A Community Chautari for Every Nepali Heart in Thunder Bay
Whether you just arrived or have been here for years, NEST is your nest away from home. Giving. Helping. Belonging.
What Is a Chautari?
- 🌳 In Nepal, a Chautari is a shaded rest stop, a tree, a stone platform, where travellers gather, share food, share stories, and feel at home.
- 🤝 NEST is Thunder Bay's Nepali Chautari. A place to rest, to belong, to connect, no matter how far you are from home.
- 🏔️ You carry Nepal in your heart. We carry it together.
Standing with Nepal
On 02 September our community gathered by candlelight at the International Friendship Garden, to remember those lost in the floods and landslides and to stand with the families still finding their way home.
The Government of Nepal's Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund is open to anyone who would like to help, whether or not you were able to be there that evening.
Giving. Helping. Belonging.
NEST organizes, connects, and supports the Nepali community in Thunder Bay, cultural celebrations, newcomer support, and the simple act of showing up for each other.
Cultural Celebrations
We celebrate Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Naya Barsha (New Year), and multicultural festivals, keeping our culture alive and sharing it with Thunder Bay.
Newcomer Support
Arriving in Thunder Bay can be overwhelming. NEST volunteers share community pointers, connect newcomers with resources, and make sure no one feels alone.
Community Programs
Tax filing sessions, immigration seminars, sports and recreation partnerships, summer BBQs, we build the life of the community together.
Upcoming Events
Stay connected. Follow @tbaynepali and NEST on Facebook for the latest updates.
Dashain 2026
📍 Rosslyn Hall, 3405 Rosslyn Road ⏰ 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Celebrate Dashain together. Register by October 22. New Fall 2026 students 50% off, children under 12 and seniors 65+ free.
Details & Registration → See the invitation →Tihar 2026
📍 Thunder Bay (date and venue to be announced)
The festival of lights, celebrated together as a community. Stay connected on social media for announcements.
View All Events →Cancelled Teej 2026
📍 Rosslyn Hall
Teej did not go ahead this year, out of respect for families in Nepal affected by the floods and landslides.
Read the note →Held Candlelight Vigil for Nepal
📍 International Friendship Garden
We gathered with candles to remember those lost in the floods and landslides in Nepal. Photos and the poster are below.
See the vigil photos →Held Community Picnic & BBQ 2026
📍 Silver Harbour Conservation Area
Nepali food, games, music and a great many children running about. Thank you to everybody who cooked, carried, set up and stayed behind to tidy.
See past events →
Latest from NEST
This website holds our stable information, resources, and forms. For day-to-day updates, event reminders, and photos, our Instagram and Facebook are the place to be. The latest posts from our Facebook appear here on the right.
Follow @tbaynepali on Instagram
Event announcements, photos, and reminders, posted as they happen.
Open Instagram →Just Arrived in Thunder Bay?
We know the feeling, a new country, a new city, a winter you weren't quite prepared for. NEST has put together a practical guide to help you get settled.
- ✓ Health card, SIN, and ID documents
- ✓ Banking, housing, and transportation
- ✓ Schools, employment, and student life
- ✓ Surviving your first Thunder Bay winter ❄️
- ✓ Mental well-being and settlement agencies
"Wherever we are, may we always carry the heart of Nepal within us."NEST, Naya Barsha 2083
Our Core Values
Giving
Daan, दानWe give our time, our knowledge, and our care freely. No one gets paid. Everyone gets helped.
Helping
Sahayog, सहयोगWe help each other navigate new systems, new cities, and new seasons of life.
Belonging
Samudaya, समुदायEvery Nepali in Thunder Bay has a place here. There is no minimum requirement to belong.
Respect
Aadar, आदरWe treat each other with dignity, inside events, online, and in every interaction.
Humility
Namrata, नम्रताWe lead quietly, serve humbly, and stay close to the people we are here for.
Honesty
Imaandaari, इमानदारीWe are transparent about what we can and cannot do, and we keep our word.
NEST is your community. Come as you are.
Join NEST, volunteer, attend an event, or simply follow along. There is always a place for you at our Chautari.