Thunder Bay Can—and Must—Do Better
THUNDER BAY – As National Indigenous Peoples Day approaches, Thunder Bay finds itself at a crossroads. It is a place of powerful beauty—where the boreal forest meets the strength of the Canadian Shield, and where the stories of the land run deep with the presence of Indigenous peoples. And yet, beneath that beauty lies a painful truth: racism against Indigenous people continues to fester in parts of our city like an unspoken rule, passed down through generations, and sometimes even picked up by newcomers as if it’s a local custom to adopt.
This is not just tragic. It’s foolish
To treat Indigenous people with disdain or suspicion is to deny the foundational role they have played—and continue to play—in the very existence of this place. It is to misunderstand the truth of Treaty, the truth of history, and the truth of the opportunities that lie ahead.
Systemic racism is not a relic of the past in Thunder Bay. It’s present in our institutions, in casual conversation, and in the reluctance of some to embrace Indigenous culture as an equal and respected part of our collective identity.
Head out to the International Friendship Garden on Victoria Avenue, look for the recognition of the Indigenous people in our city and region. Guess what, its not there. Why?
Sadly some seem to cling to old prejudices as if they are part of the city’s heritage—when in fact, they are weights that hold Thunder Bay back from becoming what it could be.
Even more troubling is how recent immigrants—people who themselves have come here in search of safety and opportunity—sometimes adopt the same prejudices. That is not a reflection of who they are, but of what our city too often signals is acceptable. When racism is left unchallenged, it replicates. It becomes normalized.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Thunder Bay is capable of much more. And there is hope—because change is possible.
So what can we do, right now, to move forward?
- Educate with Courage and Compassion: Start with the truth. Schools, workplaces, and community groups must provide real education about the history of the land, the meaning of Treaties, and the lasting impacts of colonization, not just to students, but to parents. But more than facts, we need storytelling—spaces where Indigenous voices can speak their truths and be heard without interruption or defensiveness.
- Build Relationships, Not Walls: Invite connection. Attend Indigenous-led events, support Indigenous businesses, and learn the stories behind the faces you pass in the street. Racism often begins where relationship is absent. It ends where understanding grows.
- Hold Institutions Accountable: Systemic change requires systemic action. Police, healthcare, education, and city leadership must be held to a higher standard. Anti-racism policies must be enforced, and Indigenous leadership must be included—not as a token, but as a partner with equal say.
- Embrace the Treaty Relationship: A true Treaty partnership is not a political slogan—it is a pathway to shared prosperity. Respecting Indigenous rights and governance can bring innovation, opportunity, and economic growth. Thunder Bay’s future will be brighter if Indigenous communities are seen as equals—not obstacles.
- Speak Up—Even When It’s Uncomfortable: When you hear racism, challenge it. When you see exclusion, question it. Silence is complicity. We must become a community where standing up for each other is the norm, not the exception.
Thunder Bay can be a city of healing, connection, and shared success.
But that can only happen if we are willing to do the work.
National Indigenous Peoples Day should not be a moment of performative allyship—it should be a mirror. What do we see? What kind of city do we want to be?
Let’s build a Thunder Bay that truly honours the land it stands on, the people who have cared for it, and the future we all deserve to share.
We can do better.
And we must.
James Murray
