Last night at the Northern Ontario Music & Film Awards we brought home three awards, Oustanding Director and Outstanding Television or VOD Series, and Best Pitch (a new docuseries that I am currently shopping, it’s top secret).

I’m humbled by the recognition Thunder Bay has received by the industry and audiences alike. Being recognized at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards is especially important because these are our people, they’re connected to these truths, these stories, and for some, the stories we shared in the series have been their experiences too. Being recognized at home has truly been an honour.

It’s all a dream come true, really.

All love to Leslie Lucas (series producer, co-director, congrats my friend), the team at Lionsgate Canada (formerly eOne), our broadcast partner Crave and Bell Media, to the Thunder Bay crew, the creative team, and the post-production crew - your good hearts and minds steered us right. Thanks to CANADALAND for starting this journey with me in 2017, it has been a ride. Jon Thompson’s lens and pen have been integral to sharing the Thunder Bay story with the world for a long time, working with you is a thrill ride.

To the good people of Thunder Bay, the brave people who weren’t believed when they told their stories, to those that were abused and taken advantage of by leadership in the city, and to those that continue to fight every day to make the city better - I’ll always carry this story with me and I’ll always fight for you.

Extra love and mention to my partner Madeline Wilson Shaw for making me more brave to do this work by believing in me and being the steady hand and heart that guides me and our family. Your love and support have changed my life forever, Madeline. I am grateful.

After the awards last night, we grabbed a couple of cheese pizzas from a robot next to the theatre. We returned to the hotel and ate it while our little ones, Sam and Thomas Rose, crashed from their red carpet bender.

The journey continues.