The first Slovaks came to this region in 1886, leaving their homeland due to a lack of opportunity and uncomfortable political situation. The majority of early Slovak immigrants were farmers, miners, craftsmen and skilled factory workers.

The first Slovak workers in the Fort William and Port Arthur regions worked for the CPR, the docks, the grain elevators and the sawmills.

The Slovak community has contributed several lasting institutions to Thunder Bay. St. Peters Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Royal Canadian Slovak Legion Branches 129 and 10, and a variety of dance groups and athletic teams are a lasting testament to the active presence of the Slovak community in Thunder Bay.