THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay City Council and the Fort William First Nation Band Council met Wednesday night to discuss challenges that both communities face but the discussion quickly zeroed in on recent national news stories highlighting problems with racism in the city.
The special joint meeting quickly focused on a Toronto Star article on the city's problems with racism. Several councillors from both Fort William First Nation and the city blasted the Star for its article on Thunder Bay, while emphasizing the role the city and First Nations are playing in reducing racism.
However, staff and councillors agreed, the issue cannot be ignored.
Many pointed to initiatives like the Walk A Mile Film Project, as well as to the city's Anti Racism Committee. Others emphasized the importance of showing that being First Nations band members and being good citizens go hand in hand.
Other items included a presentation from the Crime Prevention Council on their work and a discussion on the future of Thunder Bay Transit's service to the First Nation. Staffers emphasized there are no plans to cut the service.
