Indigenous Relation and Inclusion Strategy

The Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Strategy, which is guided by the City of Thunder Bay Anishinaabe Elders Council and local Indigenous community, supports the City’s enhancement of its relationship with Indigenous partners and communities, while advancing Indigenous Peoples’ inclusion in the City’s opportunities and growth.  

Mission

Our mission is to enhance the well-being of Thunder Bay's Indigenous communities through the creation of a new civic relationship and partnership that promotes the full participation of Indigenous citizens in the social, economic, political and cultural life of the community to improve the quality of life for all citizens in Thunder Bay.

Implementation

The Indigenous Relation and Inclusion Strategy will be guided by The City of Thunder Bay Anishinaabe Elders Council with direction from local Indigenous partners and communities through public engagement planning sessions. We based our Indigenous Relation and Inclusion Strategy on research material that speaks to Indigenous people and community issues, as well as from focused discussions with municipal and Indigenous leaders, administrators, service providers, community groups, Elders, youth and community members.

Get involved

Get involved and help us to implement our Strategy. Registration for engagement sessions coming soon!

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:  

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada;
• Office of the Chief Coroner Inquest on the Seven First Nations Youth;
• National Inquiry into Murdered & Missing Women & Girls; and
• 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: objectives and outcomes

1. Respectful Relations:

   Foster collaborative and respectful relations with Indigenous community, partners and nations.
   Outcome: Built trust and working partnerships.
   
   

2. Responsive City:

   Support City capacity to further inclusion by offering informed advice and support.
   Outcome: Empowered public service and use of informed approaches.
   
   

3. Education & Inclusion:

   Enrich public dialogue and knowledge on Indigenous topics with Indigenous partners in Thunder Bay.
   Outcome: Improved dialogue and understanding.
   
   

4. Indigenous-Community Prosperity:

   Promote well-being of Indigenous peoples in Thunder Bay through promotion of welcoming spaces and improving access to services.
   Outcome: Improve overall well-being and outcomes of residents.

Strategy commitments

Pillar 1: Respectful relations

1. Implement relationship agreements with Indigenous partners
2. Honour & foster relations with Fort William First Nation, Metis, and local Indigenous Partners
3. Guide & support City leadership and staff in advancing Indigenous Relations

Pillar 2: Responsive city

4. Implement Anti-Racism & Inclusion Accord
5. Inclusive research & policy development
6. Promote workplace diversity & inclusive employee supports

Pillar 3: Education and inclusion

7. Collaborate with partners on public awareness activities to promote Indigenous inclusion and address racism in the community.
8. Honour & celebrate Indigenous space & place

Pillar 4: Community prosperity

9. Provide guidance to make City services responsive to needs of Indigenous Peoples
10. Improve outreach & communications on City services
11. Advocate & work with governments & local partners to improve outcomes

Strategy publications 

• Full Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Strategy
• Full Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Strategy E-Brochure
• Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Strategy Summary E-Brochure

Photo gallery 

View our photo gallery which showcases activities aligned with our four Strategy pillars: Education & Inclusion, Indigenous Community Prosperity, Respectful Relations, and Responsive City