In partnership with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA), Algoma University hosted a powerful and emotional gathering to mark the official turning of the earth for Makwa Waakaa'igan -- a transformative National Centre of Cultural Excellence -- led by Residential School Survivors and the first of its kind in Ontario.
Located on the site of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School and led by the CSAA, Makwa Waakaa'igan will serve as a national hub for cross-cultural learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It will further Algoma University's Special Mission of fostering respectful cross-cultural education, honouring the vision first shared by Chief Shingwauk.
"The name Makwa Waakaa'igan was given to this place through ceremony," shared Shirley Horn, Elder, Survivor, and Co-Founder of the CSAA. "We understand that our four-legged relative, Makwa, is a medicine carrier and, as such, a healer who holds the sacredness of these medicines. The medicine they carry brings healing to the body, mind, and spirit. In reverence for Makwa's gifts, their name marks this place's significance and honours the work yet to be done into the future -- a place where people will come to learn the importance of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, how different world views can enhance and strengthen understanding, and how we can work together in harmony in the pursuit of the good life, Mino-bimaadiziwin."
The Earth Turning gathering brought together Elders, Survivors, Knowledge Keepers, community leaders, local elected officials, and key partners to honour the spiritual, cultural, and historical foundations of this vital project. The act of turning the earth marks a deeply symbolic and significant moment, signalling the beginning of construction and a new chapter of healing and hope.
Once complete, the Centre is expected to bring over 35,000 visitors each year, engage more than 15,000 post-secondary and high school students annually, and generate an estimated $54.3 million in economic impact. As construction begins, Algoma University looks forward to the continued collaboration with community members and partners who have shaped this journey from the beginning.
Makwa Waakaa'igan is being realized through the vision and generous support of the CSAA, Indigenous communities, and funding partners, including the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Cultural Spaces Fund), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, Housing and Infrastructure and Communities Canada, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
To learn more about Makwa Waakaa'igan, visit algomau.ca/special-mission/makwawaakaaigan/. To support the vision of this new Centre of Cultural Excellence and make a donation, please visit algomau.ca/giving/how-to-give/ and designate your gift to Makwa Waakaa'igan.
To view background information on Makwa Waakaa'igan, click here.
To view renderings of the space, click here.
Additional Quotes:
"It does my heart good to know that it's finally happening that we're going to have a place that's going to house all the CSAA information and archives, and there's going to be spots for people to have ceremony, heal and learn about our culture. I expect there's going to be a big ceremony. Thanking the Creator for allowing us to get this far in the project. I'm sorry I can't be there, and I would love to be there, but my heart is there too. It's about all I can say today, but I look so very happy that it's happening. It took a lot of work to get us to this point on all parties and partnerships. Have a great day. Love you all."
- Jackie Fletcher, Elder, Survivor, CSAA Member
"The construction of Makwa Waakaa'igan continues the vision first shared by Chief Shingwauk -- the vision of creating a place where all learners can come together in the spirit of mutual respect and shared understanding. This project marks an important milestone on that path, helping to foster dialogue, promote healing, and honour the strength of Indigenous knowledge and culture within an inclusive learning environment."
- Martin Bayer, Vice-President Niiyaagaaniid Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Algoma University
(ENGLISH) "The earth-turning ceremony for the new Makwa Waakaa'igan Cultural Centre marks the beginning of a new chapter in our shared history and commitment to reconciliation. The Centre will honour the strength and resilience of the Children of Shingwauk, while bringing people together to encourage better understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It is a symbol of hope that will become a vibrant cross-cultural space for learning, healing and celebrating this rich cultural heritage."
- The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
(FRENCH) « La cérémonie d'inauguration des travaux du futur centre culturel Makwa Waakaa'igan marque le début d'un nouveau chapitre de notre histoire commune et un engagement en faveur de la réconciliation. Le centre rendra hommage à la force et à la résilience des enfants de Shingwauk, tout en rassemblant les gens pour favoriser une meilleure compréhension entre les communautés autochtones et non autochtones. C'est un symbole d'espoir qui deviendra un espace interculturel dynamique pour l'apprentissage, la guérison et la célébration de ce riche patrimoine culturel. »
- L'honorable Steven Guilbeault, ministre de l'Identité et de la Culture canadiennes et ministre responsable des Langues officielles
"Our government is proud to support Algoma University and the construction of Makwa Waakaa'igan, a cultural centre of excellence that will honour Indigenous histories and encourage visitors and students to gain a better understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives. Through our province's ambitious capital plan to protect Ontario, we are investing in public buildings and infrastructure to help build stronger and better-connected communities."
- Kinga Surma, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure
(ENGLISH) "The earth turning for Makwa Waakaa'igan is a powerful step toward healing and reconciliation, and I am proud that our government has supported it with more than $12 million in investments. This survivor-led centre will be a national hub to honour truth, lift up voices, and inspire a shared path toward hope and understanding."
- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma
(FRENCH) « L'inauguration des travaux du centre Makwa Waakaa'igan marque une grande étape vers la guérison et la réconciliation, et je suis fier que notre gouvernement ait soutenu ce projet grâce à des investissements de plus de 12 millions de dollars. Ce centre dirigé par des survivants et survivantes sera un carrefour national pour honorer la vérité, faire entendre les voix autochtones et tracer une voie commune vers l'espoir et la compréhension. »
- Terry Sheehan, député de Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma
"Makwa Waakaa'igan will be a powerful testament to the strength and leadership of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, and the City is proud to see this nationally significant centre take root here in Sault Ste. Marie. Its creation reflects the continued efforts of Algoma University to foster healing and learning through partnership with Indigenous leaders and community members, ensuring that Makwa Waakaa'igan will become both a place of remembrance and renewed hope."
- Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor, City of Sault Ste. Marie
"Today's groundbreaking for Makwa Waakaa'igan is a milestone for Sault Ste. Marie and all of Northern Ontario. This Centre will be a vital space for preserving Indigenous culture, supporting cultural revitalization, and creating real opportunities for education and community connection.
As the first Residential School Survivor-led national Centre of Cultural Excellence, it reflects the resilience and leadership of Survivors and their vision for truth and healing. Our government's support through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program underscores the commitment to invest in projects that build stronger, more inclusive, and more united communities.
Makwa Waakaa'igan is not just a building -- it's a foundation for learning, reconciliation, and growth that will benefit generations to come."
- Chris Scott, Member of Provincial Parliament, Sault Ste. Marie
