Algoma University Commemorates Truth and Reconciliation Day

On September 30, 2023, Algoma University held a poignant ceremony to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, reflecting on the painful legacy of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School. The event drew dozens of survivors, faculty, students, and community members, all gathered to honor the past and foster healing.

Shirley Horn, a former student of the Shingwauk school, shared her deep connection to the institution, stating, “I have a 77-year relationship with this building.” Horn emphasized the importance of healing, expressing her hope that others present could also feel the transformative process underway. The gathering underscored the duality of remembrance and resilience, setting a reflective tone for the day’s observances.

Honoring the Past and Looking to the Future

The ceremony began with a tribute to the Creator’s seven sacred gifts to the Anishinaabe: love, truth, respect, wisdom, humility, honesty, and bravery. Dr. Sheila Embleton, interim president and vice-chancellor of Algoma University, reminded attendees of the institution’s roots in Chief Shingwauk’s vision for education. She highlighted that the university is situated on land that reflects a rich history of education, resilience, and community.

Dr. Embleton referenced the words of the late Justice Murray Sinclair: “Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out of it.” This sentiment resonated throughout the morning, as speakers acknowledged the complex history of education as both a tool of assimilation and a potential pathway towards reconciliation.

Martin Bayer, vice-president Nyaagaaniid of Anishinaabe initiatives, addressed the historical context of residential schools. He stated, “For over a century, Canada’s Aboriginal policy was to get rid of Aboriginal governments… The establishment and operation of residential schools were one of the central features of this policy.” Bayer pointed to the original Shingwauk Home, which opened in 1875, as a stark reminder of this painful past.

Creative Expressions of Culture and Memory

A highlight of the ceremony was the raising of a flag designed by Métis artist and Algoma University student D’lyla Trudeau. Her artwork features a young girl in powwow regalia looking toward an eagle, surrounded by flowers at various stages of growth. “The child is inspired by a little girl I saw at the Gathering of the Rapids Powwow,” Trudeau explained. The design symbolizes both the strength of Indigenous culture and the ongoing journey of healing and growth within Canada.

Trudeau’s flag encapsulates themes of memory, loss, and resilience, featuring elements like flowers, a broken heart, and imagery representing Baawating—Sault Ste. Marie—as a meeting point of waters. “Indigenous culture is strong and alive,” she asserted, highlighting the vibrant community that continues to thrive.

The day was not just about reflection but also about action. The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association has been instrumental in restoring the cemetery of the school and planting memorial pine trees, demonstrating a commitment to honoring those who attended the residential school and those who did not return home.

As the morning concluded, participants observed a moment of silence for survivors and the children who never returned. The day’s activities extended across the campus, including a walking tour of historic sites, the Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall exhibit, and a candlelight vigil planned for the evening.

Horn, who also served as Algoma’s first chancellor, underscored the collective responsibility to find a path forward. “Our hearts are with their families, their communities,” she said. “It was a great loss for this country, but we’re working together now to find ways forward … and we need everybody’s help in doing that.”

The observance not only honored the legacy of the past but also emphasized the importance of community in the ongoing journey of reconciliation.