‘Dear Thunder Bay’ gives a platform for First Nation students to share their thoughts, fears, hopes and visions for their future.

As part of the recommendations, laid out in the Seven Youth Inquest, there was a call to community organizations to collaboratively develop an awareness campaign in an effort to change attitudes about the obstacles, challenges and misconceptions faced by First Nation students.

The City of Thunder Bay led the working group of partners that included Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School/Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, Matawa Education and Care Centre and Keewaytinook Okimakanak.

“The partners have worked closely to develop this project, and I am hopeful that the video and other campaign elements will be powerful reminders of not only the inequities that youth face when they come to Thunder Bay – simply to access educational opportunities that are not available in their home communities, but also of the strength and resilience of youth. May we all strive to be kinder, more supportive and compassionate, and continue working together as a community to make Thunder Bay safer for everyone,” said Lee-Ann Chevrette, the city’s Community Safety & Well-Being Specialist.

The Inquest into the Deaths of Seven First Nation Youth concluded on June 28, 2016.

It investigated the deaths of Jethro Anderson, Reggie Bushie, Robyn Harper, Kyle Morrisseau, Paul Panacheese, Curran Strang, and Jordan Wabasse.

A Jury issued 145 recommendations including 31 directed to the City of Thunder Bay, many of which included participation from multiple partners.