THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has decided to start flying the flag of the Fort William First Nation in its front courtyard.
In a media advisory issued Monday, the hospital said "Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is committed to advancing Indigenous health and reconciliation. We recognize that our Hospital is located on the Traditional grounds of Fort William First Nation, and wish to acknowledge that in a meaningful way."
In addition to paying respect to the traditional lands, the advisory stated that the gesture will "advance awareness of the rich and important Indigenous history and culture of our region."
A spokesperson said the decision was made with input from the hospital Board of Directors, its senior management team and its Indigenous Advisory Committee.
A flag-raising ceremony will be conducted on Wednesday with Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins participating.
The City of Thunder Bay already flies the Fort William First Nation flag at City Hall.
The Lakehead District Public School Board's Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee recently decided to ask the board to fly the flag at all its elementary and secondary schools.
