Canada announced $5 million for Algoma University to build the Makwa Waakaa’igan Culture Centre.
The three floor facility will include spaces for ceremony, cultural events and academic learning.
“It’s a great announcement and we look forward to still being a partner with Algoma U,” said Batchewana Chief Mark McCoy at the announcement on Monday.
The centre will be located on the property of Algoma University, which is the site of the former Shingwauk residential school.
According to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the school opened in Sault Ste. Marie around 1875. It closed in 1970.
“Our Shingwauk Residential School archival staff will be working in there,” said Asima Vezina, president of the university. “The tours are all done by Anishinaabe tour guides, so the “truth walks” that many of our community, about 35 thousand expected to be touring the Shingwauk exhibit annually.”
The design of the Makwa Waakaa’igan facility was developed in partnership with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association which is comprised of residential school survivors and their families.
Construction of the new centre is delayed because of a site search for unmarked graves.
“Very happy with the consultation along the way, because of the sensitivity of the area, being the former Shingwauk Residential School,” said McCoy.
The centre is expected to be built sometime in 2026.
