Municipal Calls to Action

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report calls on municipalities to deliver specific outcomes for the following 5 Calls to Action:

Call to Action	Description	Specific Outcome
C2A # 43	UN Declaration (UNDRIP)	Fully adopt and implement UNDRIP as the framework for reconciliation
C2A # 47	Royal Proclamation and Covenant	Repudiate Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius
C2A # 57	PD and Training for Public Servants	Provide education to civil servants on Indigenous issues, histories and treaties
C2A # 75	Missing Children and Burial Information	Develop and implement strategies and procedures for ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration and protection of residential school cemeteries
C2A # 77	National Centre for Truth and reconciliation	All archives to collaborate with National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on collection of all records

City of Thunder Bay Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Strategy: 2021-2027

Message from the Mayor

With the release of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the 2016 Seven Youth Coroner’s Inquest Recommendations, and more recently, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice in 2019, we acknowledge the need to fulfill these commitments with more focused attention. To renew our commitment, in 2018, we signed onto the Anti-Racism and Inclusion Accord, and created a senior leadership position to provide overall advice and support to the Corporation as we collectively work towards improving experiences and outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in the city of Thunder Bay in our capacity. 

Strategic Approach: 

The areas of focus will be addressed through four strategic goals to inform the City’s work. Commitments and actions are informed by policy recommendations of commissioned reports relevant to a municipal setting and cited in the Anti-Racism and Inclusion Accord, which includes:

1. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; 
2. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada; 
3. Office of the Chief Coroner Inquest on the Seven First Nations Youth; 
4. National Inquiry into Murdered & Missing Women & Girls; and 
5. Relationship agreements the City of Thunder Bay has with Indigenous partners. 

By embracing our guiding principles, engagement with the Indigenous community will be critical to the Strategy’s success. The Strategy will be reviewed annually to assess progress and prioritize actions for the next working year with resources identified. 

Strategic Goals and their Objectives: 

Pillar 1 Respectful Relations

Strategy Commitments: 

UNDRIP, Article 18: Indigenous Peoples have the right to participate in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights, through representatives chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures, as well as to maintain and develop their own indigenous decision-making institutions. 

TRC Call to Action 57, Seven Youth Coroner’s Inquest, Recommendation 139: …Provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal Peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. 

Declaration of Commitment: Strengthening the Relationship between Fort William First Nation and the City of Thunder Bay: Collaborate on outstanding issues to our mutual benefit. 

Commitment 1: Implement relationship agreements with Indigenous partners 

• 1.1  Analyze and develop a work plan to operationalize City-signed relationship agreements and publicly-declared commitments. 
• 1.2  Dialogue and report annually on progress on implementing agreements with partners. 

Commitment 2: Honour & foster relations with Fort William First Nation, Metis, and local Indigenous Partners 

• 2.1  Present motion for Council to annually confirm Declaration of Commitment to Urban Aboriginal Peoples. 
• 2.2  Facilitate effective working relations between the City and Indigenous partners. 
  •  Liaise with Fort William First Nation, Red Sky Metis Independent Nation, Metis Nation, and Indigenous partner staff to strengthen working relations. 
  • Appoint Council member to attend Elders Council meetings. 

Commitment 3: Guide & support City leadership and staff in advancing Indigenous Relations 

• 3.1  Provide professional learning opportunities and supports to empower leadership and administration to build effective working relations with Indigenous partners. 
  • Renew and deliver Indigenous Cultural Awareness and other relevant learning opportunities to City Council and staff. 
  • Evaluate Walk-a-Mile training to respond to evolving needs with Indigenous community input. 
• 3.2  Confirm appropriate engagement approaches with Indigenous partners. 
  • Draft a guidance document and deliver staff training on engagement with Indigenous partners and communities.

PILLAR 2: Responsive City

Strategy Commitments: 

UNDRIP, Article 15.2: States shall take effective measures, in consultation and cooperation with the Indigenous Peoples concerned, to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination and to promote tolerance, understanding and good relations among Indigenous Peoples and all other segments of society. 

UNDRIP, Article 8.2: States shall provide effective mechanisms for prevention of, and redress for: (a) Any action which has the aim or effect of depriving them of their integrity as distinct Peoples, or of their cultural values or ethnic identities. 

Seven Youth Coroner’s Inquest, Recommendation 145: Revise current policies to reflect new tasks and procedures where Recommendations are accepted. 

Commitment 4: Implement Anti-Racism & Inclusion Accord 

• 4.1  Conduct a systemic review of corporate policies and procedures and other articles to address racism and barriers through a third-party process. 
  • Conduct audit to identify priority areas of action and redress. 
• 4.2  Facilitate Accord Implementation Working Group to create inventory of City efforts to date, and develop a long- and short-term anti-racism action plan. 
  • Analyze Accord commitments for City implementation.
  • Explore enhanced Anti-Racism resources for staff with partners. 
• 4.3  Facilitate Resource Guide Working Group to support Accord signatory organizations’ members’ (Coalition) implementation. 
• 4.4  Support Coalition efforts and Accord awareness through communications methods. 

Commitment 5: Inclusive research & policy development 

• 5.1  Where required, develop practices and procedures that enhance inclusion and training (i.e., Smudging Protocol, Land Acknowledgments, etc.). 
• 5.2  Conduct up-to-date research and analysis on Indigenous issues to support the City’s objectives and provide effective advice to the Corporation. 

Commitment 6: Promote workplace diversity & inclusive employee supports 

• 6.1  Revive and coordinate City Indigenous Employees’ Network to identify priorities and engage staff for further retention. 
• 6.2  Collaborate with Well at Work, Health & Wellness Coordinator to develop culturally responsive staff supports (e.g., Elder support hours, promote available cultural programming). 
• 6.3  Collaborate with Human Resources to enhance Indigenous recruitment and retention.
  • Create responsive recruitment activities in partnership with Indigenous employment agencies. 
  • Advise on employment equity studies and implementation of workforce diversity. 

Pillar 3: Education & Inclusion 

Strategy Commitments:

Seven Youth Coroner’s Inquest, Recommendation 110: …Incorporate better reflection of Indigenous presence in the territory for millennia. 

Fort William First Nation-City of Thunder Bay-Nishnawbe Aski Nation Statement of Commitment to First Nation Youth and Families: Develop anti-racism campaign to raise awareness and eliminate racism against Indigenous people in Thunder Bay by challenging racist, hateful, ignorant discourse directed toward Indigenous people; address systemic racism in organizations and institutions in our community. 

Declaration of Commitment- Strengthening Relationships between the City of Thunder Bay and Urban Aboriginal People: Partner with Aboriginal Peoples in creating an inclusive community that values and respects the diversity that exists in the City of Thunder Bay. 

Commitment 7: Collaborate with partners on public awareness activities to promote Indigenous inclusion and address racism in the community. 

• 7.1  Continue supporting Indigenous-led community gatherings that support Indigenous inclusion. 
• 7.2  Continue to honour commemorative days (e.g., Louis Riel Day; Indigenous Peoples’ Month; Orange Shirt Day; Treaties Recognition Week). 
• 7.3  Support speaking engagements and awareness campaigns when requested. 

Commitment 8: Honour & celebrate Indigenous space & place 

• 8.1  Collaborate with staff on City-led initiatives that promote Indigenous inclusion (e.g., Women’s History Month, local awards, Committees, etc.). 
• 8.2  Honour Indigenous history and culture in City spaces through exhibits and activities. 
• 8.3  Collaborate on new place-making initiatives and opportunities for welcoming spaces in the city. 
  • Conduct research in collaboration with academic and Indigenous partners to identify Indigenous heritage recognition opportunities in City spaces. 
  • Maintain and enhance existing place-making spaces. 

Pillar 4: Indigenous-Community Prosperity 

Strategy Commitments: 

1. UNDRIP, Article 21.2: States shall take effective measures and, where appropriate, special measures to ensure continuing improvement of their economic and social conditions. Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities. 
2. MMIWG Call for Justice #3.1:

…Ensure that the rights to health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples, and specifically of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, are recognized and protected on an equitable basis. 

• Declaration of Commitment – Strengthening Relationships between the City of Thunder Bay and Urban Aboriginal People: Work with Aboriginal Peoples to identify and assist with the removal of barriers that hinder their full participation in community life. 
• Fort William First Nation-City of Thunder Bay-Nishnawbe Aski Nation Statement of Commitment to First Nation Youth and Families: Provide leadership, in the spirit of Treaty and reconciliation, to support and enable local governments, municipal leaders and community members to address this crisis with the goal of creating a safe and welcoming community for all. 

Commitment 9: Provide guidance to make City services responsive to needs of Indigenous Peoples 

• 9.1  With Elders Council guidance, identify ways to offer and promote equitable access. 
  • Advise on programs, proposals and process improvements. 
  • Develop a welcome kit for Indigenous newcomers to the city. 
• 9.2  Promote role models and mentorship opportunities for Indigenous residents. 

Commitment 10: Improve outreach & communications on City services 

• 10.1  Support collaborative approaches for orientation activities for First Nations students from remote communities attending school in Thunder Bay. 
• 10.2  Improve communication and outreach on initiatives and funding opportunities. 
• 10.3  Update the City Indigenous Relations and Inclusion website and public-facing communication materials. 

Commitment 11: Advocate & work with governments & local partners to improve outcomes 

• 11.1  Continue collaborative relationship with and seek ongoing advice from the Thunder Bay Urban Aboriginal Advisory Committee on priorities of mutual interest. 
• 11.2  Work with local partners to support enhanced coordination of existing efforts and services for Indigenous peoples in Thunder Bay. 
• 11.3  Strengthen relationships with provincial and federal partners to collaborate while leveraging investments. 

City of Thunder Bay progress on the TRC Calls to Action: 3.5 out of 4 = 87.5%

Call to Action # 43         The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Aboriginal Peoples We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation

Yes. Integrated in 3 of the Pillars of the Strategic Goals and their Objectives. UNDRIP Strategy CommitmentsArticle 18: Pillar 1: Respectful Relations Indigenous Peoples have the right to participate in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights, through representatives chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures, as well as to maintain and develop their own indigenous decision-making institutions. Article 15.2: Pillar 2: Responsive City States shall take effective measures, in consultation and cooperation with the Indigenous Peoples concerned, to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination and to promote tolerance, understanding and good relations among Indigenous Peoples and all other segments of society. Article 8.2: Pillar 2: Responsive City  States shall provide effective mechanisms for prevention of, and redress for: (a) Any action which has the aim or effect of depriving them of their integrity as distinct Peoples, or of their cultural values or ethnic identities.  Article 21.2: Pillar 4: Indigenous-Community Prosperity States shall take effective measures and, where appropriate, special measures to ensure continuing improvement of their economic and social conditions. Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities.

Call to Action # 47       Royal Proclamation and Covenant of Reconciliation We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, and to reform those laws, government policies, and litigation strategies that continue to rely on such concepts.

Yes. In progress but limited. While none what follows is a “declaration” which repudiates the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, we feel these could fit within the various concepts of “Landback”, Indigenization, and creating a sense of place. In those areas, the City of Thunder Bay has made some changes and others are in the works: In-Depth Review of bylaws, policies, and procedures – this is a large, likely multi-year initiative that would see the City review bylaws, polices, and procedures with an Indigenous lens in mind in an attempt to decolonize/indigenize (broadly speaking), and more specifically to identify and eliminate systemic racism, barriers, and discriminatory practices which we know exist.  One example already in place is the creation of the Sacred Fire Policy. This policy recognizes the cultural significance of sacred fires and allows them to occur outside of the normal backyard fire bylaw. It acknowledges UNDRIP Articles 11.1 and 12.1. The City has also created one permanent location for Sacred Fires (the Honouring Circle) and intends to create others. In the case of the permanent locations, we view this as giving access to spaces within the City to Indigenous people so they can practice their culture.  Although not completed yet, we also intend to amend bylaws to allow the collection of sacred medicines from City owned lands and parks (this is a similar philosophical approach to the Sacred Fire policy). The City is also moving forward with several initiatives that would see spaces in the City indigenized in an effort to create a sense of space and place for the Indigenous population. One example currently in the works is the IRS Survivor’s Flagpole located at Hillcrest Park. The flagpole has been the site of ceremonies for Orange Shirt Day for the past two years. This year, a permanent medicine circle-themed sitting space will be built around the flagpole. The intention is that folks can use the space for ceremony, individual reflection, and for education.

Call to Action # 57       Professional Development and Training for Public Servants We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Yes. Response to Seve Youth Inquest: Recommendation 118. Review the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including Number 57, and consider appropriate action * The Corporation offers enhanced Indigenous Cultural Awareness training to all new employees. In consultation with the Indigenous community and the Corporation’s union representatives, the City has redeveloped the staff Indigenous Cultural Awareness training module and learning offerings to enhance the current training curriculum that includes skills-based training related to the history of Indigenous peoples and residential schools, intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism. The training program launched in winter 2020, and now includes a mandatory six-hour training session for all existing City staff and all new City Staff. In winter of 2020, the Walk a Mile training curriculum will begin to undergo a comprehensive evaluation and review of completed participant surveys, with recommendations for future use.  * In the spring of 2021, Children and Youth Programs Supervisors completed a mandatory training on Indigenous Cultural Awareness organized by the IRI office.  * Since the launch in December 2020, approximately 166 employees have been trained on the enhanced program. Management, non -union staff, & City Council have been the priority to date.  * Other learning opportunities, related to Indigenous Cultural Awareness, are offered in the form of lunch and learns, and other virtual sessions (i.e. Indigenizing Public Spaces training program to support staff in collaborating with Indigenous partners on Indigenous Place -making initiatives).  * In October 2021, some City Leaders will have an opportunity to take a virtual training session on The Equitable Workplace: Cultivating Attitudes of Anti- Racism & Ally-ship.  * In 2021, the Corporation will also begin training all employees on general diversity & inclusion (mandatory training), and gender & sexual diversity training (mandatory training).  * Thunder Bay Tourism is supporting the delivery of cultural awareness training for the hospitality industry.  In addition to the above, the City is currently in the process of revising its Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training to better reflect the local context and the day-to-day reality of the Indigenous population in the City.

Call to Action # 75       Missing Children and Burial Information We call upon the federal government to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, churches, Aboriginal communities, former residential school students, and current landowners to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration, and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. This is to include the provision of appropriate memorial ceremonies and commemorative markers to honour the deceased children.

Yes. Through municipal actions as identified below. The City communicates with those charged with leading the searches for unmarked graves at Fort William First Nation and has offered to provide any and all information they feel would contribute to their work. Some of the materials offered includes fire insurance maps, property ownership information, and LiDAR and other remote sensing data. The Harry Kirk Archives at the City do not hold any records about the schools themselves nor do we have records pertaining to individual students.  In addition, we have collaborated with the Thunder Bay Museum on the above information. While they don’t have records of individual students, the nature of their own collection might include information like old news articles, which could include information about individual schools or students.  Perhaps not relating directly to this Call to Action, the City, Fort William First Nation, and Lakehead University collaborated on an Archaeological Intern project recently. The Intern, a graduate student from Lakehead, was employed by the City to develop mapping products that would identify areas of high potential for cultural resources throughout the City. While this work focused mainly on “older” sites, some work included confirming and identifying more contemporary sites which are of interest, including potential unmarked burials associated with the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, the Thunder Bay Jail, and the former St Joseph’s Indian Residential School. The information compiled in this project will contribute to what is known as an “Archaeological Master Plan” for the City – an upcoming project which will also include input from Fort William First Nation, and perhaps other Robinson-Superior Treaty communities with ties to the City. The city did unveil a memorial for students of the former St. Joseph’s Indian Residential School (IRS) (1870 – 1966) The school operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie from 1870 until it was closed and demolished in 1966.

Call to Acton # 77        National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation We call upon provincial, territorial, municipal, and community archives to work collaboratively with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to identify and collect copies of all records relevant to the history and legacy of the residential school system, and to provide these to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

No. Not applicable. The Harry Kirk Archives at the City do not hold any records about the schools themselves nor do we have records pertaining to individual students. See also Call to Action # 75 above.

Other Calls to Action

All municipal responses are as reported in the Thunder Bay “Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2027”

Other programs and policies can be found on the “Indigenous Relations and inclusion Strategy section of the Thunder Bay website: https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/indigenous-relations-and-inclusion.aspx

Note: Some of the Calls to Action may be included within the Strategic Goals and their Objectives of the various Pillars identified above which in some cases are generic

Call to Action # 5        Child Welfare We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate parenting programs for Aboriginal families

No. No specific mention in any of the Pillars of the Strategic Goals and their Objectives

Call to Action # 12       Education We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate early childhood education programs for Aboriginal families.

Yes. Through city-funded programs but limited Through our commitments under the Seven Youth Inquest, we have supported in several different ways Indigenous high school students who attend schools in Thunder Bay. This includes supporting orientation activities and connecting with the schools to provide opportunities to students to participate in programming already occurring in the City.The Indigenous Relations office at the City also financially supports grassroots organizations such as the Orange Abinooji Movement – an after school program for Indigenous students which takes place at Sherbrooke Public School.

Call to Action # 17       Language and Culture We call upon all levels of government to enable residential school Survivors and their families to reclaim names changed by the residential school system by waiving administrative costs for a period of five years for the name-change process and the revision of official identity documents, such as birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, health cards, status cards, and social insurance numbers.

Yes. In Progress Although not yet completed, we are looking at policies and procedures which may touch on this Call to Action through our In-Depth Bylaw, Policy and Procedure review project.

Call to Action # 22                   Health We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.

Yes but limited. The Indigenous Relations office provided financial support to a respected Elder from Fort William First Nation so that she could purchase a tipi which she uses for work at her healing centre.

Call to Action # 23       Health We call upon all levels of government to:Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health care field.Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communitiesProvide cultural competency training for all health-care professional

Yes. Identified as priority under PILLAR 2 Responsive City Commitment 6: Promote workplace diversity & inclusive employee supports  6.1  Revive and coordinate City Indigenous Employees’ Network to identify priorities and engage staff for further retention.  6.2  Collaborate with Well at Work, Health & Wellness Coordinator to develop culturally responsive staff supports (e.g., Elder support hours, promote available cultural programming).  6.3  Collaborate with Human Resources to enhance Indigenous recruitment and retention.  (a) Create responsive recruitment activities in partnership with Indigenous employment agencies.  (b) Advise on employment equity studies and implementation of workforce diversity.

Call to Action # 55       National Council We call upon all levels of government to provide annual reports or any current data requested by the National Council for Reconciliation so that it can report on the progress towards reconciliation. The reports or data would include, but not be limited to: * The number of Aboriginal children—including Métis and Inuit children—in care, compared with non-Aboriginal children, the reasons for apprehension, and the total spending on preventive and care services by child-welfare agencies. * Comparative funding for the education of First Nations children on and off reserves. * Educational and income attainments of Aboriginal peoples in Canada compared with non-Aboriginal people. * Progress on closing the gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in a number of health indicators such as: infant mortality, maternal health, suicide, mental health, addictions, life expectancy, birth rates, infant and child health issues, chronic diseases, illness and injury incidence, and the availability of appropriate health services. * Progress on eliminating the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in youth custody over the next decade. * Progress on reducing the rate of criminal victimization of Aboriginal people, including data related to homicide and family violence victimization and other crimes. * Progress on reducing overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in justice and correctional systems

No. No specific mention in any of the Pillars of the Strategic Goals and their Objectives

Call to Action # 66       Youth We call upon the federal government to establish multi-year funding for community-based youth organizations to deliver programs on reconciliation, and establish a national network to share information and best practices.

Yes.  The Seven Youth Coroner’s Inquest jury issued 145 recommendations including 31 directed to the City. See Fifth Annual Report Responding to Inquest issued on June 8, 2021 While the recommendations are not legally binding, the Inquest’s main purpose was to prevent future deaths of First Nations youth who must live away from their home communities to attend high school in Thunder Bay. The recommendations are mainly aimed at improving or implementing programs provided by the City in the areas of physical, social, and cultural infrastructure so that everyone coming to Thunder Bay is:  * treated equitably;  * included and engaged; * safe; and able to access opportunities needed to succeed  On August 1, 2017, Fort William First Nation, the City of Thunder Bay and Nishnawbe Aski Nation signed a Statement of Commitment to First Nation Youth and Families. The City’s response to the Seven Youth Inquest continues to be informed by that Commitment, which recognizes, among other statements, that “the safety and well-being of First Nation students attending high school in Thunder Bay is a priority and demands immediate action.”  Fifth Annual Report responding to the Inquest issued on June 8, 2021No specific mention in any of the Pillars of the Strategic Goals and their Objectives

Call to Action # 76       Missing Children and Burial Information We call upon the parties engaged in the work of documenting, maintaining, commemorating, and protecting residential school cemeteries to adopt strategies in accordance with the following principles: The Aboriginal community most affected shall lead the development of such strategies. Information shall be sought from residential school Survivors and other Knowledge Keepers in the development of such strategies. Aboriginal protocols shall be respected before any potentially invasive technical inspection and investigation of a cemetery site.

No. No specific mention in any of the Pillars of the Strategic Goals and their Objectives Apparently, children who died at St. Josephs IRS were all buried in a mass grave at St. Andrews Cemetery in Thunder Bay (“Finding Emma: An unmarked residential school burial discovered”. SooToday, May 20, 2022).See also Call to Action # 75 above.

Call to Action # 87       Sports and Reconciliation We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.

Yes.  The City of Thunder Bay is hosting the Ontario Winter Games this coming February (2024), and as part of the organization of the Games, the organizing committee has strived to include elements of Indigenous culture throughout. This will include elements as part of opening ceremonies and Games promotional materials (e.g. the Woodland theme is included in some of the design of the Games logo – see the snowboarder: https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/tbay-games/tbaygames.aspx) Fort William First Nation also has representation on the organizing committee.

Land Acknowledgement

Located on Ontario Winter Games: About – Land Acknowledgement

As we come together in this beautiful place, where the Thunder Bird hugs the land in its wings, where Anemki Wajiw – Thunder Mountain, welcomes all, where Nanabijou – the Sleeping Giant, rests, may you be prompted to pay respect and to acknowledge the land and with it, certain truths.

This land is the traditional land of the Anishnawbe people and is where they and many other peoples have gathered for time immemorial.

This sacred place, originally known as Anemki Wequedong, is now also the Treaty Territory of the Fort William First Nation , signatories to the Robinson-Superior Treaty in 1850.

This place is where, with the contribution of the Métis people in this area, a small thriving community formed into what has now become Thunder Bay.

Yet it is more than what these places are called, that we must learn to acknowledge and respect. We must acknowledge and respect the relationships.

The relationship to the Land – where we are the custodians and caretakers for the next generations.

The relationship to the Water – water is life.

The relationship to the Water Carriers – the women, who hold the sacred teachings about the water.

The relationship with the Plants – that help us live and sustain us with food and medicines.

The relationship with all our Relations – the four legged, the hooved, the winged. All the ones that walk, swim and crawl and the teaching that we are not above creation, we are a sacred part of creation.

The relationship with Mother Earth – who nurtures and sustains us all. Without her, we could not be here.

The relationship with our Ancestors – who pass along teachings of the First Peoples to help us live and walk in a good way. 

We invite you to take a moment to acknowledge all these things and show respect. And by doing so, we humbly strive to live our lives – Mino Bimaadiziwin (Good Life) and to walk in a good way. 

NOTE: All content was submitted to the City of Thunder Bay to ensure accuracy and currency as of the time of posting. The City of Thunder Bay responded to our correspondence. Managing Editor: Douglas Sinclair: Publisher, Indigenous Watchdog Lead Researcher, Timothy Maton: Ph.D