THUNDER BAY — The Municipality of Shuniah may be small, but it holds a historically significant place in Ontario's history.
Shuniah is one of the oldest municipalities in the province, having been incorporated on March 29, 1873.
At one point it included what is now the City of Thunder Bay, and extended as far south as the U.S. border.
Councillors and invited guests gathered at the municipal offices this week to mark the 150th anniversary, but various larger events are planned for later in the year.
"We have a huge history here that people are not aware of," Mayor Wendy Landry said. "We were one of the first mining communities. They mined silver in this area."
She noted that Shuniah is the Ojibway word for silver, money or coin.
"A lot of times I get teased that I am the mayor of money, but as an Anishinaabe woman, it's kind of fun," she said.
Landry said the municipality will ensure there is plenty of promotion for the celebrations that will take place at various times this summer.
