Indigenous man walks 2,080 km to raise money for Fort McMurray

Stanley Barkman has gone on several walks to raise awareness, but his newest journey will be the longest and most gruelling to date. He will be walking 2,080 kilometresfromSioux Lookout, Ont. to Fort McMurray, Alta. to raise money to help rebuild the city which was devastated by fire.

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"Knowing the fact that there are people over there losing their homes, losing their town, I just want to try to do something," said Barkman.

"I know I won't be able to do a lot, but I'd be surprised if I could help build their hospital, school or a few houses."

Barkman says it will take him between five and six weeks to complete, and he's hoping to walk between 60 to 80 kilometresper day.

Arriving in Sioux Lookout by plane Monday morning from his home community, Sachigo Lake First Nation, 425kilometersnorth of Sioux Lookout,Barkman is eager to hit the road. He says he made thedecision to embark on the walk last week, and with the help of people from his community, he was able to make arrangements and starttoday.

"As long as you believe that you can do something, even if it seems like it's last minute, people can help you spread the message," said Barkman. "Anything is possible, anything is possible."

Barkman has previously participated in walks on the winter road from his fly-in home community.

In April 2015, Barkman participated in a walk to Thunder Bay to raise money for a student living facility at Dennis Franklin CromartyHigh School. And before that, in 2011 he participated in a walk to Sioux Lookout, to raise money for a CT scanner at the Meno Ya Win Health Centre.

When asked what he'll do once he arrives in Fort McMurray, Barkman says he's not sure but he has "four to five weeks to think about that."

Follow Barkman's journey through the Facebook group Walking for Fort McMurray

To donate to Barkman's walk, visit his Go Fund Me Page.