While the duo of James Makokis (37) and Anthony Johnson (33) have made national headlines in the past, specifically when the two were married during the BMO Vancouver Marathon in 2017, the pair is once again making waves as they compete on Amazing Race Canada.
Makokis is originally from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, and both Makokis and Johnson spend time in the area regularly. Just last week, the pair was in Kehewin Cree Nation working. Makokis is a doctor, conducting his practice in Edmonton and Kehewin, while Johnson is a project consultant.
“I think it’s everyone’s dream to do the Amazing Race," said Makokis, when speaking with the St. Paul Journal last week. So far, two episodes of the Amazing Race have aired on CTV, and the pair continues to be in the running.
Leading up to the show, the pair had started putting together small clips of some of their adventures, such as hiking in the Grand Canyon, and applying for the show “was definitely something we had thought about doing," says Johnson. But, the duo had been so busy with other work they hadn't heard about the casting call for the current season.
It was the producers of the show that reached out to the couple, sending a fax to reach the pair just before they left on holidays. Makokis and Johnson spent their holiday putting together clips that would make up their application package, submitting just minutes before it was due.
“We don’t know how they knew about us," concedes Johnson, but the pair was successful in their bid to be on the show.
The main reason the couple wanted to be on Amazing Race Canada was to create more visibility for indigenous people, and members of the LGBQT2 community. It shows Canadian viewers a different side of life, says Makokis.
Of course, the pair also have their sights set on winning the competition. The winning team will receive two all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazers as part of the grand prize, which also includes a once in a lifetime trip for two around the world, and a $250,000 cash prize, according to the CTV website.
While Makokis and Johnson can't comment on anything specific about the race other than what has already been seen on TV, the pair is keen on reaching out to the community, speaking with fans, and have so far enjoyed the viewing parties they've held at the Rec Room in south Edmonton.
When asked what it was like to see themselves on the show for the first time, Makokis says, "It was really emotional for me.” He said he had some family take part in the filming of the opening scenes of the show, which included shots of the pair in a teepee and some drumming.
“That was really important for us to show that part of our heritage and culture," says Makokis.
When speaking about what the show means to him, Johnson says he hopes to use the experience to learn. Originally from Navajo Nation, Arizona, Johnson says he is a "newcomer" to Canada, and hopes to build relationships as he moves along in the experience.
Makokis points out that through hosting the viewing parties, he's been amazed at how so many different people have come together to support the pair. "It's really fun."
When asked about the specific challenges they've come across so far in the season, Makokis and Johnson agree the mental challenges are often much harder than the physical challenges.
“Any time there’s a physical task you can kind of muscle through it," says Johnson. The pair notes that competing the challenges with cameras in their faces adds even more stress.
The pair is using the experience to raise funds for a cause near to their hearts. Makokis and Johnson are helping Kehewin Health Services with a fundraiser to build a Cree cultural healing space.
Products with their team's name "Ahkameyimok!” are available for purchase in St. Paul, Elk Point and Bonnyville. In St. Paul, products can be picked up at the Lakeland Primary Care Network office, located in the Wellness Centre. Products are also available at Elk Point Guardian Drugs. T-shirts, buttons and stickers can be purchased by way of donation.
And although it's uncertain how far along the pair will make it in the race, Makokis and Anthony both agree that if they survive another episode they would be interested in attending a viewing party in the Lakeland area. They add that they'd love to take part in activities in the area, and hope to be invited to attend some fun events, notably a perogy eating contest challenge, according to Johnson.
The show airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and episodes can also be accessed online through the CTV website.
*Makokis and Johnson are still in the race following the July 30 episode. The next episode will air on Aug. 7.
