FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION - New Years celebrations will look very different around the world this year, but Fort William First Nation still putting on a show to not only ring in 2021, but recognize the frontline workers who have done so much throughout the pandemic.
“We want to recognize our frontline people here in Fort William and the frontline people in the hospitals and make sure they are recognized and not forgotten,” said Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins. “So we are going to set off some fireworks to kick off the New Year.”
Fireworks will be set off at 10 p.m. New Years Eve from the lookout on Mount McKay, but Collins is reminding the public that there is no access to Fort William First Nation due to COVID-19 lockdowns, but that shouldn’t stop everyone from catching a glimpse of the show.
“You can see Mount McKay from just about any location in the city of Thunder Bay,” he said. “With the backdrop of the mountain and the snow, you will see it really well.”
“It looks like it’s going to be a bigger show than anticipated, so we thank Leo Bannon for kicking this off and getting it off the ground.”
Collins said it has been a very difficult year for everyone, so it’s important to take a few moments to celebrate and recognize health care workers and frontline staff working in essential services.
“It’s not about Fort William. It’s about the whole region here,” he said. “We are living in a different world right now, but we want to celebrate the New Year coming in.”
“I think it’s important for not only us in Fort William, it’s important for all of Thunder Bay. There is still a celebration. There is still life even though we are locked down.”
In late November, Fort William First Nation announced its first positive case of COVID-19 in the community. Two people were infected with the virus, but have since recovered and there are no active cases in the community.
A lockdown remains in effect and Collins said Fort William First Nation will continue to monitor the situation in the province before making any decisions on when it will be lifted.
“We will continue to monitor and see what happens on Jan. 8 and what the province is going to do,” he said. “I don’t see it getting lifted yet on Jan. 8. It’s a challenge.”
Businesses along City Road remain open.
