REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities face racism in Thunder Bay, according to a new study issued by Diversity Thunder Bay. Racism has a significant impact on social cohesion in Thunder Bay, hindering cooperation, quality of life, and participation by various population sectors. Most of the racializing takes the form of subtle and marginalizing social practices although blatant racism does exist. Retail establishments, police services, employment sector, schools and post-secondary institutions were the most prominent sites of racializing.

Social practices operated differently in these different locations. What is it like to be Native in Thunder Bay? Well, it is all right as long as no one knows! (Laughs) It is like riding a Honda when you should be riding a Harley Davidson. It is OK as long as no one sees you. (interview participant)

The study consisted of 392 community surveys and interviews with 45 people over a three-month period between October and December 2001.

Diversity Thunder Bay is a coalition, including representatives from many organizations spanning business, education, government, multi-cultural, First Nations, and other sectors. The project was funded through the Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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