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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.

students learning how to transform deer hide

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.

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.

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

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.
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.

ceremonial harbour
7 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, 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.

outdoor image of lake and trees
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.

Staying True to the Special Mission

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

Opportunities include Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow, Sharing Circles, Ceremonial Feasts/Soup & Bannock Days, elders’/youth gatherings, ceremonial arbour, Anishinaabe Research Symposium, Taking Care of our Land Symposium, Akii (Land) & Environmental Stewardship certification, First Nation Social Policy and Community Development certification, SHIFT Training, and many more.

three students dressed in regalia at powwow
Addendum to the Covenant
two students laughing
Anishinaabe Students

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

student at convocation
National Chiefs’ Library & Archive at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig

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

shinwauk building view from front lawn
Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre

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

two guests at gathering speaking outside
Universities Canada 5th Annual National Building Reconciliation Forum 2019

The significance of the Forum’s historic location and collaborative approach to programming truly made this an event not to be missed.

tipi
Taking Care of Our Land Symposium

this symposium explores the inclusion of cultural and traditional practices of land management, planning, and use for Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario.

Makwa Waakaa'igan

Welcoming our future

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.

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

February 14th

This page serves as a guide to help locate resources about Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ in Canada. Here you will find links to books, e-books, journals, articles, theses, videos, websites and more about this topic.

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Gabegendaadowin (formerly SHIFT)

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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student holding traditional hide drum
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 students hanging out in student lounge
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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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.

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