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.

Charges laid following cyber crime investigation

March 26, 2026
TB25020936 The Thunder Bay Police Service is looking to identify potential additional victims following a Cyber Crime Unit and Major Crime Unit investigation. Following a report of an adult soliciting illicit images from a minor in the city, an investigation led to a suspect being identified. As part of the investigation, on February 25, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s north end. During the search a number of electronic devices and a vehicle were seized. On March 12, 2026, the suspect was located and arrested by the Thunder Bay Police Service Break Enter Armed Robbery Unit (BEAR). As a result of the investigation, 28-year-old Matthew STEWART of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication • Sexual interference • Invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age • Sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age • Luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication (three counts) The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance. Anyone who has experienced concerning activity involving the Snapchat accounts Johnnysnowpl4ug or MattStew456 is asked to contact police. The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate the matter and is looking to identify additional potential victims. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com. The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts. Tips for talking to your kids can be found, and reporting of any online exploitation can also be made, at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change (https://talkingforchange.ca/) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

Thunder Bay Police Service Tip Line Closing March 31

March 24, 2026
TB26003763, TB26003756 & TB26004039 A tip line (807 - 701 – 5417) established to assist with a criminal harassment investigation will close on March 31, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. The tip line was established in response to an investigation into a suspicious vehicle, following multiple reports about the vehicle – a silver older model of Dodge Ram pickup truck. Thank you to all those who have provided information to assist investigators. Officers with the Break and Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit located and arrested a suspect in the case on January 30, 2026. Residents who have experienced similar incidents are asked to contact the tip line. Those providing tips must include their name and phone number when providing information to the dedicated tip line so that investigators can follow up. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .

Thunder Bay Police Service Gala raises over $68,000

March 20, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service announced today that a total of $68,502.50 was raised for two local charities through the Thunder Bay Police Service Inaugural Charity Gala.  On February 28, 2026, more than 270 guests came together for an evening dedicated to honouring the Service’s members and strengthening the bonds that unite the community, while raising money for two incredible local organizations - Special Olympics Thunder Bay and the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay. “I am grateful to everyone who committed early to this vision, to the many businesses and community members who contributed, to everyone who attended, and to those who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life,” said Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury. “The men and women of the Thunder Bay Police Service deserve to be celebrated. This community deserves to be celebrated. And these two outstanding charitable organizations deserve support. Together, we are helping ensure they can carry their important work forward,” Fleury added. Albert Aiello, Chief Executive Officer, Boys and Girls Club - BGC Thunder Bay said, “These funds directly empower local youth—helping them build confidence, access opportunities, and succeed in our community. I extend my sincere thanks to the Thunder Bay Police Service for their incredible support through the charity gala.” Cody Jansma, President & CEO of Special Olympics Ontario, noted that the funds raised are critical to support local athletes in Thunder Bay compete in 19 official sports, year-round. “We sincerely thank Chief Fluery and the Thunder Bay Police Service for an impactful charity gala. Our relationship with TBPS goes back 30+ years and we are indebted to their past, present and future support of our athletes. Travel costs to competitions are rising and we couldn’t offer world-class sporting opportunities without fundraisers like this Gala. Thank you for being champions of acceptance and inclusion!” said Jansma. The Gala reflects the strength of our community and the power of partnership. The funds were raised through the generosity of sponsors including RBC, Motorola, Firedog Communications, and Acadia Broadcasting. A significant donation of artwork from the Estate of Norval Morrisseau enhanced fundraising efforts, as did contributions of auction items from several local businesses. As a result, two charities will receive more than $33,500 to help local children and youth reach their full potential. The Thunder Bay Police Service remains committed to working alongside local organizations to create positive, lasting impact.