Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). It is a time to celebrate the incredible heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, who have called this land home since time immemorial. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island presents a valuable opportunity to embrace their culture and take pride in their identity while challenging stereotypes and gaining a deeper understanding of their rich culture.

It’s also crucial to acknowledge Canada’s past and the ongoing impact of colonization, racism, and stereotypes on the health of Indigenous Peoples within the healthcare system. By observing this day, we have the opportunity to stand in solidarity and raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs facing Indigenous communities. We encourage everyone to use this occasion to deepen our understanding, challenge misconceptions, and foster a more inclusive and compassionate community. We invite everyone to take part in the many cultural activities and celebrations planned across the city to learn more about Indigenous peoples who have helped shape this country.

The City of Thunder Bay is hosting a free event at Marina Park which includes a Pow Wow and feast, for more information visit: https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/national-indigenous-peoples-day.aspx

For more information on events taking place throughout the region, please visit: Events for Pride, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and National Indigenous History Month – Tikinagan

There will not be a Smudge Ceremony today (June 21).

Please stay tuned for more information about our new weekly Smudge Ceremony coming soon!

Who Are We

Formed in the fall of 2016, Women in Action (WIA) is a united Membership of dynamic and dedicated women with a shared philanthropic interest of improving healthcare at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Currently we are over 100 members strong, funds raised through our membership supports improvements to the Emergency Department. Over the past 9 years we have raised more than $340,000 that has been directed to Emergency Department projects that have included upgrades to both the Trauma and Resuscitation Rooms, creation of a De-escalation Room, upgrades to the waiting room and equipment.

Women in Action Will:

• Act as healthcare champions in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
• Promote the importance of philanthropy in healthcare and the positive impact of making a donation.
• Develop a strong network of philanthropic women and celebrate the impacts of our contributions through social gatherings.

Our First Goal: Supporting the Emergency Department Enhancement Project

Our Emergency Department at our Hospital is one of the busiest in Canada! Designed almost twenty years ago, our Emergency Department helps 110,000 patients per year in a space meant to serve approximately 80,000. There are severe over-capacity issues impacting wait times, patient/family/staff safety and overall patient experience. Hallways are overcrowded and, despite best efforts, privacy and dignity can be compromised.

Funds raised through membership have a direct impact on these issues.

IMPACT! Your Annual Membership Donation Will Help Support:

• A more functional and efficient Emergency Department space, designed to serve the increased need for services.
• Additional treatment spaces to address over-crowding issues.
• A new PRIVATE treatment area to ensure patient privacy and dignity won’t be compromised, especially for mental health patients.
• A re-designed triage area for more privacy and accessibility.

Membership to Women in Action

Membership is open to any woman wishing to be a part of Women in Action. Our strength comes from the open and diverse nature of the group, so we want to welcome everyone we can.

Members will be required to sign a pledge agreement committing to a monthly donation of $41.67+, or annual donation of $500+. A charitable tax receipt will be provided for the full amount of the membership donation.

Join Women in Action

Donate Monthly
You may choose to make a monthly donation of $41.67 or above.

Donate Annually
You may choose to make an annual donation of $500 or above.

Will I receive a charitable tax receipt?

Yes. For monthly donations you will be mailed a charitable tax receipt at the end of each year, totalling that year’s donations. For annual donations, you will be emailed your tax receipt immediately, then mailed all subsequent receipts in the same month every year.

Your Women in Action Committee Members

• Sharon Bon, Chair
• Natasha Zeleny, Past-Chair
• Wendy Bell
• Penny Belluz
• Shannon Joblin
• Vanessa Kasper
• Tracey Maticic
• Lisa Matyasovszky
• Melissa Roulston
• Karin Sitko
• Marnie Madeo
• Kristen Pouru
• Debra Prete

More Information

If you’d like more information about Women in Action please contact us:

Email Women in Action

or contact Kristen Pouru at (807) 684-7106.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Pride Committee will be presenting information booths throughout the month of June, highlighting important topics affecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The booth will feature information on ‘Creating a welcoming and caring environment for transgender people receiving health care in Thunder Bay‘. The booth will be located at the bottom of the grand staircase from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Members of the Pride Committee will be present between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., but information will be available to view and take with you throughout the day.

Join us Tuesday, June 18 for Pride Beading Lunch and Learn, an hour of beading, learning, and community connection.

Where: TBRHSC in the Executive Boardroom (Room #3043)

Date: June 18, 2024

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Bring your appetite as a pizza lunch will be provided.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and create beautiful beaded pins. All beading supplies will be made available. We can’t wait to see you there!  Seats are limited.

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pride-pin-beading-lunch-and-learn-pizza-provided-tickets-920855181637?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Dr. Hassan, the Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network team, March of Dimes, stroke survivors and family members for a walk, stroll or roll in recognition of Stroke Awareness Month.

Date: Tuesday, June 18
Time: 7: 00 p.m.
Location: Boulevard Lake (meet at the Rita Street parking lot)

Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!

All Hospital staff, Health Research Institute staff, professional staff, learners, and volunteers are invited to join us for food and camaraderie as we celebrate the work that has been accomplished in the first two years of our Strategic Plan 2026.