THUNDER BAY – An agreement by some of Thunder Bay’s largest and most impactful organizations to address racism and promote inclusion has grown.
The Thunder Bay Anti-Racism and Inclusion Accord, which was first signed last June by 11 members representing local government, First Nations, health care providers, education authorities and emergency services, on Friday increased with the introduction of five additional signatories.
The new members are the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board, Local Health Integration Network, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services and Acadia Broadcasting.
“We have many voices. Many organizations have broach reach that are doing good things within their respective mandates,” said Thunder Bay city manager Norm Gale, who is co-chair of the coalition.
“We’re also sharing. We’re sharing lessons learned. We’re collaborating. We’re building a toolkit. We’re helping each other succeed. We have talent and we have knowledge that can be leveraged.”
The original signatories of the accord include the City of Thunder Bay, Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay Police Service, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Lakehead University, Confederation College, Lakehead Public School Board and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board
That broad representation is one of the strengths of the accord, Gale said.
“When you look at the agencies and entities that are part of this coalition already, almost everyone in our city is touched somehow or involved some way with these agencies,” Gale said.
“It’s impactful. It can be even more impactful if more organizations, more agencies join this effort. It can turn into a truly community based effort where leadership emerges, where original, new ideas arise and can be fostered.”
The accord is guided by recommendations and calls to action stemming from the Seven Youth Inquest, which Gale said is an example of terrific work being done by the city, the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce president Charla Robinson said their involvement could help businesses develop inclusive hiring practices and creating welcoming environments for all customers.
“We see our role as a bit of a leadership role to our members but also we plan to be working to educate our members as well as to inspire our members to look within their own organizations towards increasing their inclusive practices and analyzing their own policies with regard to inclusivity and diversity,” Robinson said.
The addition of the business community adds a new element to the accord with private sector involvement.
“We want it to be understood that it isn’t just about public sector organizations,” Robinson said.
“This is about every business, whether you’re a sole entrepreneur to a large business, it’s important for all of us to be looking at our practices to make sure we’re inclusive, that we’re embracing diversity and we’re doing whatever we can to improve the community in the ways we contribute.”
