THUNDER BAY — The second edition of Tuwii, in honour of Black History Month, was at the Goods & Co. Market and the Da Vinci Centre on Saturday.
The multi-part event celebrates black-owned businesses. It began with a black-owned business market at the Goods & Co. and ended with a gala dinner at the Da Vinci Centre.
“The demographic is growing and growing. We have so many black people who (have) businesses, we bring small businesses in the economy here, but it doesn’t show until events like this. The community wants to see it and to celebrate with us,” said Liliane Breiland, Tuwii organizer.
Breiland, who owns the African Boutique, said during Saturday the diversity was there, and black business owners could get the support they need.
The support was more than expected, Breiland said, adding that hundreds walked through the business market and about 150 people attended the gala.
“Tuwii is an annual event, last year we celebrated all our events at the Goods and Co Market. We had to change the venue because the audience is growing. We think next year we're going to have again, much more people coming,” Breiland said.
“I want to thank the community because each time we celebrate an event, we see the support. We think it's very important as black owned businesses to see that we are supported and that we need that love and the community is showing it back to us.”
Maria Holland is the regional vice president with RBC.
“I am supporting. I am big on diversity and inclusion. I support all our small business within Thunder Bay. Tonight is a special reflection supporting black owned businesses. There's not a lot, very few in Thunder Bay, and so to me tonight is a reflection of us coming through as a solid community partnership to support our black owned businesses.
“Just being here tonight is representation that it matters, diversity matters,” Holland said.
Holland said she is proud to live in Thunder Bay and see the inclusion the community provides.
“Just looking at the crowd, it's a mixed, diverse crowd from all cultural backgrounds, and that is the beauty of Thunder Bay for me. To me, it’s one of the best places on earth to live, to reside, and feel a sense of culture and inclusivity.”
After being in Thunder Bay for approximately two years, Holland said the black business community is growing.
“When I first came, it almost seemed nonexistent except for one or two restaurants. In two years, I think it's grown exponentially. Today's trade show at Goods and Co. was a reflection that we're growing.
“Are we growing fast enough? Not necessarily, but we're on the right trajectory,” she said.
Liliane has an amazing impact on the local community, Holland added.
“She's not just about the black people, she's trying to promote because there's not enough promotion, there's not enough positivity and speaking up about black owned businesses, but she's all inclusive.
“She's definitely a pillar in this community that supports diversity and inclusion, I appreciate her and I want to congratulate her for the great work that she's doing and encourage her to continue the fight to keep empowering small businesses in particular small black businesses,” Holland said.
