Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig

Motto	An Anishinabe Worldview: Our Story... the truth.
Type	Indigenous Institute
Established	September 2008
Affiliation	Algoma University
Director	Dianne Roach
Location	Sault Ste. Marie & Garden River , Ontario , Canada

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig is a special learning place in Canada. It was created and is led by Indigenous people. This institute works closely with Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie.

It is one of nine Indigenous schools in Ontario that offer learning after high school. Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig teams up with other colleges and universities. They offer programs especially for Indigenous students.

The south side of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig in Autumn 2020.

A picture of the gallery inside Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig.

How It Started

In 2006, the Shingwauk Education Trust created Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. Their goal was to offer education focused on the Anishinaabe way of life. In the same year, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and Algoma University made an agreement. They promised to help each other become independent. This partnership was very important for Algoma University's own independence.

What the Name Means

The name Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig comes from the Anishinaabemowin language. It is pronounced Zhingwaak Gikinoo'amaagegamig. This means "Shingwauk's Place of learning & knowledge."

Chief Shingwauk's Vision

The idea for a place of Anishinaabe learning, like a teaching wigwam, first came from Chief Shingwauk. In the winter of 1833–34, Chief Shingwauk traveled a very long way. He snowshoed nearly 700 kilometers to York, Ontario (now Toronto). He wanted to share his vision for a learning place and other concerns for his people.

When Chief Shingwauk passed away in 1854, his sons, Augustin Shingwauk and Bugujjewenene, continued his vision. The Anglican Church also became involved. In 1873, the "Teaching Wigwam Lodge" was built in the Garden River community. It was called the Shingwauk Industrial Home.

However, this school did not follow Chief Shingwauk's original dream. It became part of the Canadian residential school system. This system was set up by the Government of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada. It aimed to make Indigenous children adopt non-Indigenous ways.

Today, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig is located on the same land. It works hard to bring back Chief Shingwauk's true vision. The institute focuses on learning that is based on Anishinaabe culture.

What They Teach

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig started offering courses in Anishinaabe studies in September 2008. In September 2012, the school became officially recognized by the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC). This means their programs meet high standards.

On November 8, 2018, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and Algoma University strengthened their partnership. They signed an update to their 2006 agreement.

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig is one of the nine recognized Indigenous Institutes in Ontario. It works with Algoma University to offer university degrees. These degrees are in Anishinaabemowin (the Ojibwe language) and Anishinaabe studies. The Anishinaabe Studies program, made official in 2018, was the first of its kind in Canada.

The front entrance to Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig.

In 2016, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig received money from the government. This money was for building an Anishinabek Discovery Centre. This new building will greatly expand the learning opportunities. It will help the institute offer more culture-based programs. In 2018, the Assembly of First Nations decided that the National Chiefs Library would be located at this new centre.

Important People

Here are some notable people who have studied or taught at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig:

Partners and Supporters

The Shingwauk Education Trust started this new institute. Many groups and organizations support it, including: