Project Overview
Hello, my name is Isobel Scott and I am in grade 7. I am doing a fundraiser to raise money for backpacks filled with school supplies for an Indigenous community called Pikangikum. They have an elementary school and a secondary school. These two schools together have about 1000 students. For post secondary school, students have to travel to nearby cities. Backpacks are $40 including the school supplies inside and the cost to fly them there. It would really help if you could contribute money towards buying a backpack or even buy a whole backpack on your own.
Mission & Goals
- Raise funds to purchase backpacks filled with assorted school supplies for students attending both schools in Pikangikum First Nation.
- Raise funds to transport backpacks by air to Pikangikum
- Help pack backpacks with school supplies and prepare them for shipment
Who, What,
Where & When
Pikangikum is a remote First Nation reserve on northwestern Ontario with approximately 3500 people. The only way to get here is by plane for part of the year. When the lake is frozen you can drive or in the summer you can take a boat. Flying is expensive so this can make school supplies very expensive. This community has been in crisis for decades. In 2000 Pikangikum had the world’s highest suicide rate. Seventy-five percent of this community is under 25 years old, and 80% is unemployed. Pikangikum is part of the Independent First Nations Alliance and is located 100 kms northwest of Red Lake, Ontario, a 15 minute plane ride. It is also accessible by winter road.