THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce held a special luncheon on April 20 where they welcomed a special guest, Bob Watts, vice president of Indigenous relations for the NWMO, an indigenous man who has an extensive background in Indigenous policy and reconciliation, who shared some of his knowledge with local businesses and organizations.
"To get him to be here, we're thrilled to be able to bring someone with that high level of knowledge to our community. We need to take those steps and we need to think about it every day and we all have a role to play in reconciliation in our country," said Charla Robinson,Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce president.
Dozens of Chamber members attended the gathering at the Italian Cultural Centre featuring a presentation titled "Reconciliation - Symbolic Gesture or Systemic Change?"
There was also a question period afterwards that allowed for members to better understand the presentation, and how to apply the values to their own businesses.
"Whether it's having an equity interest in the project or significant decision-making authority with respect to the project, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous values and principles are applied to how the project will be executed,” said Watts.
The presentation was part of the Chamber's Aboriginal Leadership Exchange Series, with plans for other speakers later in the year.
