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.

Vehicle theft investigation leads to several charges

April 14, 2026
TB26013520, TB26013636, TB26013331, TB26013233, TB26013087, TB26012596, TB26013449, TB26012768, TB26008439, TB26600553, TB25600502 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple vehicle thefts has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit began the investigation on March 5, 2026, in response to encountering a stolen vehicle. Two suspects in the case fled from officers on more than one occasion during the investigation. Through the investigation, two suspects connected to the vehicle thefts were identified. On April 13, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect. As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Jeffrey BARNWELL from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Dangerous operation (four counts) • Flight from peace officer (four counts) • Operation while prohibited (four counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Theft of motor vehicle (two counts) • Fraud under $5,000 • Theft under $5,000 (three counts) • Failure to comply with probation order (four counts) • Failure to comply with release order • Disobey court order • Cause disturbance • Assault with a weapon • Mischief under $5,000 Some of the accused’s charges relate to outstanding warrants. On April 14, 2026, following a police standoff in the Bay Street and Cornwall Avenue area, officers arrested a second suspect. Details regarding the second suspect will be released following their first court appearance.

Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative – Project Support

April 13, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is launching Project Support, a downtown core stabilization initiative. The project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services. The initiative aims to: • Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability • Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces • Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores • Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners • Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement “Our approach starts with support. The goal is to meet people where they are, connect them with the right services, and reduce the risks they’re facing,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “This isn’t about penalizing poverty or addiction; it’s about improving safety in the downtown cores while focusing enforcement on the individuals who are taking advantage of vulnerable community members.” The initiative is operating in response to ongoing concerns from the business community and the public regarding open drug use, disorderly conduct, vandalism, aggressive behaviours, trespassing, and related impacts on safety, economic activity, and community confidence. This will be carried out through increased foot patrols. The project will begin on April 20, 2026, in downtown cores with patrols focused on: • Transit stops • BIA storefronts • Public plazas • Parking areas • Commercial areas • Pedestrian walking areas • Public gathering areas During patrols, the first step of contact will be a TBPS Social Navigator or Community Inclusion Team Coordinator offering referrals to appropriate services like housing, or addiction supports. Criminal enforcement is the last option and may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in share public spaces in downtown cores persist.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

April 13, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a week dedicated to honouring the essential work of 911 Operators and Dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact in emergencies. Throughout the week on social media, TBPS will be highlighting the critical role of its Communications Centre. This includes the proper use of 911 services, through a top 10 listing of interesting calls that were received in 2025. 911 Operators and Dispatchers are the first lifeline for people in crisis. When someone calls 911, communicators are the first voice they hear. They assess the situation, gather vital information, and dispatch police and fire services while providing calm, steady guidance during moments of fear, confusion, or danger. In the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre, every call is handled by a trained professional who listens carefully, asks the right questions, and coordinates emergency responses during fast‑moving, high‑risk situations. Their work is often unseen, but it is indispensable to public safety. “As Inspector overseeing our Communications Centre, I see firsthand that every call we receive represents someone’s worst moment and our communications professionals are the calm in that storm,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “They are the first lifeline, guiding both the public and our officers with precision, professionalism, and compassion. Their voice brings clarity in chaos, and their work saves lives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and excellence they demonstrate every single day.” The Thunder Bay Police Service extends its sincere appreciation to all 911 Communications Centre staff for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the community. Current career opportunities in our Communications Centre can be found here: Communication Operator - Temporary (POOL) | Thunder Bay Police Service |