March 5, 2016 - The City of Thunder Bay, through its Aboriginal Liaison Unit, is embarking on an innovative film project to address the need for educational resources to help youth transitioning to Thunder Bay, learn how to navigate and thrive in the city.

The City has partnered with award-winning Aboriginal filmmaker Michelle Derosier and cinematographer Dave Clement of Thunderstone Pictures on the Welcome Project to produce a high-quality, four-part documentary film series and dedicated website that will be used as part of a welcome package.

"This project builds on the positive steps the City of Thunder Bay has already taken to help create a safe and welcoming environment for all people," said City Clerk John Hannam. "Thunder Bay is changing and includes a rapidly growing Aboriginal population. As with any rapid growth, we have experienced exciting opportunities as well as real challenges as a community.

"Relocating to a new city to attend either high school, college, university or technical school requires skills and understanding of city life in order to thrive. The Welcome Project tools will help people adapt to life in our city, but before we can do that we need the community's support to get it off the ground."
Private sponsorships are being sought to make the project a reality. The projected cost of the entire project is $57,000, with each film addressing specific topics. Various sponsorship levels exist for anyone looking to support this community initiative.

The completed films will be screened at the annual Fall Feast and Festival of Services in September.  After that, they will be distributed in the community and beyond for use as educational and training tools.

 "Our objective is to create an engaging and forthright toolkit that will help newcomers to the city feel confident as they move through the community on their way to a diploma," said filmmaker Michelle Derosier.

For more information on how to support the Welcome Project, visit: thunderbay.ca/welcomeproject

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Contact:  John Hannam - City Clerk, 625-2238
                 Michelle Derosier - Filmmaker, Thunderstone Pictures, 707-2504.