THUNDER BAY -- Indigenous leaders and representatives from Northwestern Ontario will gather in Thunder Bay on Wednesday to begin a two-day emergency meeting on education.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the political organization representing 49 First Nations across the province's north, organized the meeting in the aftermath of the deaths of Indigenous youths in Thunder Bay under tragic circumstances.
The bodies of 17-year-old Tammy Keeash, from North Caribou Lake First Nation and 14-year-old Josiah Begg, from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Innunwug, were found in city waterways in May.
Seven Indigenous youth died in Thunder Bay between 2000 and 2011 while attending high school in Thunder Bay.
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, NAN said concerns have been raised by First Nations, students, parents and partner organizations regarding the safety of students attending school in the city. With the next academic year approaching, leaders will meet with provincial and federal government representatives "to address concerns with student safety and prepare for the upcoming school year."
The meeting will be held in the gymnasium of Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School.
NAN said it will webcast the discussions.
