THUNDER BAY — A new social media campaign kicked off Tuesday in an effort to combat racially-motivated crimes in Thunder Bay, in particular those involving Indigenous communities.
The campaign is the result of a partnership among the City of Thunder Bay and various community organizations.
It's in response to the findings of the Seven Youth Inquest into the deaths of Indigenous young people in Thunder Bay between 2000 and 2011.
The Inquest concluded in June 2016 with145 recommendations, including 31 directed to the city.
Recommendation 112 called on the city to support the combined efforts of the Anti-Racism & Respect Advisory Committee and the Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee to develop a public education campaign.
Regina Mandamin, manager of Indigenous relations and inclusion for the city, said a lot of time has been spent consulting with community partners in the lead-up to the campaign.
"Racism and hate are very serious and sensitive issues in our community – specifically for those individuals and families who have been profoundly impacted," Mandamin stated.
"We want people to know that being 'non-racist' isn't enough. We need all Thunder Bay residents to step up and learn how to be actively anti-racist, so that Indigenous community members can enjoy the same level of safety and well-being, and have access to the diverse opportunities that the rest of the community enjoys," she said.
The city worked with members of the Seven Youth Inquest partnership, Dennis Franklin Cromarty High school, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, Keewaytinook Okimakanak and Matawa Education & Care Centre.
It also consulted with Fort William First Nation, the Lakehead Social Planning Council/211, the Thunder Bay Public Library, Diversity Thunder Bay, and representatives of the Thunder Bay Youth Inclusion Program and the Regional Multicultural Youth Council.
The social media campaign will run for five weeks.
