Support the H.O.P.E. Walk-Run Movement: 768 km for Healing and Awareness

Goal: To raise awareness and critical funds for First Nations mental health and addiction support in northern communities.

Dates: August 17–31, 2025

Route: Thompson, MB ➝ The Forks, Winnipeg, MB (768 km)

Hello, my name is Samantha Powderhorn, and I’m a proud member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation from Tadoule Lake, Manitoba and my partner Luther Alexander a member of Pine Creek First Nation.

Today, I’m honored to share a journey of healing, resilience, and hope.

Together with my partner, Luther Alexander, we are launching the H.O.P.E. Walk-Run Movement—a powerful 768 km walk (and run, where possible) from Thompson to Winnipeg. Starting August 17, 2025, we will travel between 55–60 km per day for 11 to 14 days, finishing at The Forks, a sacred and historic gathering place in Winnipeg.

What is the H.O.P.E. Movement?

H.O.P.E. stands for Healing Overcomes Past Experiences.

This movement is our response to the ongoing mental health and addiction crises in northern Indigenous communities. It is a call for healing, awareness, and action. We walk for those who are still struggling, for those we’ve lost, and for the generations ahead.

Why This Matters to Me

With 45 months of sobriety, this journey is deeply personal. I’m currently a first-year student in the First Nations Addictions and Mental Health Program at Yellowquill University College. My lived experience has shown me how hard it can be for Indigenous people to access culturally safe and trauma-informed mental health services—especially in remote communities.

This walk is my commitment—to myself, my community, and to others walking their own path toward healing.

How You Can Help

We are fundraising to support the costs of this movement and to build momentum for lasting change. Your donations will help with:

Join the Movement

The H.O.P.E. Walk-Run is not just a journey—it’s a movement of recovery, resilience, and reconciliation. Your support—whether through a donation or a simple share—helps carry this mission forward.

We walk with love. We walk with purpose. We walk for H.O.P.E.

Thank You | Ma-si-cho

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us. Every step we take is made possible by your belief in the power of healing.

With gratitude,

Samantha Powderhorn & Luther Alexander

Co-Founders, H.O.P.E. Walk-Run Movement