THUNDER BAY – Well I suppose this will be my last entry before the election. My original plan was to have provided you with more updates during the campaign but we were extremely busy with preparations for the Elders and Youth Gathering (http://netnewsledger.com/?p=3097) and the Fall Ceremonies for the Grey Wolf Teaching Lodge. Also, I have been very fortunate to be receiving much email and phone calls with inquiries about my position on various topics and I have been doing my best to keep up with them (although I know some of you are still waiting for your responses).
The most popular topics of course have been the waterfront development and the wind farm projects. Of course, I am all for development, we are in desperate need of it in our community (i.e. my 3 sons had to move to Edmonton Alberta to find work) but not at the expense of our community members. As an example, were the citizens of Thunder Bay asked which renewable energy (such as solar power) they wanted to support? I equate this lack of consultation with the situation of our First Nation communities in the far north. It is not right! I believe in speaking to the people and following their direction not arbitrarily making a decision that we think is a good idea! My stand will always be to work with the people of Thunder Bay to determine what it is that they want and need, ALL the people of Thunder Bay!
In order to address the huge poverty in our city, we need to bring jobs to the community AND we need to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities especially the Matawa communities with the potential for the Ring of Fire business! It would be a darn shame to let that business pass us by and go to Cleveland or Quebec or Sudbury. Through my business history and the cultural training that I have received, I have the skill set necessary to work with both the Matawa communities (as well as the communities along the north shore) and the region of Thunder Bay to ‘bridge’ ALL partners together to accomplish something REALLY GREAT! This will also promote inclusion and foster partnerships to accommodate the growing Aboriginal and minority populations in our community.
I am not going to make any promises that I cannot keep. That is not the kind of person that I am. I will always be respectful to you, ALL the people of Thunder Bay. I operate my business and the administration of the teaching lodge out of my home office and you are welcome to set up an appointment with me just as any of my clients and brothers and sisters of the lodge are. We welcome you and we welcome your input!
Sincerely,
Cindy Crowe
807-473-9851
You can also find me on Facebook!