Oji-Cree songwriter Nick Sherman reflects on the challenges of living in a town steeped in anti-Indigenous racism. His music has taken him across the country to various festivals and events. In song writing, he has been inspired by his memories of timeless hymns of celebration and lamentation on his reserve, the lives of people in his community, his own upbringing, and his current life experiences raising his own family in Thunder Bay. Nick reflects on the challenges of living in a town with a reputation for anti-Indigenous racism and corruption. “Troubles in Thunder Bay, should trouble all Canadians”, Nick explains.

Anishinaabe director Michelle Derosier mixes performance art and politics throughout the episode, allowing us to see Thunder Bay as never before and look into its possible future. Nick looks past the hopelessness of the city, and considers how the fire of adversity can strengthen you and give you hope of things to work towards and the power to make changes to your surroundings.