Historic Day in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY – “This is a very significant day for our City and Fort William First Nation,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs. The Fort William First Nation flag was raised at City Hall today in a ceremony recognizing that Thunder Bay resides in the Robinson Superior Treaty and has been built on the traditional lands of the Ojibwa people of Fort William First Nation.

Mayor Keith Hobbs

City Council approved the addition of the flag on April 25 to fly permanently alongside the Canadian, Ontario and Thunder Bay flags in front of City Hall. The Robinson-Superior Treaty was one of the first treaties signed in the region.

Chief Peter Collins

“It was a great honour to sign the Declaration of Commitment with Fort William First Nation in 2011, and I think it’s important that we not only recognize our good neighbours, but the traditional lands we are on by flying their flag here at City Hall.”

A Declaration of Commitment between the Fort William First Nation Band Council and Thunder Bay City Council was signed in 2011, representing a way to move together toward a brighter future.

“Having the Fort William First Nation’s flag flown at City Hall is an important step in the right direction,” said Chief Peter Collins. “For the last one hundred and fifty years our people have lived beside the community of Thunder Bay and contributed greatly in numerous ways. We can now begin to plan for a future where our two communities establish a more formal and collaborative relationship where we both benefit.”

Thunder Bay City Council is encouraging other municipalities in Northwestern Ontario to do the same with their neighbouring First Nation communities or Treaty Areas as a sign of respect for the traditional lands of this region.