 councillors, solving puzzles, and writing a 250 word essay on, ‘What drugs/alcohol are doing to the community.’
Rhonda Stoneypoint, Youth Wellness Worker, designed and implemented the race from August 18th to 20th with full support from Sagamok Anishnawbek employees, summer students, volunteers and community members. The Amazing Race Sagamok was intended to get the youth active, motivated, and to provide them with an opportunity to learn and have fun.
“The participants wowed me every day. I must admit, some challenges were difficult, and maybe easy for some, but they all completed the challenges every day. They gave their 110% at everything they had to do and persistence and patience when needed,” Rhonda said. “The team dynamics all varied. The most evident characteristic that all groups displayed was positivity and encouragement.”
The Amazing Race Sagamok was full of surprises. During the course of the race, one team flipped their canoe in the middle of the lake and continued on with the challenge to finish second on Day 1. On Day 2 a few teams followed another path up McBean Mountain but safely made it back down.
“A definite surprise was the cougar sightings in the Fort La Cloche area. We had to make a few adjustments to the course to ensure safety of all people who were involved. Nonetheless, the surprises did make it a tad more interesting,” she said.
Daily results of the race were shared with the community. Day 1 winners Amber Chiblow and Alara Owl won pizza certificates; Day 2 winners Winston Assiniwe and Trent Southwind received a 200.00 gift Card for Sports Check and finally on Day 3, the result everyone was waiting for, Braxton Owl and Faye Solomon were announced as the first-ever Amazing Race Sagamok team winners. They share the grand prize of a $1000 Sudbury Centre Certificate. The other participating teams were Draven Abitong and Darwin Abitong, Grant Stonefish and Logan Corbiere, and Christian Toulouse and Rusty Caibaiosai.
Rhonda emphasised the strength and perseverance of the youth and the purpose of the Amazing Race Sagamok. “These youth had no idea what they were going to do, but every single one of them did not give up. We want to create a generation of ‘I CAN’ youth and these participants definitely displayed courage and commitment. I believe that we surpassed our goals during the course of the race. These youth rocked!”