The Thunder Bay Police Service hosted the 6th Annual Tree of Hope lighting on Sunday evening.
This important event builds awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited+ persons.
There are between 1,200 and 5,000 cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada. These victims are daughters, sisters, mothers, aunties, and friends.
“The 1,200 lights on this Tree of Hope shine for them,” said Thunder Bay Police Service Chief Darcy Fleury. “As police officers we have a responsibility to be the voices of the Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people who have suffered at the hands of others. Our pledge is to hold each of them in our hearts as we continue to work in a good way to protect our community and advance Truth and Reconciliation for the safety and well-being of marginalized people.”
The Tree of Hope promotes unity in remembering those lost, and a commitment to move forward together as a community. For the families of victims who continue to suffer from loss, the Tree of Hope is a reminder that they are not alone.
The Tree of Hope Project was initiated in 2019 here in Thunder Bay by now-retired Thunder Bay Police Service Cst. Sharlene Bourdeau and has since expanded to other police services across Canada.
Bourdeau joined the ceremony, which included Drum Songs and a Sacred Fire. Helping to light the Tree of Hope were Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon, Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Ontario Native Women's Association Executive Director Cora McGuire-Cyrette, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.