The Okanagan Nation Alliance is hosting the Spirit of Sylix Unity Run which starts in Castlegar on May 31 and ends in Revelstoke on June 3.
The run is expected to have between 60-100 young runners. The goals of the Unity Run are: to raise awareness about suicide and violence prevention within the Okanagan territory; to promote positive cultural identity and nation pride; and to promote individual, family, and community wellness.
"The Okanagan Nation Unity Run promotes awareness of the high rate of suicide and violence in First Nation communities," said Tara Montgomery, communications officer for the Okanagan Nation Alliance. "The goal of this run is to mobilize and motivate communities to begin addressing social problems at the root of these issues. The Unity Run will engage and motivate youth and their communities to develop solutions that will address these issues within the Okanagan Nation communities."
The Unity Run will begin on May 31 at 6 p.m. with the opening ceremonies at Selkirk College in Castlegar. On Friday, June 1, the runners will head to New Denver. On Saturday, June 2, the runners will go from New Denver to Galena Ferry. On Sunday, June 3, the last day of the run, the runners will go from Nakusp to Revelstoke, where the closing ceremonies will take place.