Ontario helps fund Makwa Waakaa’igan Cultural Centre at Algoma University

The Ontario government is providing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to Algoma University for the construction of the Makwa Waakaa’igan Cultural Centre.

The centre's goal is "honouring and celebrating Indigenous experiences, knowledge, traditions and well-being," the Ontario government said in a news release Wednesday.

"Our government is dedicated to working with our northern and Indigenous partners to foster growth and well-being in the North and ensure a prosperous future for all," Sault MPP Ross Romano said in the release.

"I'm excited that we were able to secure $2 million for this project through the NOHFC and thank Minister Rickford for his ongoing support of this file. I look forward to the beginning of construction."

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The Indigenous education facility will include classrooms, cultural areas, research spaces, an archive and library, as well as outdoor ceremonial grounds and gardens.

It will also house a new Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute, established in partnership with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University.

When completed, Makwa Waakaa’igan will support cross-cultural and global Indigenous teaching and learning opportunities.

"Today’s investment from the NOHFC represents a pivotal step in advancing our commitment to making reconciliation real for First Nations communities," Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, said in the release.

"With our support for the Makwa Waakaa’igan Centre of Cultural Excellence, we are deepening our collective understanding of Indigenous truths and fostering a space where meaningful dialogue and healing can thrive. This centre will not only honour and celebrate Indigenous knowledge and traditions but will also serve as a valuable resource for education and collaboration for years to come."

Students and visitors will be able to learn about the history of residential schools in Canada and the work of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association in preserving the history as told by residential school survivors and their families.

“There are also, more than 87 communities that had children forcibly taken," said Joel Syrette, director, Makwa Waakaa’igan.

"They they attended here at Shingwauk And when we talk about what it's preserving, what it's focus is, is it's actually to preserve the archival collection ... and, of course, the legacy of Indian residential schools.”

Education and collaboration

Makwa Waakaa’igan will be a leader in advancing reconciliation in Ontario and Canada by addressing the truth and legacy of residential schools, and operating a space for sharing, healing, and collaboration.

“We have not in the past have had a designated space to do that," said residential school survivor Shirley Horn.

"That was particularly developed in order to to process that healing journey that, so many of us have to go through.”

Syrette said the centre will support the education of truth and reconciliation in the region.

"Makwa Waakaa’igan will be the first of its kind in the world – a centre of excellence focused on truth-telling, relationship building, respect and healing," he said.

"The generous funding provided by the NOHFC is the final step in the realization of Makwa Waakaa’igan, which will help Algoma University deliver this Indigenous-led project focused on decolonization ... This contribution brings Algoma University ever closer to realizing our vision of leading meaningful change for generations to come."

With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Cory Nordstrom