THUNDER BAY — One First Nation student who left his home to attend school in Thunder Bay says he's afraid being out after dark.
Another student says that as Indigenous people, she and her friends feel there's a constant target on their backs.
Both are among the First Nation youths who contributed to a video that's just been released on YouTube and on the City of Thunder Bay's Facebook page.
They were asked to anonymously share their fears and hopes about their future, as part of an effort to help the broader community understand the racism and other challenges they face just to get an education.
The Dear Thunder Bay campaign was developed by the city and partners including Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School/Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, Matawa Education and Care Centre, and Keewaytinook Okimakanak.
The project originated with a recommendation directed to the City of Thunder Bay from the Seven Youth Inquest in June 2016.
NAN Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse said the hundreds of youths who come to Thunder Bay and other urban centres for school deserve a welcoming, supportive and safe environment, but that isn't always the case.
"This campaign will shed light on the harsh realities faced by many of our students while promoting understanding and encouraging respectful conversations," Narcisse said.
Norma Kejick, executive director of the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, said the project has given young people a chance to use their voice to help the community get to know students better.
"This has been a great opportunity for students to share the challenges and obstacles they face when they leave home for school," she said.
In his letter to Thunder Bay, a student asked residents to "please have sympathy when we travel from the North to come here. I've dropped everything for this education. Let me get home safe when I'm done."
Another asked the community to "please stop profiling me."
But students also expressed optimism that things can get better.
"I am excited to graduate one day and perhaps be the change I want to see in the world," she said.
Sharon Nate, executive director of the Matawa Education Authority, said students have displayed courage in sharing their experiences.
Nate said her staff shares the hope that the video will further encourage everyone in Thunder Bay to work together to increase safety for First Nations students.
The inquest into the deaths of seven First Nation youths – Jethro Anderson, Reggie Bushie, Robyn Harper, Kyle Morrisseau, Paul Panacheese, Curran Strang and Jordan Wabasse – concluded with 31 recommendations directed to the City of Thunder Bay, many of which included participation from multiple partners.
