Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 16, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.


Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters.


Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness.


“This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.”


Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada.


“When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.”


Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. 


The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

Update: Charges laid following police investigation into incident at business on city’s north end

December 26, 2025
TB25050160 A charge has been laid following a Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into an incident at a business of the city’s north end. On December 26, 2025, officers with the Major Crime Unit made an arrest in connection to an incident that took place on December 25, 2025 on Hodder Avenue. Officers were sent to the business just after midnight in response to a report of an injured individual. The victim is currently in stable condition. As a result of the investigation, an individual has been charged with aggravated assault. The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.

Police investigating sudden death on city’s north end

December 26, 2025
TB25050184 The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently investigating a sudden death on the city’s north end. On December 25, 2025 just before 1:00 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call regarding a sudden death on Regent Street. On scene officers located a deceased man. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available. Anyone with any information concerning the case is encouraged to come forward and speak with Investigators by calling 807-684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.

Police investigating incident at business on city’s north end

December 25, 2025
TB25050160 The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating an incident that resulted in injuries to an adult male in the city’s north end. Officers were sent to a business on Hodder Avenue just after midnight on December 25, 2025, in response to a report of an injured individual. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is asked to contact investigators at 807 684 1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.