Walk from Lac Seul First Nation to Sioux Lookout honours frontline workers, those affected by COVID-19

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

Lac Seul First Nation resident and band member Jeremy Capay pushed his body and mind to the limit in honour of frontline workers and those effected by COVID-19.
On April 14 Capay participated in a personal awareness walk that started at the Lac Seul First Nation bridge check point and ended at the Sioux Lookout Travel Information Centre. Capay completed the walk in eight-and-a-half hours. He said the support he received from friends and family members, as well as the music he was listening to, helped push him to complete the walk.
“Everyone is going through something differently and we could all use some encouragement. I needed to help in any way and make some impact to help boost the morale of everyone affected by the pandemic and lift peoples' spirits,” said Capay, who manages the Lac Seul Events Centre.
“I needed to finish. I kept reminding myself who I was doing it for and letting everyone know we are all in this together. Nearly gave up once when I crossed the Frog Rapids Bridge, but listening to some Dean Martin, Black Keys, Jamie Foxx and Red Hot Chili Peppers kept my mind off my right swelling ankle. Moreover I had my siblings and a cousin who made sure I was alright and if I needed anything. Mainly what was on my mind while I was walking were the people who lost their lives and lost loved ones from COVID-19 and those who are currently sick, along with our front line workers, in hopes of getting the messages out that we are thinking of them.
“Their support kept me going all the way and I wouldn’t have made it without them. I felt a sense of accomplishment for everyone to know we will get through this,” Capay explained.
In a post on Facebook on April 14 Capay shared, “Good morning everyone! Since we are getting more not-so-good news and the potential of the provincial state of emergency might be extended, I decided to do another walk for awareness to boost the morale and keep up everyone's spirits! I will be walking from the Lac Seul Bridge check point to Sioux Lookout...well I'll try. Once again to our front lines workers and those working behind the scenes, I'm walking for you, do not give up and we will win this fight! Ontario proud!”
The post received over 100 likes, 21 shares, and 28 comments from friends and family sharing their support and gratitude.
When asked if he plans on doing similar walks in the future, Capay said it’s a possibility.
“If my body can take another one then sure. Well who knows, depends how much longer this pandemic prolongs then it's possible,” he concluded.