Anishinaabe Education

Located on the site of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School, Algoma University offers a unique and historically rich setting for a cross-cultural community where Anishinaabe (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), Canadian and international students and faculty learn from each other in a spirit of friendship and respect.

 

Algoma is committed to providing an educational environment for Anishinaabe students that is respectful, inclusive and welcoming.

 

In 2006, Algoma University honoured and acknowledged this commitment by signing a Covenant with the Shingwauk Education Trust. This Covenant, witnessed by then National Chief Phil Fontaine, among others, articulates a promise by Algoma University to support the creation of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, a sister-institution which will share the campus and provide unique educational programming from an Anishinaabe world-view.

 

This commitment is brought to life in a number of ways every day on our campus, where you will find a focus on developing and maintaining a positive and supportive environment for Anishinaabe students.

 

On campus you will also find:

• A ceremonial Arbour
• A visiting Elder on campus twice a month
• An annual Pow Wow
• Soup and Bannock days
• Women’s Hand Drumming
• Ceremonies and Feasts throughout the year
• Sharing Circles
• An Annual Elders’ Conference
• An Annual Christmas Party

 

 

Anishinaabe Student Support

Anishinaabe students have access to all services of the university, as well as specialized support services.

 

The Anishinaabe Student Advisor provides academic and personal support to Anishinaabe (First Nation, Inuit, Métis) students attending Algoma University. For more information, or to make an appointment to discuss your application to Algoma U, contact:

 

Sarah Crowell
Anishinaabe Student Advisor
(705) 949-2301 ext. 4815
Email: indigenous@algomau.ca
Skype: sarahcrowell.algomau

 

The Anishinaabe Services Events Coordinator assists with activities on campus. On-campus activities are an important way for Anishinaabe students to connect while participating in meaningful cultural events. For more information contact:

 

Margaret Neveau
Events Coordinator
(705) 949-2301 ext. 4815
Email: indigenous@algomau.ca

 

The Anishinaabe Outreach Officer is Algoma U's link to First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. Liaison and recruitment initiatives are the main focus of this position and recruitment is year-round in First Nation Communities, high schools, career fairs, and other educational and cultural events.  To make an appointment or find out more information, please contact:

 

Joanne Robertson
Anishinaabe Outreach Officer
(705) 949-2301 ext. 3151
Email: ask@algomau.ca
Skype: joanne.robertson.222

 

Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student Centre

Located on the second floor of the University's main building, Shingwauk Hall, across from the Learning Centre, the Shingwauk Annishinaabe Student Centre is a popular social hub, where students gather to study, chat and enjoy a cup of coffee. Books, newspapers and other resources are available in addition to a computer lab.

 

 

Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student Association (SASA)

Anishinaabe students of Algoma University are members of the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student Association (SASA), and are represented on Algoma University Student Union, the Anishinaabe People’s Council (an advisory committee of the University's Board of Governors) and the Cross Cultural Committee.

 

SASA supports the academic and cultural needs of Anishinaabe students and offers family and cultural activities for all students in the Algoma community.

 

The objectives of SASA are:

 

• To provide cultural, social & academic support for all Anishinaabe students
• To increase Anishinaabe student participation in all aspects of the university
• To encourage communication with other Anishinaabe post-secondary organizations
• To assist Anishinaabe students with adjusting to the university environment
• To strengthen cultural awareness between Anishinaabe students and non-Anishinaabe students

 

 

For more information, or to get involved, please contact SASA by email at sasa@algomau.ca

 

 

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre

Shingwauk Hall, now a central and integral part of the Algoma University campus, was first established in 1873 as a residential school for First Nations children, and operated as such until the Shingwauk Residential School closed in 1970. The building is one of the oldest landmarks in the Sault Ste. Marie area.

 

With the support of The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and Algoma University, the history and activities associated with Shingwauk Hall are being gathered under the auspices of The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre so that the public may become more aware of the vast history and tradition represented by the Shingwauk buildings and site.

 

A vast collection of documents chronicling the experiences of residential school survivors, The Shingwauk Residentail Schools Centre is one of the important ways we honour the history of our campus. Our staff, faculty and students are actively involved in the process of collecting and digitizing one of the largest archives of residential school life in all of Canada, thus preserving the heritage of our location.