Promoting Unity and Blue-Sky Thinking

Blue Sky Founder Cindy Crowe Recognized for Achievements

Driving home from Fort Frances back in 2005, Cindy Crowe suddenly had a vision of what Spirit was asking her to do.

“I had been receiving spiritual guidance for some time and all at once I could see clearly what I was supposed to do with my life. You might call it divine intervention,” she says.

That vision was Blue Sky Community Healing Centre. Blue Sky began in Crowe’s living room as a grassroots organization that welcomed participation from anyone interested in learning more about Indigenous culture and practices. Moving to its downtown Thunder Bay southside location in the fall of 2013, Blue Sky rapidly became known as a welcoming place for all, from Elders, youth, and people staying at Shelter House to community leaders and members of other local organizations. The centre has helped literally thousands of people learn about and participate in the lives of Indigenous people through interactive engagement and a non-judgmental style.

Crowe bought a new home with 135 acres of land in Neebing in December of 2017 and the Thunder Bay commercial space was closed a year later. With access to bush property next to a conservation area and Lake Superior, Blue Sky is now able to offer land-based teachings and opportunities through programming, gatherings, and ceremonies to reconnect with Mother Earth and move forward on self-discovery and self-healing journeys. Crowe has likened Blue Sky to a potluck dinner where everyone brings something unique and interesting to the meal. “It’s a place to try something different in a warm and welcoming environment,” she says.

In recognition of her work with Blue Sky, Crowe was recently named a finalist for the 2021 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards for the Social Change Award: Regional Impact. Her work was singled out from a pool of thousands of nominees and there are now 23 finalists across the nation who have been selected in seven categories. Crowe’s category will recognize female entrepreneurs who have made a profound and positive impact in society and who are dedicated to their unique brand of social change at a local or regional level. Representing the Central Region, Crowe is one of three regional finalists being recognized in this category. The winners will be announced and celebrated at the 29th annual awards gala, held virtually on Wednesday, November 17. The ceremony will be livestreamed around the world.

Crowe says that, regardless of the outcome, she feels like she has already won. “No matter what happens, I’m grateful for the recognition and the exposure. I hope to inspire other individuals to embrace social change,” she says.

Visit blueskycommunityhealingcentre.ca.