The Thunder Bay branch of the CIC is the former Branch of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, founded in 1981. The original branch was formed by a cross-section members from the community, the nucleus of which was local high-school history teachers and members of the Department of History at Lakehead University.

Today, the Thunder Bay Branch continues to have a strong relationship with Lakehead University, with half of our speakers each year and co-sponsorship coming from various faculties and departments of that institution. Located at the geographic centre of Canada and a short distance from the Mid-Western United States, the branch also benefits from speakers from across Canada and from the United States.