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Special Mission

Our Special Mission’s commitment to cross-cultural learning between Anishinaabe communities and the world infuses every aspect of campus life.

The land on which Algoma University now sits was provided by Chief Shingwauk and his community for the express purpose of educating the Anishinaabe people in the way of the European people that came to this territory, while teaching the newcomers how to live in harmony with the Anishinaabe people and all of creation.

students learning how to transform deer hide

As part of the transformational efforts we are undertaking to move the Nation’s priority of healing and reconciliation forward, we will use our history and stories to teach the truth about the Residential Schools’ history in Canada while at the same time, moving forward with Chief Shingwauk’s original vision for education on this site to be one of cross-cultural learning and teaching.

Algoma University is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful learning community; one that values the opportunities to learn from and with students, staff and visitors from all parts of the world. This is what makes Algoma University such a special place.

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Our Special Mission

The objects of the University are the pursuit of learning through scholarship, teaching, and research within a spirit of free enquiry and expression.

It is the Special Mission of the University to,

  1. Be a teaching-oriented university that provides programs in liberal arts and sciences and professional programs, primarily at the undergraduate level, with a particular focus on the needs of Northern Ontario; and
  2. Cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous communities and other communities, in keeping with the history of Algoma University College and its geographic site.
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Our Students have a Mission

Three students smiling in the the student lounge on the sault ste marie campus

 

At Algoma University, each student has their own mission that is put in motion through academics, peer and faculty relationships, community engagement, and campus life. The individual missions of our students are inspired by Algoma University’s Special Mission, which is what sets us apart – and brings us together.

 

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Honouring Our Commitment

Algoma University acknowledges the important work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) in bringing to light a very dark period in Canada’s treatment of Indigenous people. Work began and continues as a result of the advocacy and outcry of IRS Survivors against the assimilationist and extinguishment policies of Canada.

 

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Children of Shingwauk
Our Progress
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Shingwauk's Vision

Concerned for the survival and mibadziwin (well-being) of the Anishinaabe Nation, but equally conscious of the potential benefit of cross-cultural sharing and learning, Chief Shingwauk developed a strategic plan and way forward for his people.

A Kinoomaage Gamig (Teaching Wigwam) lay at its core.

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Dr. Dan Pine Sr

Grandson of Shingwaukonse, 1979

“The Shingwauk School never closed. It just entered a new phase of development. It has to be given a chance to finish what it started. It has to put back what it took away. It will be the people who went there that will care. Bring the people together. Let them gather and they will know what to do.”

Dr. Pine headshot
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Makwa Waakaa'igan

Makwa 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.

Makwa Waakaa’igan
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Anishinaabe Learning

The opportunity to share and learn in a respectful way, using the Anishinaabe worldview perspective; courses that allow for experiential participation for all students.

Keeping in mind; the vision of Chief Shingwaukonse, a teaching wigwam that allows for everyone to learn from each other, to relationship build and use the sense of community to participate in ways of knowing and doing that allow all students to benefit.

ANISHINAABEMOWIN

Algoma University is the only university in Canada to offer a three-year undergraduate degree in Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language.

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ANISHINAABE STUDIES

Through a culture-based curriculum, students will learn Anishinaabe history, philosophy and worldview while experiencing and exploring the importance of self-knowledge, as well as interpersonal and intercultural respect.

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Gabegendaadowin

Gabegendaadowin – which translates to Mutual Respect, Thoughtfulness, Care, Consideration and Awareness for others – is a training program that bridges the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The goal of the program is to address those biases in a wholesome, intentional and collaborative fashion.

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Staying True to the Special Mission

Events and programming are delivered to encourage student success and help promote and celebrate Anishinaabe culture on campus.

Calendar
Addendum to the Covenant

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Seven Grandfather Teachings

Ojibway tradition tells of the Seven Grandfathers who were given the responsibility by the Creator to watch over the people living on earth. They gave to the people, seven teachings that would show them the way to live in harmony, spirituality and with Mother Earth. Respect, to have honour for all of Creation. Wisdom, to cherish knowledge is to have wisdom. Humility, to know humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of creation.  Bravery, to be able to face the foe with integrity. Honesty, is to be honest in facing a situation. Truth, to have truth is to know all of these things. Love, to know love is to know peace.

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Our Partners

Our partners allow us to make this Special Mission possible.

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Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association

Providing for the well-being of former students of the Shingwauk and Wawanosh Indian Residential Schools, their families, and their communities.

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig
Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig

Providing a unique space for the preservation and use of Anishinaabe Knowledge, offering support to faculty, students, and the public.

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Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre

A cross-cultural research and education project which includes former students of the Residential schools, staff, descendants, family, and friends.

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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

Honouring the Lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

This page is your go-to for resources on Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ in Canada. Find books, articles, videos, and more on this topic here.

 

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Pursue Your Mission

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