Where: Fort Frances Public Library 601 Reid Ave, Fort Frances, ON P9A 0A2
When: Wednesday May 28th, from 4 pm to 7 pm
Thunder Pride Association (TPA) is excited to be living up to its Mission Statement in a way like we have never done before, thanks to the funding provided through a Women and Gender Equity (WAGE) grant. Our Mission Statement : “We are a 2SLGBTQIA+ Community that supports all people of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario to grow into an inclusive and diverse community”. Due to limited capacity and resources our physical efforts often only reach as far as Thunder Bay. When it comes to “Northwestern Ontario” we often rely on folks to travel to Thunder Bay or connect with us online to participate in what we are able to offer.
This year we are excited to announce that we will be traveling to half a dozen smaller towns/cities in Northwestern Ontario to host events, collect needs-based survey data, and provide resources to help local leaders with their own initiatives. The project is for all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, but there will be a focus on the Two-Spirit group and an overall intersection of queer identities and indigenous identities. These are both marginalized groups that have unique challenges, but also share in some commonality with each other. It is in this common ground that TPA seeks to create a space through this WAGE funded project where all are welcome to participate and join in the discussion.
Our first event of this kind will be hosted at the public library in Fort Frances on May 28th. The event will run from 4 pm to 6 pm, with an additional open hour afterwards to wind down until 7 pm. There will be food and beverages provided. The event will open and close with an Elder offering their wisdom and teachings. TPA will host an open discussion on the intersectionality of 2SLGBTQIA+ and indigenous identities. We will also offer a poetry crafting activity that encourages people to explore what gender identity and expression means to them individually. The Elder will be available throughout the event for individuals to ask them questions to learn more about the Two-Spirit teachings. The event is family friendly and all are welcome to attend. We are hopeful that those in other communities nearby to Fort Frances are able to make the trip and attend the event as well.
These events are intended to be an opportunity to socialize, learn, and affirm the personal identities that we walk in this world with. As part of the WAGE grant goals, TPA will collect data through surveys at these events and present the finds at a presentation in 2026 to be hosted in Thunder Bay with online video participation available. The information collected will help to inform the means of future events to be hosted and the resources to be provided by TPA in order to better support more remote communities.
Thank you,
Matt
TPA Vice-Chair
