Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre: A Legacy of Healing and Research
The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre stands as a vital institution dedicated to acknowledging the complex legacy of the residential school system in Canada. Emerging from a grassroots initiative known as the Shingwauk Project, the Centre serves as a hub for cross-cultural research, education, and healing, ensuring that the history of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School is preserved and understood by future generations.
The Origins of the Shingwauk Project
Founded in 1979, the Shingwauk Project was the catalyst for the current Centre. It was established by Don Jackson, a professor at Algoma University, alongside a dedicated group of local partners. This collaborative effort included Lloyd Bannerman of Algoma University College, Ron Boissoneau of Garden River First Nation, and Dan Pine Sr., a residential school survivor and member of Garden River First Nation, as well as numerous former students from the Wawanosh and Shingwauk Indian Residential Schools.
The project was designed as a cross-cultural educational and research initiative. Its primary goal was to bring the history of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School to the forefront while acknowledging the broader impact of the residential school system. Since its inception, the project has operated under the guiding principles of "healing, sharing, and learning."
Early Initiatives and Community Outreach
To foster reconciliation and memory, the Shingwauk Project implemented several community-focused activities, including:
- Hosting residential school reunions for former students.
- Creating historical pamphlets and educational displays.
- Offering guided tours of the Shingwauk site.
- Establishing the library, archive, and heritage collections that eventually formed the foundation of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre.
The Evolution of the Archives
The formal collection of archival materials began in 1981 during the first Shingwauk reunion. This event encouraged former staff and students to return to the site and share their personal experiences. Many attendees contributed photographs and documents, leading to the creation of an informal, grassroots archive.
Between 2010 and 2012, the archives underwent a period of professionalization to ensure the long-term preservation of these records. This transition involved hiring dedicated archival staff, implementing digital record-keeping, and applying the Canadian Rules for Archival Description—the national standard for organizing and describing archival materials.
Global Recognition and Collections
The Centre houses a vast array of materials relating to residential schools across Canada, Indigenous organizations, and artists. The collections include:
- Administrative records and staff correspondence.
- School newsletters and church publications.
- Photographs and student-created artwork and artifacts.
- Records of organizations focused on healing and reconciliation.
The global significance of these records was recognized in September 2020, when the Shingwauk Reunion fonds and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association fonds were added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
Cross-Cultural Programming and Community Impact
Beyond its archival work, the Centre provides extensive outreach and education for professional development groups and students in elementary and high schools. A notable example of this is the Shifting Indigenous Frontline Tactics (SHIFT) partnership, launched in 2018 with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. This program provides ongoing cultural training for police staff and was nominated for the Sault Innovation Award as the Innovative Project of the Year in 2019.
Key Facts
- Founded: The Shingwauk Project began in 1979.
- UNESCO Status: Specific fonds were added to the Memory of the World Register in 2020.
- Core Mission: Focused on healing, sharing, and learning regarding residential school legacies.
- Professionalization: Archival standards were formalized between 2010 and 2012.
- Community Partnership: The SHIFT program provides cultural training for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
Leadership History
The Centre and its preceding project have been guided by a succession of directors and co-directors:
| Director(s) | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Don Jackson | 1979–2010 |
| Ken Hernden and Don Jackson (Co-Directors) | 2010–2012 |
| Jonathan Dewar | 2012–2016 |
| Ken Hernden and Don Jackson (Co-Directors) | 2016–2018 |
| Elizabeth Edgar-Wekamigad | 2018–2021 |
| Krista McCracken (Interim) | 2021 |
| Nicole Nicholas-Bayer (Director of Mukwa Waakaa'igan) | 2022–2023 |
| Joel Syrette (Director of Makwa Waakaa'igan) | 2023–2025 |
| Paul Sayers (Interim Director of Makwa Waakaa'igan) | 2025–Present |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of the Shingwauk Project?
Started in 1979, the Shingwauk Project was established as a cross-cultural research and educational initiative to acknowledge the legacy of residential schools and highlight the history of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School.
How did the Centre's archives begin?
The archives began informally in 1981 during the first Shingwauk reunion, when former students and staff donated photographs and documents to share their experiences.
What is the SHIFT program?
SHIFT (Shifting Indigenous Frontline Tactics) is a partnership between the Centre and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service created in 2018 to provide cultural training for police officers.
Which materials are recognized by UNESCO?
The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and Shingwauk Reunion fonds were added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in September 2020.
What types of records are held in the collections?
The collections include administrative records, school newsletters, church publications, staff correspondence, and artwork and artifacts created by students both during and after their time in residential schools.