SAULT STE. MARIE – The Ontario government is providing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to Algoma University for the construction of Makwa Waakaa’igan – a Centre of Cultural Excellence honouring and celebrating Indigenous experiences, knowledge, traditions and well-being. This NOHFC investment supports Ontario’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

“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 and thank Minister Rickford for his ongoing support of this file. 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.

“Today’s investment from the NOHFC represents a pivotal step in advancing our commitment to making reconciliation real for First Nations communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “With our support for the Makwa Waakaa’igan Centre of Cultural Excellence, we are deepening our collective understanding of Indigenous truths and fostering a space where meaningful dialogue and healing can thrive. This Centre will not only honour and celebrate Indigenous knowledge and traditions but will also serve as a valuable resource for education and collaboration for years to come.”

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 fosters 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 NOHFC 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.

Quick Fact

• Ontario remains committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and communities by focusing on initiatives that promote economic prosperity and support a better future for communities across the province, including through annual programs like the Indigenous Economic Development Fund, Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program, the Capacity and Growth Fund, and the $25 million, three-year funding earmarked in the 2022 Budget.
• The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.
• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

Additional Quotes

“The Board is extremely proud of the profound impact Makwa Waakaa’igan will have on our community. It is a privilege to work with survivors and Indigenous knowledge leaders whose wisdom and resilience guide us in forging new pathways of collaboration. Together, we are confronting the mental health and addictions crisis with compassion and strength, creating lasting change for the well-being of our people and future generations.” – Kelli-Ann Lemieux, Chair, Algoma University Board of Governors

“We are deeply honoured by the transformative impact that Makwa Waakaa’igan will have on our community. This Centre of Excellence is an important milestone in the continued collaboration between Algoma University and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association. Making the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre archives, Indigenous teachings, academic research, art, healing, and ceremony accessible to our community and visitors, guided by the wisdom of survivors and Indigenous knowledge leaders, reflects our dedication to Indigenous voices and teachings.” – Taylor Sayers, Member, Algoma University Board of Governors.

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office — 437-240-7317 — curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca
Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca