Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | CSAA |
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| Formation | 1998 |
| Founder | Michael Cachagee, Shirley Fletcher Horn, Don Jackson |
| Founded at | Sault Ste Marie, Ontario |
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Region
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Canada |
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President
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Irene Barbeau |
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Vice President
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Jackie Fletcher |
The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) is a group based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It was started by people who went to residential schools. These schools were part of a system that separated Indigenous children from their families. The CSAA helps former students and their families heal and learn about their past.
Contents
How the CSAA Started
Before 1998, the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) was an informal group. They mainly organized reunions for people who used to go to the Shingwauk Indian Residential School. These reunions brought together former students, staff, and community members. They could talk about their experiences and connect with others.
The CSAA held its first official meeting in 1998. They also opened an office at Algoma University College that same year. The Shingwauk Project and the CSAA also started the Shingwauk Healing Project in 1998. This project helps people share, heal, and learn about the history of residential schools.
In 2020, important records of the CSAA were added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. This means their history is recognized as important for everyone.
Shingwauk Reunions
The first Shingwauk reunion happened in 1981. It took place at Algoma University College, which is on the old site of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Ten years later, in 1991, another reunion was held there. This event was called "Shingwauk Reunion 1991: 160th anniversary of Chief Shingwauk's Vision."
Hundreds of former residential school students, community members, and others came together. At this 1991 event, many former students began to share their difficult experiences from the Shingwauk School.
The third gathering of former students and staff was from July 4–7, 1996. At this reunion, the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association made a special statement. It was called the "Declaration of the Shingwauk Reunion 1996." In this statement, former students promised to continue the vision of Chief Shingwauk. They also committed to ongoing work for healing and education. This declaration led to the official start of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association.
Working with Algoma University
The CSAA has a long history of working with Algoma University. They also work with other groups on the historic Shingwauk site. The CSAA has two spots on the board of the Shingwauk Education Trust. They are also part of several Algoma University committees, like the Anishinaabe Peoples' Council. The CSAA also has a seat on the Algoma University board of governors.
In 2006, Algoma University and the CSAA signed an agreement. This document explains how they work together as partners. It also covers how the CSAA's historical records are kept at the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre. Since 2006, the CSAA has continued to help with university decisions. These decisions are about Indigenous communities, healing, and residential schools.
In 2017, Algoma University made a statement about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This statement was greatly influenced by the CSAA's experiences. It showed the university's promise to remember the history of Shingwauk Residential School survivors.
Important Programs
In 2003, the CSAA helped start the National Residential School Survivor Society. This national group spoke up for survivors during the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement process. The next year, the CSAA was chosen by Indian Residential Schools Resolutions Canada. They became the Ontario site for a special project to help resolve issues.
From 2008 to 2014, the CSAA managed a program for Health Canada in Ontario. This program provided health and cultural support to survivors. They offered help at community events and at national Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada gatherings. This support was also part of the Independent Assessment Process under the settlement agreement. In 2014, the CSAA stopped this program, and another group took over.
In 2012, the CSAA and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig started the Charlie Hunter Scholarship fund. This scholarship helps students who are descendants of residential school survivors. It is for those studying at Algoma University. The scholarship remembers Charlie Hunter, a student who died at St. Anne's Indian Residential School. His family worked for over thirty years to bring his body home. In 2011, Charlie's body was finally returned to his home community of Peawanuck, Ontario.
In 2016, the CSAA worked with the Archives of Ontario. This was through the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre. They helped create an exhibit called "Family Ties: Ontario Turns 150." This exhibit included information about the Shingwauk family and the Shingwauk Residential School.
Logo and Artwork
The CSAA logo uses a public image of Chief Shingwauk. This image is from the 1850 Robinson-Huron Treaty signing. Chief Shingwauk signed this treaty, and the Shingwauk Indian Residential School was named after him.
Since 1981, the CSAA has asked local Indigenous artists to create artwork. This artwork is used for promotions and educational programs. These artworks are now kept at the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre. They are also displayed at Algoma University. Some of the commissioned artworks include:
- Shingwaukonse: Rising Crane (1981), by Brian Wagoosh
- Shingwauk's Vision: The Teaching Wigwam (1991), by Jesse Agawa
- Gathering (2002), by Leland Bell
- Celebrating Resilience Through Education (2012), by Shelly Fletcher
See also
