Mukqua Waakaa’igan – a place where all cultures are welcomed to share and learn 

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON- May 20, 2021): Algoma University, supported through generous contributions from both the Federal and Provincial governments, is embarking on a momentous infrastructure project on the Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie. 

The Government of Canada is investing over $7.1 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. The Government of Ontario is also providing more than $5.9 million for the initiative, while Algoma University is contributing over $4.7 million to the overall cost of the almost $18 million project.

Mukqua Waakaa’igan will serve as a centre of cultural excellence for the country; a place where people of all cultures will be welcomed from around the world to share and learn from and with each other as part of the university’s commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for cross-cultural understanding, teaching, learning, healing and reconciliation. A recent Economic Impact Study completed for the project indicates that over the next ten years Mukqua Waakaa’igan will generate a total economic impact of $36.4 Million the Sault Ste. Marie economy in added income.

Mukqua Waakaa’igan will showcase historical and contemporary displays, exhibitions and gallery areas and archive  the life’s work of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, a committed group of residential school survivors and their descendants. Once complete, the facility will also serve as the new home for the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre Archives and Aboriginal Healing Foundation Collection. 

The name Mukqua Waakaa’igan was given to this place of learning and healing through ceremony and in recognition of this very significant work. In Anishinaabemowin, Mukqua, the bear, is a carrier of medicine, and as such a healer; Waakaa’igan refers to its lodge or den, a home – so in this way, Mukqua Waakaa’igan is to bring healing and medicine in a safe and welcoming place through the sharing of cross-cultural knowledge and understanding.  

“Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of the Shingwauk site and for Algoma University and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA),” said Shelley Schell, Chair of the Algoma University Board of Governors. “On behalf of the Board, and our community, I would like to sincerely thank the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario for their significant infrastructure investments and ongoing support of this important project.”

Algoma University would like to thank the following partners for their support: the Provincial and Federal governments, Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedNor) and Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie; the Honourable Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities and Member of Provincial Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, and the National Residential School Survivor Society.

Further information on the Mukqua Waakaa’igan project can be found on the Algoma University website. 

Additional Quotes:

“Thanks to the generous support of the Federal and Provincial governments, Mukqua Waakaa’igan will provide a safe space for important dialogues about the past, the present and the future. With over 50 countries currently represented at the university, the site’s potential contribution to combating racism and building the capacity of people to live harmoniously, together is unprecedented in Canada. The facility will provide better access to culturally appropriate spaces for the local urban Indigenous population and surrounding rural First Nations. Mukqua Waakaa’igan is intended to serve as a Centre of Excellence helping to advance the Calls to Action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”– Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, Algoma University

“Construction of Mukqua Waakaa’igan cultural centre at Algoma University is an important step in moving forward on our path to reconciliation. Federal funding will help this new centre to serve as a centre of excellence to the community, promote Anishinaabe culture and create a diverse, respectful space for the local urban Indigenous population and surrounding rural First Nations. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, tackles climate change and builds more inclusive communities.” – The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The Algoma University campus in Sault Ste. Marie is home to Shingwauk Hall, the only residential school left in Ontario that you can still visit today. The Children of Shingwauk are the survivors of this dark period in Canadian history and they have worked tirelessly to speak the truth of what occurred in Canada’s residential schools. This announcement is so much more than the construction of a  large infrastructure project in Sault Ste. Marie. This $18 million project will house the largest set of residential school archives in the country and serve as a destination for people to learn more about our history and our truth and will form a critical step towards reconciliation. This is an incredibly special way to preserve and showcase our history and it is a commemoration of Algoma University’s evolution, and identity as a University in Canada.”  – The Honourable Ross Romano, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities and Member of Provincial Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

“The Mukqua Waakaa’igan Cultural Centre is a project I have been strongly advocating for on behalf of Algoma University and the riding of Sault Ste. Marie.  It has been a pleasure working with the University on this incredibly important development.  Sharing the history and culture of the Anishinaabe with the community, and others from around the globe, through this new facility, will help to continue our work on the path of Truth and Reconciliation. It will also have great economic advantages for the Riding of Sault Ste. Marie as it will attract students from our area as well as across Canada and around the world. Chi miigwetch” – Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedNor) and Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

“I am very happy to see this come to be, Shingwauk’s Vision. Miigwech to everyone who worked on this, it was an honour to work with you all. I am looking forward to the next few years and seeing Shingwauk’s vision for cross-cultural education being woven throughout Algoma University.” – Dr. Paulette Steeves, Canada Research Chair Tier II Healing and Reconciliation, Associate Professor Sociology, Algoma University

“Mukqua Waakaa’igan will benefit not only our community but the country and the world. It will serve as a cultural centre for all people to learn and experience the history of residential schools and the culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Working in partnership with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and residential school survivors, university staff, faculty and community is a model that demonstrates how people of different cultures, spiritual teachings and backgrounds can respect and support each other through a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming place honouring equity, diversity and inclusivity.” – Mario Turco, Chancellor, Algoma University

“For me this whole ceremony and this whole announcement and this whole coming to fruition-  the dream of what happened way back when, when the dream rose within Chief Shinkgwauk- I am so pleased to be here, and to be a part of this. Miigwech” Shirley Horn, past-Chancellor and founding member of The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA)

“To all the children – past, present and future – may Mukqua Waakaa’igan be a place of refuge, safety, healing and learning. Chi-miigwech” – Jay Jones, CSAA President

“Mukqua Waakaa’igan will be a tremendous addition to Bawating, and represents another step forward in our community’s truth and reconciliation journey. I want to recognize the important leadership demonstrated by Algoma University in this regard. We need to learn about, respect and celebrate Indigenous history and culture, and we need to be honest and truthful about the times in our national and local history when, out of ignorance and intolerance, we did not. Mukqua Waakaa’igan will further our efforts, and I am confident it will have a positive impact on our community, province and country.” – Christian Provenzano, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie

“Mukqua Waakaa’igan will provide a culturally appropriate space for the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre (SRSC) and its one-of-a-kind archival collections. Mukqua Waakaa’igan will have a tremendous impact on the operations of the Centre and the communities the SRSC serves. – Krista McCracken, Interim Director, Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre

“The funding provided today makes Mukqua Waakaa’igan a reality.  The facility will be a welcoming place for Indigenous peoples to share truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation; a place for celebrating all cultures, traditions, and ceremonies promoting diversity and inclusion.”- Mary Wabano-McKay, Vice-President Nyaagaaniid, Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity and Student Success, Algoma University

“Baawaating is not only the centre of the Great Lakes, but we also are the centre of the world – and from the centre of the world radiates an original understanding of how we are to relate to each other and look after our mother the earth. Mukqua Waakaa’gan will help us in the facilitation of those beautiful visions and dreams of our ancestors that saw this as a centre of education and sharing knowledge. I’m looking forward to the further involvement of our People and seeing this vision coming to fruition. Mukqua Waakaa’gan is a perfect institution to help facilitate this enriching work.” Chief Dean Sayers, Batcheawa First Nations, Chair Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. 

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