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Thunderbird Friendship Centre
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Thunderbird Friendship Centre
30 Beamish Ave. West P.O. Box 430
Geraldton, ON
P0T-1M0

Phone: (807) 854-1060
Fax: (807) 854-0861

E-Mail: jennifer.deroy@thunderbirdfriendshipcentre.ca


- History -

In 1967, a group of people formed for the purpose of providing a meeting place for Indian people of the Geraldton area. This received notable encouragement. The group received the first cash donation from an anonymous donor. A building, which was once a High School, A Separate School, a Knights of Columbus Hall and a Department of Lands and Forest Facility became available for $4,200 or could be rented to the group for $70.00 a month. They purchased it and continued fundraising. Their priority was to sponsor a youth program. The Thunderbird Friendship Centre of Geraldton was established in 1968 and incorporated in 1971. The Centre is open on a drop-in basis and offers social, recreational, educational and cultural programs for all ages. Throughout the years, the programs available at the Centre have grown. They include Courtwork Programs (Family and Criminal), Alcohol and Drug, Native Community Development, Li'l Beavers and Aboriginal Family Support Program. Core staff includes an Executive Director, Bookkeeper, Secretary/Receptionist and Night Attendant. With all these programs, plus additional activities, we soon outgrew our Centre and began plans for a new one. Thanks to the OFIFC, Phase I of the project began in October 1991 with the construction of a foundation and outer shell only. Thanks to the Department of Canadian Heritage, Phase II, occupancy of the main floor only, took place. Unfortunately it was at this stage where we ran into problems and were unable to move in. Then came the nicest Christmas present ever! Jobs Ontario approved funding for completion of the Centre. Our Grand opening was held October 19, 1993. It was a very well attended, happy, memorable occasion. It was hard work and a long struggle but the efforts of many paid off. Our New Centre is beautiful and everyone is proud of it. It has full wheelchair access, enables us to offer more cultural and recreational activities and also serve our members and clients with more comfort and confidentiality. The Centre is managed by a Board of Directors who are elected at an annual meeting. The Centre has an open membership with a fee of $1.00.
 
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