The National Film Board documentary Niigaanibatowaad: FrontRunners will be presented at Meaford Hall on Sunday April 14th at 7:00PM.

In 1967, when Winnipeg first hosted the Pan American Games, ten outstanding young Indigenous athletes were chosen to run 800 kilometers over an ancient message route, carrying the Games torch. When the runners arrived at the stadium, they were denied the honour of entering with the torch. Instead, the torch was handed off to a non-Indigenous runner. Nine of the ten original 1967 runners were survivors of the residential school system.

Niigaanibatowaad: FrontRunners is their story: a story of survival, hope, reconciliation and a dream of a new beginning that transcends hatred, ignorance and racism.

Two of the original ten runners will attend, and will speak about their experiences after the film. In conjunction with the film, and to honour the original runners, an 80 km run from Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) will arrive at the Hall in the mid-afternoon. Elders and Chiefs from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation have been invited to attend, and writer and co-producer Laura Robinson will introduce the film.

There is no charge to attend the film, but donations will be accepted and very much appreciated.

Donations received that exceed event costs will be directed to M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre, in support of their many vital Indigenous wellness and cultural programs. This event is an initiative of Christ Church Anglican in Meaford, and is sponsored by the Meaford Culture Foundation.

For more information, or to inquire how you might take part as a volunteer or sponsor, please contact:

Thomas Dean: Cell: (416) 457-8621 | [email protected]

Laura Robinson: Cell: (519) 270 9050 | [email protected]

Mark Plummer: Cell: (416) 826-1872 | [email protected]

source: media release, Meaford Hall