Blood Tribe's 1st Ironman triathlete says physical activity is a 'form of healing'

The Blood Tribe (Kainai Nation) in southern Alberta is celebrating a member's recent Ironman triathlon success in Arizona. 

Since Troy Manyfingers crossed the finish line in Arizona in November, he said he's been overwhelmed by the support and celebrations.

When he returned to work, Manyfingers said his boss had set up a special parking spot reserved for "Ironman," and he was given a free six-month gym pass for the community recreation facility. 

Manyfingers, 51, said he hopes his success shows others what's possible for themselves. 

"First Nations people, we tend to doubt ourselves," he said.

"We just need to discover that we can do anything."

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As a client case co-ordinator at the Blood Tribe Wellness Centre, Manyfingers said he tries to share the lessons he's learned with people seeking help. 

"All physical activity is a form of healing for myself. You know, healthy body, healthy mind," he said.

He said his decades-long journey toward completing an Ironman triathlon is a good example. It began with a suggestion in high school from a teacher, but Manyfingers didn't take the plunge into triathlon, where competitors complete a swim, bike and run, for many years. 

In the meantime, he said, he dealt with alcoholism for 22 years before he quit drinking at age 37.

He said running has been key to maintaining his sobriety.

"I didn't know how to cope with the new life that I had found for myself and my family," he said. 

"So I started to exercise."

Randy Moroz said he and his wife Sue met Manyfingers about 20 years ago when they were working timing races and Manyfingers brought people into Lethbridge to take part. 

Moroz said it was "awesome" to finally see