Thunder Bay, Ont., held its first Indigenous forum for mayoral candidates on Thursday night, attracting over 100 attendees. This event provided a final opportunity for candidates to present themselves before the upcoming vote on Monday.
Hosted by the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and Fort William First Nation at the Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre, the forum focused on issues that resonate with Indigenous voters, including their pledges towards truth and reconciliation.
“We have a chance here to unite and support a candidate who reflects our values as Indigenous people, allowing us to voice our concerns and boost voter turnout. That’s what we aim for,” said ONWA’s CEO, Cora Mc Guire-Cyrette, prior to the event.
“This matters because Indigenous individuals represent a substantial part of Thunder Bay’s population – about 15 percent or more – and the city serves as a center for nearby First Nations seeking education and job opportunities.”
Wendy Landry, mayor of Shuniah and vice-president of Indigenous leadership, partnerships and strategies at Confederation College, moderated the forum.
Seven out of nine candidates participated in the event: Moe Comuzzi, Peter Diedrich, Trevor Giertuga, Volker Kromm, Aldo Ruberto, Wolfgang Shoor, and Doug Vincent.
LISTEN | ONWA, Fort William First Nation organize Indigenous Forum for Mayoral Candidates in Thunder Bay:
5:59ONWA and Fort William First Nation organize Indigenous Forum for Mayoral Candidates in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay’s first-ever Indigenous Forum for Mayoral Candidates is happening tonight. The Ontario Native Women’s Association is one of the organizers, and we’ll speak with the CEO, Cora Mc Guire-Cyrette.
“One thing we’ve noticed that some overlook is that we are constituents,” Mc Guire-Cyrette pointed out.
Candidates were asked questions from both event organizers and community members like First Nation chiefs. Topics ranged from economic reconciliation to policies against anti-Indigenous racism.
“If you don’t know how to work with Indigenous people now is your chance to learn,” said Chief Michele Solomon from Fort William First Nation.
For those unable to attend live, there’s an option to watch a recorded livestream of the forum here.
Community Members Express Issues
A candidates’ forum planned last week by the Thunder Bay Public Library was canceled due to library workers’ strike.
Thursday’s gathering drew a diverse audience.
spoke with many attendees beforehand to hear about their election priorities.>LISTEN | Sarah Law: Indigenous Forum For Mayoral Candidates:>Superior Morning7:24Sarah Law: Indigenous Forum For Mayoral Candidates.>Candidates aiming for Thunder Bay’s council had one last moment on stage during Thursday’s indigenous forum. Attendees shared what matters most to them. class= ” paragraph – b 3 G x D h t m l – p aragrap h” >Koral Hamilton works as project manager for Feathers of Hope-a youth-led initiative-and also serves as senior director of procurement navigation at Anishnawbe Business Professional Association.
To her , pressing issues include homelessness , addictions , mental health challenges , plus making sure that there’s increased support for procurement with indigenous businesses.
Koral Hamilton is project manager of the youth-run initiative Feathers of Hope as well as senior director of procurement navigation at the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association. (Sarah Law/CBC) p >
“I want them thinking about truth and reconciliation calls , especially number 92 which relates specifically to economic reconciliation. Investing more into indigenous businesses , along with indigenous non-profits will help us thrive while ensuring our success” she stated regarding what she hopes from Thunder Bay’s next mayor.
Ellen Chambers-who has long served as public school board trustee-praised ONWA along with Fort William First Nation for promoting indigenous viewpoints within electoral discussions.
Ellen Chambers was elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in October 2014. While she’s not seeking re-election in Monday’s vote; she hopes changes will come through Thunder Bay’s new mayoral term.(Sarah Law/CBC) p >< пc лass= "par agrap х- b г1 g м дl f- пар аg rапрн n обеrrm и mbc т с)" ) “Like everyone else I care deeply about those who struggle financially. It's clear local problems cannot all be fixed locally but it remains crucial we contribute solutions."“< псlass= "i mage C aptio n-O О S X z) ; "</ i gомT U r V T P г v O К Р уШуNTГК ic T A К ЕК R T У W EТ Q A";
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