Lace-up your running shoes this weekend in support of FASD
By Jesse Johnson
NORTH BAY– The 2nd Annual Mahiingan Family Road Race for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness is taking place on September 9 at the North Bay Waterfront and Kate Pace Way.
You can walk or run for the event and there are three different options to choose from, such as 1 km; 5 km; and 9 km routes. Participants can check-in at 8:00 a.m. and prior to opening ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. and the races start at 10:00 a.m.
Other attractions include music; refreshments and snacks; games and activities; draw prizes and giveaways; vendors, etc.
The registration cost is a food donation. The event is open to everyone in order to get families moving and active while raising awareness and reducing the stigma around FASD.
This event is organized by the North Bay Indigenous Hub and the Anishinabek Nation FASD Program. Sponsors include North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre; Endaayaan Awejad; Near North District School Board; Big Brothers and Big Sisters; North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit; and, Metis Nation of Ontario.
“This event is important to help bring awareness and open conversation around FASD. Four per cent of the Canadian population is diagnosed with FASD, but it is estimated that even larger numbers have FASD.
“Our goal is to get families active, bring communities and cultures together while we raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with FASD. FASD is not an Indigenous issue, it is a human issue that affects all cultures, races, and genders around the world,” says Michelle Irvine, Anishinabek Nation FASD Manager.
The Anishinabek Nation FASD program is also holding a youth FASD support group virtually to help connect youth with their peers while sharing stories. The first session is on September 12 from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. There is also an FASD Caregiver Support group that will occur September 12 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Other activities are happening around the territory. Northern Superior FASD worker Lynda Banning is doing a Pow Wow in Thunder Bay and Southeast/Southwest FASD Worker Chochi Knott will be doing events for FASD Awareness month in Curve Lake First Nation.
For more information, please contact Michelle Irvine at michelle.irvine@anishinabek.ca.