Amazing Race Canada: Métis Pride, Close Calls, and a Little Piece of Home

One of the things I'm enjoying most about this season of The Amazing Race Canada is that we're getting to know the racers a little better every week. It's not just about who can solve a puzzle the fastest or survive a detour. It's about the people behind the teams.

This week's episode introduced us to another remarkable piece of Canadian and Métis history. We learned that the sisters are the great-granddaughters of Thelma Chalifoux, the first Métis woman appointed to the Senate of Canada.

The moment I heard her name, I smiled.

Now, I may not recognize every celebrity in Canada, but I certainly recognized that name! I collect Canadian stamps with Indigenous themes, and I have the Canada Post stamp honouring Senator Chalifoux in my collection. It was a fun little "I know who that is!" moment while watching the race.

The sisters certainly kept us on the edge of our seats this week. They were "Passed" during the race, putting them at a real disadvantage, and for a while it looked like their Amazing Race journey might be over. But they dug deep, refused to quit, and survived another leg. As someone cheering for Team Métis (well... both Team Métis!), I was relieved to see them keep racing.

The race also came right into my neck of the woods this week.

Seeing the teams arrive in Falkland, British Columbia, less than 30 kilometres (20 miles) from Salmon Arm, made this episode feel a little more personal. It's always fun when a national television show visits places you've driven through countless times.

And then there was the Rocky Mountaineer.

Watching the racers climb aboard that iconic train made me smile. Although the route featured on the show doesn't actually pass through Salmon Arm, another Rocky Mountaineer route does, and it travels less than 200 feet from my backyard. Every time that beautiful train rolls by, we head outside and wave. It's become one of those little neighbourhood traditions that never gets old.

Ironically, despite seeing it so often, I've never actually ridden it.

It's firmly planted on my bucket list.

As for my honorary "cousins," Sébastien and Sacha Régnier... I have to admit I missed a good chunk of their story while I was answering messages and multitasking. (Don't tell them!) So imagine my surprise when I discovered they absolutely crushed this leg!

Not only did Sébastien ace the Rocky Mountaineer memory challenge on his very first attempt, but the cousins went on to win the entire leg of the race, taking home $10,000 and a trip to Malta.

Apparently my cousins are doing just fine without me watching every minute!

I'm still claiming them as family, of course. That's what cousins are for.

One thing is certain: this season keeps giving me more reasons to cheer. Whether it's celebrating Indigenous representation, discovering fascinating pieces of Métis history, or watching the race wind through some of the most beautiful parts of British Columbia, The Amazing Race Canada continues to remind us just how incredible this country really is.

Now,  can someone book me a seat on the Rocky Mountaineer?

PS - Until next week... I'll be cheering for both Team Métis—and keeping my fingers crossed that my honorary cousins don't disown me for missing part of this week's episode! 😄Even though I know the outcome, I will catch up on Crave tonight! I don't want to miss out on the excitement of seeing my cuz's come out on top!