City declaration promises to strengthen relationship with Aboriginals

Though it will be displayed prominently at city hall, Thunder Bay’s declaration of commitment to strengthen its relationship with urban Aboriginals won’t just be a piece of paper hanging on a wall.

Things have already started to change, said Anna Gibbon, the city’s Aboriginal liaison, on Monday after Mayor Lynn Peterson and city clerk John Hannam signed the one-page document at city hall.

"The fact that we have an elder’s advisors council says this is more than just a piece of paper hanging on the wall. The fact that we host a fall feast that celebrates and recognizes Aboriginal contributions to the community is more than just a document hanging on the wall," Gibbon said.

"There’s a tremendous amount of commitment from both the Aboriginal community and from city council to take action in changing this relationship."

The commitment, passed June 21 at Chippewa Park by city council, is based on a number of understandings and recognitions, including the fact that Aboriginals were the first to inhabit the land occupied by the City of Thunder Bay, it’s a traditional gathering place, they’ve suffered injustices, are the fastest growing population in the region and have made invaluable contributions throughout the collective history of what is today Northwestern Ontario.

The commitment pledges the city will partner with Aboriginal people in an inclusive community, work with them to remove barriers that hinder full participation in community life, create opportunity for First Nations youth and celebrate the contributions have made and continue to make to the community.

The document is just a first step, Gibbon said.

"It was really needed for the community to see that the city was meaningful in doing this. But we also have a communications strategy which will really explain to the Aboriginal community more of what the City of Thunder Bay is trying to do," she said.

Gull Bay First Nation Chief Wilfred King said the signing shows leadership on Thunder Bay’s part and it signifies a true commitment to work with Aboriginal people to move the city and the region ahead together collectively.

"I think people must recognize the demographics of the city. We have an influx of Aboriginal people coming to this city. Although there’s an outward migration of other people, First Nations people are gravitating to this city for a variety of reason – for education and housing opportunities," King said, adding that Aboriginal concerns should be a key focus of any future strategic plans the city might form.

The First Nation influx is only going to continue to rise, he said.

"You have people coming from outlying areas coming to the city that obviously felt welcome here. That declaration really signifies that," King said.

It’s a result of two years of work, said Peterson, which involved the co-operation of group of elders and council.

‘This is our commitment to working toward the future of the entire community," she said.

"It talks about building relationships, it talks about removing barriers. It talks about respect and value, all those things that each and every one of us need to internalize.

We need to respect the Aboriginal community and its value in this community. Because of the growing population, because of the youth in this community, we are going to see a change. And we need, as a community, to respect the diversity in this community, all of it, and to make sure that everyone here has a good life, a comfortable life."