Thunder Bay is making progress to support indigenous youth.
During a presentation to city council Monday, The Seven Youth Inquest discussed the programs and changes that have implemented since their last visit.
The Inquest has been active since October 5, 2015, originally tasked with investigating the deaths of seven Indigenous youth going to school in the city over the course of 11 years.
Alain Joseph, the Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Policy Analyst in the city, says cultural awareness training has been recently rolled out and hopes more workplaces in the city will incorporate the service.
“The city developed new training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism,” explained Joseph. “The training was launched in late 2020. A number of staff have received the training virtually because of the pandemic, but it is hoped as restrictions ease training can resume in-person.”
The Policy Analyst goes on to praise the Youth Inclusion Program, which is offered to individuals between the ages of 12 and.
“The focus of the program is creating a safe and inclusive city for youth, where they are able to access programs, resources, and supports to encourage their well being, especially for those youth who are moving to the city for school,” Joseph added. “Over 75 per cent of the primary participants that access the services self-identify as Indigenous.”
Signs across the city are also being updated to be more inclusive of the Indigenous community.
Airport signage will now also include greetings in Ojibwemowin.
Westford Ward Kristen Oliver said while there has been progress, Thunder Bay is still far from where it needs to be.
“There continue to be substantial issues and while we are making some vast improvements and policy decisions, I think we have to recognize there’s still a lot that needs to be done.”
The 2021 budget allocates $75,000 for the Inquest.
Part of this funding will be used to create a campaign to combat racially motivated crimes.
