Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre facts for kids

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre (SRSC) is a special place at Algoma University. It acts like a library and museum for important historical items. Its main goal is to collect and keep materials about the history of residential schools in Canada. It also focuses on healing, reconciliation, and Indigenous communities.

The Centre is managed by both Algoma University and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association. It works closely with the Engracia de Jesus Matias Archives and Special Collections at Algoma University.

The Centre's History

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre grew from an earlier project. This project was called the Shingwauk Project.

The Shingwauk Project Begins

The Shingwauk Project logo

The Shingwauk Project started in 1979. It was created by Algoma University professor Don Jackson. Many local partners helped, too. These included Lloyd Bannerman, Ron Boissoneau, and Dan Pine Sr. Mr. Pine was a survivor of a residential school. Many other former students of the Shingwauk and Wawanosh Indian Residential Schools also joined.

The Shingwauk Project was set up to help people learn about different cultures. It aimed to recognize the history of residential schools. It also wanted to highlight the story of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School.

Since 1979, the Shingwauk Project has done many things. Their motto was 'healing, sharing, and learning.' They hosted reunions for residential school survivors. They also created historical pamphlets and educational displays. They offered tours of the Shingwauk site. They also started an archive, library, and heritage collections. These collections later became the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre.

Starting the Archive

Collecting historical items for the Shingwauk Project began in 1981. This happened at the first Shingwauk reunion. Former students and staff of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School were invited. They came back to the Shingwauk site to share their experiences. Many brought documents and photos they wanted to share. This led to the start of an informal archive.

This early effort grew into the official collections of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre. From 2010 to 2012, the Centre's collections became more professional. They hired special staff to manage the archives. They also created digital records. They started using Canadian Rules for Archival Description to organize everything.

What the Centre Collects

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre holds many important items. These items are about residential schools across Canada. They also cover Indigenous organizations and artists. The Centre collects materials from groups working on healing and reconciliation.

The collections include records from residential schools. There are also photographs, school newsletters, and church papers. You can find letters from staff. There are also artifacts and artwork made by students. These items were created during and after their time at residential schools.

In September 2020, some of the Centre's collections were recognized. They were added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. This means they are considered very important historical documents for everyone.

Learning and Programs

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre offers many learning programs. These programs help people understand different cultures. They have activities for elementary and high school students. They also offer training for adults.

In 2018, the Centre started a partnership called SHIFT. SHIFT stands for Shifting Indigenous Frontline Tactics. They worked with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. This partnership helps police staff get ongoing cultural training. In 2019, the SHIFT program was nominated for an award.

The Centre's Logo

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre's logo comes from the original Shingwauk Project logo. The image of a crane was chosen for the first logo. This is because Chief Shingwauk had a special connection to the crane. He was part of the crane clan. His family symbol, called a dodem, was a crane.

The Shingwauk Project logo was based on a painting called 'Rising Crane.' In 2011, a staff member named Michelle McMillan designed a new version. This modern crane logo is still used by the Centre today.

Awards and Recognition

The Centre's work has been recognized with many awards. In 2013, the Archives Association of Ontario gave them an award. This was for the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre and Algoma University's Arthur A. Wishart Library. In the same year, they also won the Project of the Year award.

In 2016, the Centre worked with the Archives of Ontario. They helped with an exhibit called "Family Ties: Ontario Turns 150." This exhibit included information about the Shingwauk family and the Shingwauk Residential School. The "Family Ties" exhibit later won an award in 2017.

In August 2018, the Centre opened a new exhibit. It was called Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall. This exhibit tells the history of the Shingwauk Residential School site. It also shows how Indigenous people have been strong and resilient. The Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall space won an award in 2018.

In 2019, Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall was nominated for a national award. It also won another local award. The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre also received a heritage award from the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

In March 2020, the Centre received another award. It was called the Leading Cultural Destination, Soft Power Best Cultural Organisation award.