In 1967, 10 Indigenous athletes ran the Pan Am Games torch 800 km to Winnipeg – Run As One

Credits: CBC Docs

In 1967, 10 Indigenous men ran the Pan Am torch from Minneapolis to the opening ceremonies in Winnipeg. When they arrived, the torch was taken away and handed to a white athlete. This is their story. #CBCShortDocs

In 1967, Winnipeg hosted the fifth Pan American Games. 10 young Indigenous athletes from First Nations across Manitoba were selected to run the Pan Am torch from Minneapolis to Winnipeg — an 800 km, once-in-a-lifetime journey.

But just before the athletes arrived at the opening ceremonies, the torch was taken from them. It was handed to a non-Indigenous athlete, who carried the torch into the stadium.

The runners were sent to a diner across the street, where they watched the opening ceremonies on TV.

50 years later, the runners reunite at the same Winnipeg restaurant to share their memories, and to discuss the injustice and disappointment they faced at the end of their journey.