THUNDER BAY – Nibinamik First Nation – A group of members from a remote Northern Ontario First Nation are walking the distance in memory of community members lost in a tragic plane crash that happened on September 11th, 2003. Nibinamik First Nation leadership and members set off on a walk today from Pickle Lake, en route to Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Walker Walter (Philip) Oskineegish was the band manager of the community when the crash occurred. Walter says; “Nearly eight years after this tragedy, members of the community still look for closure to the accident that saw no survivors and took the lives of seven people from our community”.
A memorial service is held annually in the community, however this year the First Nation is looking to have all of the family was the band manager of the community when the crash occurred.
Walter says; “Nearly eight years after this tragedy, members of the community still look for closure to the accident that saw no survivors and took the lives of seven people from our community”.
A memorial service is held annually in the community, however this year the First Nation is looking to have all of the family members of those who were in lost in the crash to attend, and many live outside of Nibinamik First Nation.
Walter continues; “The goal of the walk is to raise funds to not only help pay for travel costs, but for maintenance of the 14.5 kilometer road that was built to the crash site. This is very important so we can continue to heal as a community”.
Walter expects several people from Northern Ontario communities to join them throughout the 14-day journey.
For those interested in making a donation or for more information on the Nibinamik Walk-a-thon, people are encouraged to contact the Nibinamik First Nation Band Office at (807) 593-2131.
Nibinamik First Nation Chief Roger Oskineegish says; “The community really admires the challenge that this group is taking on, and we wish them much luck along the way. Many of our community members continue to look for closure and this walk is very close to our hearts”. In total, the group will travel more than 642 kilometers, with a detour to Sioux Lookout also scheduled during the walk.
