The Friends of the Jake Thomas Learning Centre

The Friends of the Jake Thomas Learning Centre is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Haudenosaunee culture, language, and artisanal crafts. The organization operates primarily from the Six Nations of the Grand River territory in Ontario, Canada.

History and Background

The organization is named in honor of Jake Thomas, a respected cultural leader known for his work as a craftsman, singer, dancer, orator, and medicine man ritualist-ceremonialist. Jake Thomas was instrumental in founding institutions aimed at maintaining cultural integrity among the Iroquois people. He also served as a museum curator and assistant professor in the Department of Native Studies at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario.

Mission and Activities

The Friends of the Jake Thomas Learning Centre focuses on preserving the oral traditions and cultural heritage of the Haudenosaunee people by digitizing and making accessible the Jake Thomas Collection. This collection is one of the largest archives of native traditions globally and contains extensive material on traditional speeches, international agreements involving the Haudenosaunee and neighboring nations, and cultural arts.

The center offers language and artisan workshops that teach traditional skills and knowledge, ensuring that these cultural practices are passed down to younger generations. Volunteers, especially youth performing community service, play a crucial role in supporting the center’s projects and activities.

Organization and Community Role

As a registered nonprofit charity under the Canadian Revenue Agency (Business Registration Number 868259169RR0001), the Friends of the Jake Thomas Learning Centre operates with a strong community focus. It provides educational resources and supports cultural revitalization among Indigenous peoples, particularly within the Six Nations community.

The center is guided by volunteers and community members who contribute to both the preservation efforts and the day-to-day operations. Under the leadership of key individuals such as Yvonne Thomas, the organization promotes good work habits, community engagement, and cultural education.

Impact and Legacy

The extensive digitization project underway aims to significantly enhance access to the Jake Thomas Collection, benefiting not only the local Indigenous community but also scholars, educators, and the general public interested in Haudenosaunee traditions and history.

By safeguarding these cultural resources and fostering educational workshops, the Friends of the Jake Thomas Learning Centre contributes to the ongoing vitality and recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems in Canada.

Note: This article is based on data available as of April 2025.