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Honouring the Legacy of Terry Fox

At sunrise on September 1, 2025, Métis citizens and community members gathered at the Terry Fox Monument overlooking Lake Superior for a ceremony honouring Terry Fox. Organized by the Thunder Bay & District Métis Community Council, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), and the Fox family, the event paid tribute to Fox’s life, legacy, and Métis heritage.

The morning began with guests arriving at the monument before joining a procession to Terry’s statue. Led by a colour guard and carried by the sound of a Métis fiddle.

MNO Senator and Captain of the Hunt Grant Robbins offered an opening prayer, followed by emcee John Kearsey,  Chief Philanthropy Officer with the Terry Fox Foundation, who acknowledged Terry’s vision and thanked those gathered. MNO Vice-Chair Sharon Cadeau spoke about the connection between Métis heritage and Terry’s story, while Thunder Bay & District Métis Community Council President Wendy Houston recalled her memory of watching Terry run.

A letter from musician Tom Cochrane, included in Forever Terry, was read, offering another reflection on Terry’s impact. Terry’s siblings, Fred and Judith Fox, then shared heartfelt memories of their brother’s determination, humility, and perseverance.

As the sun rose participants stood in a moment of silence. The sound of running footsteps and one of Terry’s enduring quotes reminded all present of his courage and his call to action. The ceremony closed with a prayer from Grant Robbins and Alicia Blore on fiddle leading the procession away.

Terry Fox’s story is not only about resilience, but also about identity and community. Through his Métis heritage, carried through his mother’s family, his legacy connects to values that remain central to the Métis people — honesty, generosity, harmony, and respect for family and future generations.

The MNO is honoured to stand with the Fox family in remembering Terry and ensuring his story continues to inspire Canadians for generations to come.

A special thank you to the Thunder Bay & District Métis Community Council for organizing and spearheading this thoughtful ceremony.