FORT SEVERN — Fort Severn First Nation is closer to the north pole than anyone else in the province, but that didn't make it any less magical for the children there when they got to meet Santa on Wednesday.
"When they grow up, they believe that they are really close to Santa Claus," said head councillor Cheryl Thomas. She said it can feel like Santa is a neighbour.
"I think has to do with the cold weather. And where our other communities, they state that Fort Severn is close to the North Pole all the time."
Santa arrived on Wednesday by plane, rather than the traditional sleigh, as part of the Wasaya Airways 2024 Santa Run.
Thomas said she loved seeing the smiles Santa brought to people's faces, as people of all ages were affected by a string of recent deaths in the community. "You can tell it really lifts up the children's spirit."
The northernmost community in Ontario was the first stop on day two of the four-day tour that took Santa to each of the 12 First Nations that co-own the airline.
The charged itinerary saw Santa, an elf and their bags of goodies travel to Pikangikum, Sandy Lake and Keewawin on Tuesday; Fort Severn, Bearskin Lake and Muskrat Dam on Wednesday; Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka and Kasabonica on Thursday; wrapping up with Nibinamik, Wunnimin Lake and Kingfisher Lake on Friday.
They flew a total of 6,416 kilometres over the four days.
In Bearskin Lake, wave after wave of students patiently lined up to wait their turn to take a photo with Santa.
Band councillor Ardelle Kamenewatamin said the visit from Santa was great and got the children in a good mood.
Santa stepped of the plane in Muskrat Dam to a rock star's welcome, as the young and young-at-heart gathered at the airport and screamed at the first sight of his red and white suit.
It was one of many, many highlights for Sean Smith, the man behind the white beard. This was his first time visiting the northern First Nations under any guise, but he's not new at playing Santa.
Smith said the whole experience was wonderful. He was particularly struck by the numbers of people who came out to meet Santa and their many expressions. "They were very emotional. Whether it was some children who were afraid of Santa, but lots were wanting to hug," he said. "And Santa's elf, they loved her."
Smith is a recreational therapist at Roseview Manor in Thunder Bay where he has donned the suit every Christmas for the last 14 years. He was joined by his colleague and veteran elf impersonator colleague Nicole Orr who has been lifting spirits at Roseview in her pointed shoes for 25 years.
Both are volunteers, and say they're eager to do it again next year.
Wasaya's Santa Run has been happening for more than 20 years, although they missed a couple years due to COVID.
Senior advisor Angus Chapman said the goal each year is to "bring the Christmas spirit to the communities and also to the children in school, just to show them that they are very important."
"My favourite part is when we first go in and the kids all look shocked and amazed to see Santa coming into their classroom," said Chapman. "At times they shout and scream and say 'Santa!"... or they cry.
"They look so happy to see Santa Claus. They don't seem to think 'Santa is bringing me presents.' They're just happy that Santa is there."
