Whether it’s family history or local history, one thing became clear over the weekend: younger generations do not find history dull.
The Billy Loutit Triatholon and Duathlon have wrapped up, and some of the famed Métis mail runner’s descendents were again in attendance. Though the race doesn’t follow the actual route Billy ran in 1904 (from Athabasca to Edmonton), it honours his speed (he made his 100-mile journey in 16 hours) and his devotion to community (he made the trip to rally help during a flood).
Billy’s great-granddaughter Shannon has not only run the triathlon; she also retraced Billy’s steps more precisely in 2004 when she ran from Edmonton to Athabasca.
This year, a former Athabascan has also honoured a relative by making a notably similar trek, albeit by bike.
Jonathan LeMessurier cycled from St. Albert to Athabasca last Saturday — the same day as the Billy Loutit Kids of Steel event. Athabasca’s riverfront became a confluence point for youths breaking a sweat to remember the travails of a member of an older generation. LeMessurier’s bike ride was to raise money to battle breast cancer, largely because his grandmother once had to fight the disease. And the Kids of Steel participants weren’t just out to burn off some energy. Race organizer Mark Francis said any one of them can easily relay the story of Billy Loutit.
When many community-minded organizations are faced with aging membership, and when many youths move away post-graduation, often not to return, it’s easy to fear for the future of a community. Who will remember the floods and the families who shaped this town?
The weekend showed us the younger generation still wants to remember — and to act on that remembrance.
