The Northern Lights Movement for Kids Fund was established by Celeste Leray-Leicht and Kurt Leicht in memory of their son, Jacob Leicht. The fund supports the work of the Northern Lights Movement for Kids, a movement dedicated to reconciliation efforts through Canadian schools.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada issued its final report including 94 Calls to Action, intended for all Canadians to work together to begin the process of reconciliation. The call to commit to Indigenous education–building intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect among students–was a call that resonated deeply with Celeste.
In 2016, Saskatchewan continued to witness hopelessness and youth suicide, hitting the northern village of La Loche incredibly hard.
In 2018, the Humboldt Broncos tragedy claimed the life of Celeste’s and Kurt’s son, Jacob. It was in the days following that tragedy that Celeste’s personal Call to Action precipitated the Northern Lights Movement for Kids.
Created in memory of Jacob Leicht, the Northern Lights Movement for Kids Fund enables the movement to promote reconciliation in schools and connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, building relationships and serving others through education, fitness and the arts. Applications for funding are managed by the fundholders, Celeste-Leray-Leicht and Kurt Leicht.
Initially, the connection began through pen pal relationships with students in La Loche. The movement has now grown to include Virtual tours, My Sky is Your Sky, the 111 km Challenge, the Great Prairie Race, and art exchanges. The hope is for students to meet in person and build relationships.
Find more information about Northern Lights Movement for Kids on their website.