Circle of Life Thunderbird House
A culturally significant building by Douglas Cardinal, serving community needs amidst ongoing discussions about its upkeep.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for services
Circle of Life Thunderbird House
Best Time
Fewer crowds for services
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A culturally significant building by Douglas Cardinal, serving community needs amidst ongoing discussions about its upkeep.
"A spiritual and valuable piece of this community, playing a very important role in the neighborhood."
Confirm Entry Points
Signs can be unclear; head to the east door in the back for entry. :arrow_forward:
Bring Tissues
Nose may run after the swab test; tissues are recommended. :facewiththermometer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Design
Exterior
Admire the unique design by Siksika architect Douglas Cardinal, known for his work on major cultural institutions.
Community Significance
Surrounding Area
Recognize its role as a spiritual and valuable piece of the community, playing an important role in the neighborhood.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding Its Purpose
Navigating Access and Services
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Entry Points
Signs can be unclear; head to the east door in the back for entry. :arrow_forward:
Bring Tissues
Nose may run after the swab test; tissues are recommended. :facewiththermometer:
Requesting education!
Check for Events
The building has hosted various community services and events. :calendar:
Interested in participating in a traditional sweat lodge, in or outside of Winnipeg....
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Entry Points
Signs can be unclear; head to the east door in the back for entry. :arrow_forward:
Bring Tissues
Nose may run after the swab test; tissues are recommended. :facewiththermometer:
Check for Events
The building has hosted various community services and events. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the Circle of Life Thunderbird House are sharply divided. Some praise its spiritual significance and its role in providing essential community services like COVID-19 testing, highlighting organized procedures and polite staff. Others express strong disappointment with its physical disrepair, citing taxpayer expense and poor management as major concerns.
"This place is an eyesore. The custodians are not taking care of it. Surrounded by chain link fence and the copper from the roof has been stolen. Cost the tax payers big$$$ and it’s already falling into disrepair. What a disgrace. Now I heard just after opening after 23 years the federal government is giving them another 3 million for renovations. What other building this size requires that kind of money to keep it up? Poorly managed at the tax payers expense. Winnipeg is full of building decades older that look better and are taken care of. Where’s the ownership pride? What do you think the public and tax payers really think apart from the political talk. And I expect The Bay to be the same in 5 years. Think “the Carter” from the movie New Jack City. Update: I just drove by there recently and noticed it’s in even worse condition that before . The roof and walls look terrible. Just a disgrace, real shameful. Are they waiting for the tax payers AGAIN to fix the problem? Where does all the money go?"
brian c
"Very spiritual and valuable piece of this community. Plays a very important role in the neighbourhood."
Terry Halligan
"Got tested for COVID-19. Very well organized"
Todd Moggey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Circle of Life Thunderbird House is located in Winnipeg. Specific public transportation routes or driving directions would depend on your starting point. It's advisable to use a GPS or mapping service for real-time navigation.
Information on dedicated parking is limited. Given its community service role, street parking or nearby public lots might be options. It's best to check local parking regulations before arriving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry requirements depend on the building's current function. If it's hosting a specific service like COVID-19 testing, appointments or specific entry procedures may apply. For general visits, confirm accessibility.
Operating hours can vary significantly based on the services or events being held. For specific services like health testing, check their official schedule. General visiting hours are not consistently published.
While designed by Douglas Cardinal, known for accessible designs, current accessibility information for the building's specific functions is scarce. It's recommended to contact them directly if you have specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The building's appearance has been a point of concern for some, with mentions of disrepair and stolen copper. However, it also holds spiritual significance for the community and has been used for essential services.
While architecturally significant, it's not primarily marketed as a tourist attraction. Its role has shifted, and it's more recognized for its community services and cultural importance.
Photography policies would depend on the specific area or event. If visiting for a service, it's best to ask permission before taking photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no indications of on-site dining facilities. Visitors are advised to seek food options in the surrounding Winnipeg area.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture by Douglas Cardinal is the primary photographic subject. However, be mindful of the building's current condition and any restricted areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Community-Minded Visitors
Engaging with the building means understanding its complex history, from its ambitious beginnings to its current challenges. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community investment and ongoing maintenance for public spaces. Those seeking to understand local perspectives might find discussions about its upkeep and future use particularly insightful.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance and History
Despite these challenges, the building is recognized by some as a spiritual and valuable piece of the community, playing an important role in the neighborhood. The architectural vision behind it remains a point of interest, representing a significant effort to create a culturally resonant public space. Visitors interested in architecture and Indigenous design will find the building's unique form compelling, even as its future use and upkeep remain subjects of discussion.
Community Services and Usage
While the testing experience was generally positive, some visitors noted minor confusion with signage regarding entry points, advising others to use the east door in the back. The process involved clear instructions, divided cubicles for swabs, and information on how to access results. Despite the discomfort of the swab itself, the overall experience was described as pleasant and efficient, with staff being helpful in directing individuals to resources.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit