Crossing the
Rocky Mountains
A double amputee's 45-day journey on a medical scooter from Sechelt, BC to Regina, SK — carrying his late wife's Sacred Eagle Feather to the RCMP Heritage Centre.
Days
Kilometres
Departure
"When the going gets rough, the tough get going."
— Pierre Jacques
Journey Tracker
Journey begins May 16, 2026 — 37 days to go
Route: Hwy 101 → Hwy 1 → Hwy 3 (Crowsnest) → Trans-Canada
Click any marker for details
Highway 3 Route
22 stops — Crowsnest Highway
Fulfilling a Promise
for Annie
On or about May 16th, 2026, Mr. Pierre Jacques will depart from the RCMP Sechelt Detachment on his medical scooter, beginning a 1,786 km memorial processional through the Canadian Rockies to the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Pierre carries with him Annie's Sacred Eagle Feather and her reproduction of the St. Roch — the historic RCMP vessel that became the first ship to conquer the Northwest Passage in a single season in 1944. Annie's family helped the St. Roch crew survive their Arctic expedition from 1939 to 1943.
This 45-day journey is an act of love, remembrance, and reconciliation — completing the circle that Annie began with her lifetime of preserving Inuit heritage through art.
The Collection
38 pieces of original Inuit felt art — scenes of traditional life on the tundra, stitched from memory by Annie Aculiak. Collections include Buckingham Palace, Rideau Hall, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
Art Card Prints
16 Cards — Sets Only
Original Felt Art
22 Pieces — Inquire
E92347 — May 20, 1958 – June 26, 2022
Annie Aculiak was one of the very last Inuit born in an igloo on Canadian soil — born near Port Harrison, Northern Quebec, on the shores of Hudson Bay. Her felt art tapestries depicting scenes of traditional Inuit life earned international acclaim, with works in the collections of Buckingham Palace, Rideau Hall, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Nunavut General Assembly.
On June 23rd, 2022, the Sunshine Coast RCMP presented Annie with a Challenge Coin and a carved Eagle Feather in recognition of her lifetime of cultural achievement. Three days later, Annie passed away.
"From My Heart to My Art"
by Trudy Clippingdale
"Where the Artic ice melts, where the Polar Bear hunts for survival... As my family, my people did. Where the Igloo my father built was melting, as my mother gave birth to me inside its curved walls. I, Annie, and Eskimo, Nunavik Inuit, was also born to be an artist ~ Stitching my dreams, my memories before they fade... Like the ice, swallowed by the sun and returned to the sea. From my mother's hands, my four year old fingers learned to sew with caribou needles, seal skins, wolf and bear hides, making clothing to keep our family warm. My heart, my art still keeps my family warm. My husband Pierre Jacques, is the sun, the moon, the stars, that give me light and inspiration to tell my stories."
International Acclaim
Annie's art earned recognition from heads of state and cultural institutions across Canada and the Commonwealth.
Buckingham Palace
July 26, 2002 — The Queen thanked Annie for three pieces of felt art-work of wolves and polar bears sent to Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Premier of Nunavut
Paul Okalik congratulated Mr. & Mrs. Aculiak and the Captain and crew of the St. Roch II on its "Voyage of Rediscovery."
Maritime Museum
April 20, 2001 — James P. Delgado thanked Annie for her felt artwork donation of "The Bears" series and support of the St. Roch Preservation Campaign.
The Story Behind
the Journey
Learn about the historic RCMP vessel St. Roch, Annie's role in the Walk for Reconciliation, and the heritage that inspired Pierre's memorial crossing.
Annie Led Tens of Thousands
In September 2017, Annie Aculiak set pace at the Walk for Reconciliation in Vancouver, leading an estimated 50,000 people across the Cambie Bridge wearing her traditional Amauti. The walk was a historic moment of unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
RCMP St. Roch
The Arctic patrol vessel that conquered the Northwest Passage. Annie's family helped the crew survive.
WikipediaCanadian Encyclopedia
Detailed history of the St. Roch's voyages through the Northwest Passage from 1928 to 1954.
Read ArticleMaritime Museum
Home of the St. Roch vessel in Vancouver. Annie's art is part of their permanent collection.
Visit SiteRCMP Heritage Centre
Pierre's destination in Regina, SK — where Annie's Eagle Feather and St. Roch reproduction will be delivered.
Visit SiteHelp Pierre
Reach Regina
Your donation helps fund the support van, logistics, and supplies for this 45-day, 1,786 km memorial crossing. Every dollar brings Pierre one kilometre closer to Regina.
Secure payments via Stripe. Sponsors welcome: [email protected]