The City of Thunder Bay hosted a community gathering today at the Baggage Building Arts Centre to honour Indigenous Survivors Day, celebrating strength, resilience, and culture.

Created by Sixties Scoop survivor Troy Abromaitis, a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation from Lytton First Nation in British Columbia, Indigenous Survivors Day recognizes the cultural contributions of Indigenous survivors of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and other colonial policies.

“Indigenous Survivors Day provides an opportunity for both healing and celebration,” aid Annika Gregg, Engagement & Partnerships Lead for the City of Thunder Bay. “While we reflect on the historic and ongoing impacts of colonization, we also come together as community to celebrate the gifts, talents and strengths of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples. This day offers a chance to learn, gather and reflect in the spirit of reconciliation.”

The event featured an artisan market, Indigenous performing artists, community information booths and a fish fry, creating space for connection and shared experience.

A new exhibit by the Legacy of Hope Foundation, Bi-Giwen: Coming Home – Truth Telling from the Sixties Scoop, was also on display in the Baggage Building Arts Centre Galleria.

“As a city, we commit to listening to Indigenous voices and advancing meaningful reconciliation,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “We honour the enduring strength of survivors who have protected culture, language, and identity, and we stand with them.”

Recognizing Indigenous Survivors Day aligns directly with Action Item 20 of the City’s Smart Growth Action Plan, which focuses on integrating Indigenous perspectives, history, and lived experiences into public spaces and community learning. Honouring Indigenous survivors and remembering those who did not survive colonial policies advances the City’s commitment to reconciliation as a foundation for long term, inclusive growth in Thunder Bay.

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Contact: Annika Gregg, Engagement & Partnerships Lead – Indigenous Relations, 807-631-9839