“in fact, i think indigenous communities are the leaders we should look to in terms of ‘holistic’ health as their members practise spiritual, emotional and mental health during physical activity.”
as miles ran through the lush forest sunday, she plugged into a meditative way of thinking that connected herself to nature and reduced her stress, she said.
“what’s happened with the pandemic has made a lot of our indigenous communities look at ways to be active. this run helped us connect back to those things.”
for her daughter, ava, the rain-soaked forest provided a means to jump in puddles.
“it was cute. she finished first place in the children’s race and got a medal,” miles said. “i am very proud of her.”
the rainforest trail has quickly become a new family tradition for the family.
“we’re really looking forward to doing it again next year,” said the mother.
the event was held days shy of canada’s first national day for truth and reconciliation, sept. 30.
“one day, i hope that each province and territory in all of canada can host a forest trail run of their own and assist others in learning more about indigenous culture,” hancock said.
proceeds from the race have been earmarked to provide bursaries and scholarships for first nations youth in b.c.
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trail run reconnects indigenous communities to 'holistic' health