The City of Thunder Bay Indigenous Advisory Council is an integral component of the work of the Indigenous Relations Office which provides guidance, support and direction. The Council creates a fundamental way of connecting to the community while receiving support and guidance on issues of protocol, traditional practices and ceremonies, and continues to serve a vital role in guiding the work of the Indigenous Relations and Inclusion Office and the City Corporation as a whole.
Join the Indigenous Advisory Council - now accepting applications
Help shape the future of Thunder Bay. We are looking for new members to join the City of Thunder Bay's Indigenous Advisory Council.
Join the Council - Online Application*
*As part of the application process, two letters of support are required. Please have these ready prior to completing your online application.
Join us: The City's Indigenous Relations Office is seeking interested Indigenous youth, Knowledge Keepers, and Elders to join our Indigenous Advisory Council.
Make a difference: The Council helps guide us in matters of protocol and ceremony, provides input on City projects, and helps us build and strengthen relationships to grow Maamawe - All Together.
Council commitment: Council members commit to a four year term which includes 6 - 10 meetings per year, one to five hours in length. Members will also be asked to participate at City events, and occasionally for project working groups. Council Members are paid an honorarium. Longer meetings include refreshments and/or a meal.
Members: We are seeking individuals to reflect our diverse community, including:
- Male, Female, and Two-Spirit Elders
- Youth and Two-Spirit Youth Members (15 - 29 yrs)
- Knowledge Keepers
Apply: Apply through the above link or pick-up an application at the front desk of City Hall. As part of the application you will be asked to attach letters of reference. These can be from a member from your community (Band/Métis Council), from a member from an Indigenous or Community Organization, or from a prominent person(s) familiar with you/your work in Thunder Bay. A minimum of two letters should be provided up to a maximum of three. The application deadline has been extended! Applications are due March 27, 2023. Following the application closing date a review period will occur and selected members will be contacted in early April.
More information: Have questions? For more information email indigenous@thunderbay.ca.
Vision
Through the creation of the Indigenous Relations Logo, the Indigenous Advisory Council provided us with our vision: Maamawe - All Together. By respecting our uniqueness, sharing our gifts and celebrating our successes we will live, learn, grow, and build. Maamawe – All Together.
Meaning of logo
The sweet grass braid represents healing, the four colours represent the diversity in our community. The sun represents the Inuit people as well as the new light that is shining on our relationship. The man (wearing a Métis sash) and woman represent a balanced approach and are at the centre of what is important. People. They are kneeling on the Sleeping Giant, which represents the City of Thunder Bay.
Logo by Kevin Belmore in tradition woodlands style artistry
Values
The Seven Grandfather Teachings is a sacred Indigenous story and governing principle of the Anishinaabek, the Original Peoples of this area. These Teachings will guide the Council’s work and conduct in serving the local Indigenous population in a good way:
- Respect-Mnaadendimowin: to honour all of creation is to have respect.
- Honesty-Gwekwaadziwin: to walk through life with integrity is to know honesty.
- Humility-Dbaadendiziwin: is to know that yourself as a sacred part of creation.
- Love-Zaagidwin: is to know peace.
- Bravery-Aakwa’ode’ewin: is the ability to face changes and the foe with integrity.
- Truth-Debwewin: is to know all of these things and act with sincerity.
- Wisdom-Nbwaakaawin: to cherish knowledge is to know wisdom.
Indigenous Advisory Council membership
Members of the Indigenous Advisory Council are chosen through an inclusive application-based process. This process seeks to create a Council where everyone has a voice that is valued and one that is reflective of the make up of our Thunder Bay Community.
The Council will include up to 13 members, each representing one of the 13 moons. The Council and the City of Thunder Bay recognizes the important contributions of Indigenous peoples to community life. Prior to colonial influence, Indigenous communities historically held all genders in equal regard, recognizing the gifts each brought to the community’s well-being. However, this gender balance was disrupted from imposition of settler structures.
To reconcile this part of our history, there will be equal representation on the Indigenous Advisory Council. The Council’s membership will comprise:
- Male and Female Elders;
- Two Spirit Elder;
- Male and Female Youth;
- Two Spirit Youth;
- Knowledge Keepers; and,
- The Manager, Indigenous Relations.
A non-voting (ex officio) member of City Council is also appointed to the Indigenous Advisory Council.
Past members
The Indigenous Relations Office is forever grateful for the past contribution of all of its past members. Your knowledge and guidance has been invaluable and your contribution will not be forgotten. (Past members pictured below)
Contact Us
Connect
