Showing 36 results

Authority record
Corporate body
Bay Credit Union
Corporate body · 1946-

A credit union operating in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Initially founded 1946 as the People’s Co-operative Credit Union Limited to serve the Finnish-speaking population of Port Arthur. Name changed to Bay Credit Union in 1975.

Abitibi Provincial Paper Mill Employees’ Credit Union Limited was founded in 1951. This became Apple Community Credit Union in 1998, while also opening services to the broader community. Apple Community Credit Union merged with Bay Credit Union in 2014.

The credit union is owned by members and governed by a board.
Canadan Suomalainen Järjestö
Corporate body · 1911-1971

Canadan Suomalainen Järjestö (CSJ) was founded in 1911. Originally called Canadan Suomalainen Sosialisti Järjestö (CSSJ; Finnish Socialist Organization of Canada.) The CSJ is the oldest nationwide Finnish cultural organization in Canada. CSJ drew in Finnish Canadian immigrants who were associated with the Communist Party of Canada and the Canadian Socialist Federation. The Canadian Socialist Federation later became the Social Democratic Party of Canada (SDP). The CSJ published Finnish newspapers, Työkansa (bankrupt in 1915) and Vapaus (in Sudbury, 1917-1974).

In 1914, the CSJ grew to 65 local branches and over 3,000 members, who mostly were associated with the SDP. During 1915, WWI restrictions partially caused a drop in the CSJ membership to 1,867 members. By 1918, in Order-in-Council PC 2381 and PC 2384, the Canadian federal government prohibited the CSJ and deemed Finnish an “enemy language.” The prohibition caused the CSSJ to become what is now known as the CSJ, and they successfully ended their prohibition. By 1921, the CSJ became integral to the Communist Party, although it shifted towards workers' rights. The Canadian government continued to view the CSJ as a threat. In 1940, the CSJ was prohibited again. By the 1950s the CSJ’s members had dwindled to 36.

In Port Arthur, the Canadan Suomalainen Järjestö was associated with the "Small Finn Hall" at 316 Bay Street. Sanna Kannasto was a key figure in the CSJ's earlier years, as a co-founder and organizer.

Sources
Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT)
Corporate body · 1951-

The Canadian Association of University Teachers is an organization made up of academic staff associations at public universities and colleges in Canada. The Association supports the work of local academic staff organizations in their bargaining, grievance, and related work. The Association also works to bring awareness to issues facing the postsecondary education sector.

CAUT was founded in 1951. As of 2025, it represents staff at 130 universities and colleges, including Lakehead University.
Canadian Federation of University Women
Corporate body · 1919-

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) was founded in 1919, initially with six regional clubs. As of 2025, there are 90 clubs across Canada.

CFUW is a membership organization focused on promoting the rights of women and girls, in Canada and internationally. A major emphasis is on education, knowledge, skills, and leadership.
Canadian Federation of University Women, Thunder Bay Chapter
Corporate body · 1932-

The Thunder Bay chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women formed in 1932 and became an official chapter of the national federation in 1933. The Canadian federation is a member of the larger parent organization, the International Federation of University Women. The local club accepts all women who hold a bachelors degree or higher from an accredited university. The goals of the organization are to promote higher education for women and encourage their research and work. The group seeks to increase the interest of its members in public affairs, and provides the opportunity for social interaction and cooperation for women with university degrees.

The club has at times been very active in the Thunder Bay community by establishing study groups on particular subjects for its members to participate in, and having regular meetings and events held throughout the year. Some of the more notable activities of the Thunder Bay chapter include the establishment of a scholarship in 1955 to support Lakehead University Students; the creation of a nursery school to assist under-privileged children from 1971-82; hosting the national conference for the Canadian Federation of University Women in 1977; and the creation of a video honouring their founding president Isabel Mackey Kelly in 1988.
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Corporate body · 1990-

The Canadian Injured Workers Alliance (CIWA) was founded in 1990. The CIWA was formed as an umbrella organization of injured workers groups.

In 1989, a conference brought injured workers groups from across Canada together; this led to the creation of CIWA. These groups included Injured Workers Consultants (Toronto,) United Steelworkers of America, Thunder Bay and District Injured Workers Support Group, and Disabled Forestry Workers of B.C. In 1990, injured workers advocates, including Steve Mantis and Wolfgang Zimmermann, organized the National Conference on Re-Employment of Injured Workers in Ottawa and created CIWA.

CIWA supports local organizing and local groups, and works nationally and beyond to educate workers and the public, protect workers' safety rights, and right to return to safe work.

Sources
City of Port Arthur
Corporate body · 1884-1969

Port Arthur was founded as a municipality in 1884, was granted City status in 1907, and was amalgamated into the City of Thunder Bay on January 1, 1970.

Settlers moved into the area along the shore of Thunder Bay and near Fort William through the 19th century, particularly drawn by the promise of resources: both forest resources and mining exploration. The Department of Public Works construction of the Dawson Road westward, to support the Wolseley Expedition against the Red River Rebellion, established the site which was first named Prince Arthur's Landing in 1870. The first Town Plot was surveyed for settlement in 1871.

The Municipality of Shuniah was incorporated in 1873, including Prince Arthur's Landing, Fort William, Thunder Cape, and the townships of McGregor, Crooks, McTavish, McIntyre, Paipoonge and Neebing. The name "Port Arthur" was established in 1883, renamed by Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) officials. The Town of Port Arthur became separate from the Municipality of Shuniah in 1884.

Railway construction and operations, and the construction of terminal grain elevators became highly important to the region's economy, and competition for these facilities developed between Port Arthur and Fort William. Ultimately, Port Arthur was home to the Canadian Northern Railway and then facilities of the Canadian National Railways.

As Port Arthur and Fort William each grew, and grew closer together, the question of amalgamation was raised many times. The City of the Lakehead Act was enacted by Ontario in 1969, and with it both Port Arthur and Fort William would be amalgamated into the new City of Thunder Bay. As of January 1, 1970, the act took effect and Port Arthur was no longer a separate entity.

Sources
City of Thunder Bay
Corporate body · 1970-

The City of Thunder Bay was established in 1970, by the amalgamation of the Cities of Fort William and Port Arthur, the Township of Neebing, and the Township of McIntyre. Suggestions of amalgamation had been made for decades; the process began in the mid 1960s and culminated in a provincial Act.

The region's settlement by Europeans had begun during the fur trade in the late 17th century, and increased significantly in the 19th century, which also saw the establishment of Municipalities of Fort William and Port Arthur. The name "Thunder Bay" is the longstanding name of the bay on Lake Superior, framed by the Sleeping Giant Peninsula. The name "The Lakehead" also frequently used, refers to the location at the beginning of the Great Lakes shipping route.

Thunder Bay as a City has been shaped by industry: mining, forestry, and the shipment of grain from Western Canada through the St. Lawrence Seaway have all been key to the local economy.

Statistics Canada estimates that as of July 1, 2024, there were 133,063 people living in the Thunder Bay Census Metropolitan Area.

Sources
Faculty of Education, Lakehead University
Corporate body · 1960-

Founded as Lakehead Teachers' College in 1960. Joined Lakehead University and became the Faculty of Education in 1969. Includes undergraduate and graduate programmes, professional development for teachers, and the Department of Indigenous Education. Since the opening of Lakehead's Orillia Campus, Education programmes have been available on both campuses.
Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario
Corporate body · 1897-

The Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) was founded in 1897. The organization provided women with information and education in domestic science, particularly supporting their work and learning in rural areas. Over the years, the Women's Institute branches raised money to support wartime efforts, and supported youth programs, public health, and environmental issues. Local branches may do their own work and keep their own records under the auspices of the FWIO.

The FWIO was founded by Adelaide Hunter Hoodless, and Erland Lee with the support of his wife Janet Lee. Hoodless’ passion for the FWIO is due to the tragic death of her 14-month-old son from contaminated milk, in 1889. She advocated for education regarding proper hygiene in homemaking for girls and women. Hoodless met with Erland Lee at the Farmers' Institute meeting in Stoney Creek, Ontario, in 1897. A week later, Hoodless organized the first meeting for the Women's Institute, with 101 women and 1 man (Lee) present.

The Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario were run by rural Ontario women. The FWIO went on to promote rights and education for girls and women in rural and small-town areas, supporting healthy living for children. Today the FWIO still carries out their historical missions. They work nationally and internationally for social change for all women.

Sources
Lakehead Chamber of Commerce
Corporate body · 1965-1970

In 1965, the Lakehead Chamber of Commerce was founded by the merger of the Port Arthur Board of Trade (1885-1965) and the Fort William Chamber of Commerce (1891-1965.) The two entities voluntarily came together under the Board of Trade Act (1964). In 1970, the City of Thunder Bay was founded, amalgamating the City of Fort William and the City of Port Arthur. The Lakehead Chamber of Commerce likewise was renamed as the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization, working to build and support a local business community.

The Fort William Chamber of Commerce was first founded as the Kaministikwia Club in 1879, out of tensions between the early communities of Prince Arthur's Landing and Fort William, particularly regarding rail infrastructure. They renamed as the Fort William Chamber of Commerce in 1930. The Port Arthur Board of Trade was founded in 1885 and was renamed the Port Arthur Board of Trade in 1922.

Sources
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
Corporate body · 1954-

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) was founded in 1954, as the name Neebing Valley Conservation Authority. It became the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority in 1963. Members of the Board of Directors are appointed by municipalities: represented are Thunder Bay, Neebing, Shuniah, Oliver Paipoonge, Conmee, Dorion, Gillies, and O'Connor.

In 1946, the Ontario government legislated the Conservation Authority Act. The act provided municipalities with the responsibility for managing their watershed resources. The LRCA was founded under the authority of the Conservation Authority Act.

The LRCA has become an environmental non-profit that aims to conserve and protect the Lakehead area waterways. The LRCA manages the watersheds' risk against flooding and erosion from public and private developments, and monitors the Lakehead region's water through GIS mapping and sampling to provide safe drinking water.

Sources
Lakehead Social History Institute
Corporate body · 1997-

The Lakehead Social History Institute is a partnership between historical researchers at Lakehead University and members of the Thunder Bay community. Active since 1997, the Institute supports and promotes historical research in the Northwestern Ontario region. The Institute facilitates research, trains new researchers, disseminates information about historical resources, conducts workshops, assists educational and community organizations, supports historical publications, and encourages local groups to preserve archival materials.
Lakehead Social Planning Council
Corporate body · 1963-

The Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC) was founded in 1963. The LSPC is a non-profit, non-partisan, charitable organization.

The LSPC aims to support marginalized groups in Northern Ontario who are facing inequalities. It works within local, provincial and federal networks. The LSPC primarily works to reduce poverty and financial illiteracy. For example, it aims to reduce and find solutions for people at risk of homelessness. In 2008, it founded the “2-1-1 Helpline;” it supports a variety of communities with resources, such as homelessness and emergency services.

One notable former executive director is Margaret Phillips (1931-2015), whose records are held at Lakehead University Archives.

Sources
LU Radio
Corporate body · 2005-

Radio station based on the Lakehead University campus in Thunder Bay. The station is partially supported by the Lakehead student body. Broadcasts are at 102.7FM or can be listened to online; many programmes can also be downloaded as podcasts.
Ninette Sanatorium
Corporate body · 1909-1972

The Ninette Sanatorium was established in 1909 in Ninette, Manitoba. It was also known as the Manitoba Sanatorium. Ninette Sanatorium buildings were designed by architect W. H. Shillinglaw and built by contractor William Bell, and it was established on the shores of Pelican Lake, as prior to World War II, tuberculosis (TB) treatment generally consisted of “rest, good food, and fresh air.” Facilities included a large veranda where patients could lie in beds while sitting by the lake.

The first patient arrived in 1910. The Sanatorium officially opened with a capacity of sixty patients. By the 1920s, Ninette Sanatorium was serving 280 patients. Ninette Sanatorium became the largest TB hospital in Manitoba. Initially, it served primarily white patients.

Initially, the Ninette Sanatorium housed primarily white patients, but over time, especially after WWII, more and more Indigenous people were housed there. During the mid twentieth century, medical professionals, such as the Sanatorium’s own E. L. Ross, M.D. and A. L. Paine, M.D., believed that Indigenous communities were at higher risk for contracting TB. In 1963, over 80 Métis and Inuit men, women, and children were sent to there for treatment.

By the late 1960s, TB treatment advances lessened the need for an institutional Sanatorium. In 1965, Manitoba funded the transfer of facilities into the “Pembina House;” it provided education programs that promoted the integration of “social and academic upgrading;” and did not solely consist of TB patients. In 1972, Pembina House closed, and the remaining Sanatorium facilities did as well.

From 1973-2000, the Ninette Sanatorium buildings served as the Pelican Lake Training Centre, housing patients with special needs. In 2000, a Christian group used the grounds for retreats and conferences. Currently, the original Ninette Sanatorium grounds are privately owned.
Northern Ontario Pastoral Institute
Corporate body · 1990-2005

The Northern Ontario Pastoral Institute was a nonprofit organization, providing clinical pastoral education in Northwestern Ontario. The Institute was established in 1990 and dissolved in 2025. During that time, it co-ordinated and supported opportunities for pastoral education in Thunder Bay and around the region. The Institute was a member organization of the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education, which later became the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care.
Northwestern Ontario Development Association
Corporate body · 1955-1972

Established as the Northwestern Ontario Development Association in 1955; in 1967 became the Northwestern Ontario Development Council with no significant change in functions and operations; dissolved at the end of 1972 due to provincial defunding which led to the closure of Development Councils across Ontario.

The Northwestern Ontario Development Association (NODA) was founded at planning meetings in March, 1955. At that time, it was funded half by the Government of Ontario, and half by member municipalities across the Northwestern Ontario region, which contributed in proportion to their size. Municipal membership varied year by year, especially due to financial constraints on various municipalities. However, most Northwestern Ontario municipalities are represented within the NODA files in various ways.

In 1966, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 89, “An Act respecting Regional Development Councils." Regional Development Associations became Development Councils in 1967.

The role of the NODA/NODC was to support and promote business and industrial development across the Northwestern Ontario region. This involved supporting individual businesses and entrepreneurs; organizing and carrying out research on existing and potential industries and availability of services in the region; facilitating the flow of information between governments, researchers, existing businesses and prospective businesses; and advocating for the needs of Northwestern Ontario to multiple levels of government. Transportation, utilities, and financial incentives are recurring themes; mining, forestry, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and more are also heavily reflected in the records.