Algoma University will build a cross-cultural centre on the Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie with $7.1 million from the federal government and $5.9 million from Ontario. The university is contributing more than $4.7 million to the overall cost of the almost $18 million project.
Ontario Construction News reports that the new indigenous cultural centre will attract visitors from all around the world. A recent economic impact study concluded the facility will generate $36.4 million for the Sault Ste. Marie economy over 10 years.
"Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of the Shingwauk site and for Algoma University and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA). 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."
Chair of the Algoma University Board of Governors | Shelley Schell
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.
According to Newswire, the project includes renovations to the University's East wing building to construct Mukqua Waakaa'igan, the Anishinaabemowin name endowed to the new cultural facility. This space will serve as a venue to share and promote the culture of indigenous peoples in Canada and showcase the work produced by children of Shingwauk residential school survivors.
The new facility will provide better access to culturally appropriate spaces for the local urban Indigenous population and surrounding rural First Nations communities. The cultural facility is intended to serve as a Centre of Excellence, promote Anishinaabe culture, and help to advance the Calls to Action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The Sault Star states that research symposiums, national conferences and cultural events from all countries will be welcome at the site. A fairly significant space will be dedicated to Shingwwauk Residential Schools Centre.
The centre will feature the following:
- Traditional medicine gardens
- Ceremonial and sacred spaces
- First Nation arts performances
- Historical and contemporary display
- Archival collections
Square footage of what's expected to be a two-storey building is to be announced. An architect will be chosen by this fall with construction starting in late spring 2022 and running about a year.
"This is about sharing the stories of what happened in the residential school period, a black mark in our history. What we are here to do is to ensure that those memories are not lost, to ensure that that can never happen again, to find a way to promote the Indigenous culture and heritage that was taken away through what happened in the residential school period."
Minister of Colleges and Universities | Ross Romano
The centre will bring elementary and secondary students to the university's Queen Street East campus many times before they decide where to get their post-secondary education. The long-term goal of the university is to reach 3,000 full-time equivalent students.
