Melanie Smoke will be walking from Smithers today all the way up to Lelu Island over the next five days raising awareness for Pancreatic cancer and environmental issues.
She’s been battling cancer and has been doing the walk since her surgery four years ago.
“I come from a First Nations background and was raised to take care of our territories for several generations so they have fresh water, fresh berries, fresh food and fresh medicine on the territories,” says Smoke about how she sees traditional medicines being a big part of her survival with cancer. “If we don’t take of our environment we’ll end up with more cancer.”
She’s doing the walk in solidarity with others that oppose the LNG project on LeLu island that could affect the salmon populations on the Skeena River.
Smoke will also be raising money for pancreatic cancer and the local food bank.