Indigenous Advisory Council

The City of Thunder Bay Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) is an integral component of the work of the Indigenous Relations Office which provides guidance, support and direction. The Council creates a fundamental way of connecting to the community while receiving support and guidance on issues of protocol, traditional practices and ceremonies, and continues to serve a vital role in guiding the work of the Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Office and the City Corporation as a whole. 

Current IAC Members

• Elder Ma-Nee Chacaby
• Knowledge Keeper Margaret Bannon
• Knowledge Keeper David Wilkinson-Simard
• Senator Grant Robbins Metis Nation of Ontario
• Elder Sheila DeCorte
• Knowledge Keeper Douglas Gagnon
• Elder Anthony (Tony) DePerry
• Vacant – Female Elder/Knowledge Keeper
• Vacant – Two-Spirit Elder/Knowledge Keeper
• Vacant - Female Youth
• Vacant - Male Youth
• Vacant – Two-Spirit

Shelby Ch’ng City Councillor (Ex-officio member)

John Collins, City Manager ( Ex-officio member)

Vision

Through the creation of the Indigenous Relations Logo, the Indigenous Advisory Council provided us with our vision: Maamawe - All Together. By respecting our uniqueness, sharing our gifts and celebrating our successes we will live, learn, grow, and build. Maamawe – All Together.

Meaning of logo

The sweet grass braid represents healing, the four colours represent the diversity in our community. The sun represents the Inuit people as well as the new light that is shining on our relationship. The man (wearing a Métis sash) and woman represent a balanced approach and are at the centre of what is important.  People. They are kneeling on the Sleeping Giant, which represents the City of Thunder Bay.

Logo by Kevin Belmore in tradition woodlands style artistry

Values

The Seven Grandfather Teachings is a sacred Indigenous story and governing principle of the Anishinaabek, the Original Peoples of this area. These Teachings will guide the Council’s work and conduct in serving the local Indigenous population in a good way: 

• Respect-Mnaadendimowin: to honour all of creation is to have respect.
• Honesty-Gwekwaadziwin: to walk through life with integrity is to know honesty.
• Humility-Dbaadendiziwin: is to know that yourself as a sacred part of creation.
• Love-Zaagidwin: is to know peace.
• Bravery-Aakwa’ode’ewin: is the ability to face changes and the foe with integrity.
• Truth-Debwewin: is to know all of these things and act with sincerity. 
• Wisdom-Nbwaakaawin: to cherish knowledge is to know wisdom.

Indigenous Advisory Council membership

Members of the Indigenous Advisory Council are chosen through an inclusive application-based process. This process seeks to create a Council where everyone has a voice that is valued and one that is reflective of the make up of our Thunder Bay Community.  

The Council will include up to 13 members, each representing one of the 13 moons. The Council and the City of Thunder Bay recognizes the important contributions of Indigenous peoples to community life. Prior to colonial influence, Indigenous communities historically held all genders in equal regard, recognizing the gifts each brought to the community’s well-being. However, this gender balance was disrupted from imposition of settler structures.

To reconcile this part of our history, there will be equal representation on the Indigenous Advisory Council. The Council’s membership will comprise:

• Male and Female Elders;
• Two Spirit Elder;
• Male and Female Youth;
• Two Spirit Youth;
• Knowledge Keepers; and,
• The Manager, Indigenous Relations.

A non-voting (ex officio) member of City Council is also appointed to the Indigenous Advisory Council.

Past members 

The Indigenous Relations Office is forever grateful for the past contribution of all of its past members. Your knowledge and guidance has been invaluable and your contribution will not be forgotten. (Past members pictured below)