The Ontario government has provided $2 million to support the construction of Makwa Waakaa’igan – a Centre of Cultural Excellence at Algoma College in Sault Ste. Marie.

The money is being provided through the province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

“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,” said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “I'm excited that we were able to secure $2 million for this project through the NOHFC. I look forward to the beginning of construction.”

Algoma University will use NOHFC funding to build a state-of-the-art Indigenous education facility with classrooms, cultural areas, research spaces, an archive and library, as well as outdoor ceremonial grounds and gardens. Additionally, it will 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.

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. 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.

“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,” said Joel Syrette, Director, Makwa Waakaa’igan. “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. We are profoundly grateful for the substantial support received from the Ontario government. This contribution brings Algoma University ever closer to realizing our vision of leading meaningful change for generations to come.”

The NOHFC was created to foster economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Since June 2018, the corporation has invested more than $835 million in 6,713 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,380 jobs.