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Germen John Terpstra Scholarship

Registered Name: Abbey of the Long Cedar Canoe Society

Business No: 833492804RR0001

Germen John Terpstra Scholarship

In Vancouver, Germen was known by many names - Tulip, Saint Tulipus, Blue Thunder Eagle, Silver Wizard, which testify to the many circles in which he traveled and the many lives touched by his generous spirit and wise heart.  In Germen's memory, we are raising funds for the Germen John Terpstra Scholarship for students at the Pink Triangle Program at Toronto School Board. Germen was the school’s first teacher and the Triangle Program was his final professional teaching assignment before retiring.  Germen (John) was vital in laying the foundation for the school’s now more than 20 year history.  Through establishing this scholarship, Germen’s family and friends hope to continue his support to this vital work in perpetuity.

Founded in 1995, The Triangle Program continues to be Canada’s only high school for LGBTQ2+ youth who are at risk of dropping out of school because of homophobic and transphobic harassment in regular schools or because they need supports and flexibility around struggles with mental health, housing, or other social struggles.  It hosts wonderful LGBTQ2+ youth who are in need of a smaller and safer space where they can find and build community. It strives to reflect their students’ experiences in an LGBTQ2+ and social justice-focused curriculum. They offer caring and flexible supports to help students who otherwise may not complete high school to earn their high school diploma.  You can learn more about the program at https://triangleprogram.ca/