‘Makwa Waakaa’igan will be the first of its kind in the world — a state-of-the-art facility focused on truth-telling, relationship building, respect and healing’

NationTalk: SooToday Staff – Funding from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund has been earmarked for Algoma University. The university has been awarded $5 million for Makwa Waakaa’igan, a future centre of cultural excellence, Truth and Reconciliation, learning and healing.

The $43.3 million project to be built on the campus of Algoma locally is founded through the leadership of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA), a community of Residential School Survivors and their descendants.

The facility will serve as a centre of excellence for sharing global Indigenous practices. It will be home to the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre (SRSC) archives and Indigenous teachings. It will also integrate academic research, art, healing, and ceremony and will be the home of a new Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute, established in partnership with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University.

“Makwa Waakaa’igan will be the first of its kind in the world – a state-of-the-art facility focused on truth-telling, relationship building, respect and healing,” said Algoma Univerisity president and vice chancellor Asima Vezina. “The generous funding provided by Canadian Heritage and its Canada Cultural Spaces Fund towards the realization of Makwa Waakaa’igan will help Algoma University to deliver this Indigenous-led project focused on decolonization. With the Government of Canada’s support, Algoma University is making a major investment in Sault Ste. Marie, and in Truth and Reconciliation. Makwa Waakaa’igan brings Algoma University ever closer to realizing our vision: leading meaningful change for generations to come.”

“Places like the Shingwauk site are important cultural spaces that preserve our history, and as a government we recognize that,” said Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St. Onge. “Supporting Algoma University in the construction of the Makwa Waakaa’igan centre will provide healing and cross-cultural Indigenous learning, advancing truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of the centre.”

Makwa Waakaa’igan is expected to draw more than 35,000 visitors annually and contribute to the education of 15,000 post-secondary and high school students.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024 with a grand opening slated for 2026.