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.
The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists' Club was first established on January 26, 1933 as a chapter of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. The club originally consisted of 32 members, with Colonel Lionel S. Dear as president. After holding several meetings in 1933 the club dissolved, primarily due to the effects of the Great Depression. The Field Naturalists restarted in 1937 with Claude E. Garton as president. By 1939 there were upwards of 50 active members. The Second World War brought most club activities to a halt, as many members were busy with the war effort. The club was once again revived in 1946 by Dr. Howard Quackenbush and Dr. Albert E. Allen, who was president from 1943-46 and from 1951-53. Since then, the club has gained steadily in membership and continues to be active in the Thunder Bay community.
The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists originally formed to promote the sharing of knowledge about natural history topics among its members. At first, the club concentrated on the specific interests of individual members on certain plants, birds, fish, rocks, etc, but as time progressed they began to focus more upon larger environmental issues. The current goals of the Field Naturalists are to: acquire, record, and disseminate knowledge of natural history; to promote the wise use of natural resources; to stimulate public interest in nature and its protection; and to promote the preservation of natural areas. Throughout their history the Field Naturalists have engaged in many activities to meet these goals. They have regularly held field trips to various parks in the region. Members have lectured on natural history topics. They have brought in guest speakers at their meetings from the Lakehead University Biology department, the Thunder Bay region, and other individuals from outside the region. The club has also actively supported conservation activities to protect wildlife, including supporting a ban on the harmful chemical DDT. They have participated in discussions on the management of provincial parks, Ontario Hydro projects, and other environmental concerns.
A university based in London, Ontario. Founded in 1878 as the Western University of London Ontario; renamed University of Western Ontario in 1923; rebranding as Western University took place 2012. As of 2025, the university has over 35,000 students.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) was founded in 2004 in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It acts as the major acute care hospital serving people in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario.
The TBRHSC is known for its cancer research and education practices. The hospital works closely with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. The TBRHSC is listed as one of the “Top 40 Research Hospitals in Canada."
In 1995, Thunder Bay’s McKellar General Hospital (founded in 1903) and Port Arthur General Hospital (founded in 1909) amalgamated to form the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. This organization evolved into the TBRHSC with a new building, holding its grand opening in 2004. The new build design received awards, such as being rated sixth on the list of “the world's 30 most architecturally impressive hospitals.”
Website active as of 2025: https://tbrhsc.net/
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. A History of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. https://tbrhsc.net/tbrhsc/history/
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Research. https://tbrhsc.net/programs-services/regional-cancer-care/information-for-healthcare-providers/research/
Wikipedia.Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Bay_Regional_Health_Sciences_Centre
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.
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
- CIWA. Our History. https://www.ciwa.ca/our-history/
- Lakehead University. Canadian Injured Workers Alliance fonds. https://archives.lakeheadu.ca/index.php/canadian-injured-workers-alliance-fonds-2
- Wikipedia. Canadian Injured Workers Alliance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Injured_Workers_Alliance
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.