New Anishinaabe university starts this fall at Algoma U

NEWS RELEASE

SHINGWAUK KINOOMAAGE GAMIG

************************* Announcing the historical launch of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig “Centre of Excellence in Anishinaabe Education"

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig is proud to announce the historical launch of its new courses in Anishinaabe studies this September 2008, new logo and website.

Over the past number of years, the need for an Anishinaabe post-secondary institution has become increasingly apparent (Royal Commission Report on Aboriginal Peoples, 1996).

In May 2006, the Shingwauk Education Trust (SET) and Algoma University College signed a covenant that entered a statement of common understanding and commitment to establishing Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, an independent and degree-granting post-secondary institution.

The Shingwauk Covenant states that Anishinaabe, Canadian and international staff and students must learn to respect and understand each other's knowledge and cultural differences.

Both institutions are working in collaboration to become independent universities.

"Our vision in creating Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (University) will preserve the integrity of Anishinaabe knowledge and understanding in co-operation with society to educate the present and future generations in a positive, cooperative and respectful environment,” says Darrell Boissoneau, president of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and the Shingwauk Education Trust.

“Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig was founded to fulfill the vision of Ojibway Chief Shingwauk who in 1873 told the people to build a 'Teaching Wigwam Lodge' to preserve the history and culture of the Anishinaabe people of all tribes, nations and to teach and give students a good education and live a good life into the future,” he adds.

“The concept of the Teaching Wigwam is the result of the desire that the Ojibway Nation, develop and process resources needed by foreign demands. This was an effort to develop the capacity of the Ojibway Nation, to maintain its' possession to resources and lands. The Teaching Wigwam initiative was an importation of skills, not an abandonment of Culture and Identity,” he finishes.

"Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (University) will be instrumental in providing First Nations and all people with the leadership and concrete skills in order to build strong communities globally. The Assembly of First Nations fully supports Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (University) in its commitment to meeting the needs of students and to building capacity through educational excellence, innovative delivery and a deep commitment to student success,” states National Chief Phil Fontaine, Assembly of First Nations. “The Assembly of First Nations looks forward to the historical launch of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (University) in September 2008, and the continued sharing and support of all community partners, their ideas and the inspiration that comes from learning and growing together in mutual respect."

“As a result of the work of Agustin Shingwauk and Bugujjewenene and the Anglican Church, the Teaching Wigwam became a reality” states Chris Belleau, keeper of traditional knowledge from Garden River First Nation.

“Sadly, the operations and purpose of the Teaching Wigwam was aligned with the Assimilation and Genocide of the Ojibway Nation as opposed to the initial purposes originally advocated by Shingwaukonse,” he adds.

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig courses (offered in September 2008) include:

Anishinaabe studies - Bachelor of Arts (4-year)

ANIS 1006 Ayzhi dibawji moyawn (Anishinaabe peoples & our homelands)

ANIS 1007 Ayzhi dibawji moyawn (Anishinaabe peoples & our homelands II)

ANIS 2006 Wiidjigaam gewe jibayek (Anishinaabe social issues)

ANIS 2007 Gdaa Mikweenimaanan Pontiacbun, Tecumsehbun, miinwaa Shingwaukbun (Anishinaabe social movements)

Anishinaabemowin - Bachelor of Arts (3-year)

Anishinaabemowin is a unique program offering basic to advanced-level instruction in the Ojibway language.

It is the only three-year bachelor's degree in Canada focusing on the Ojibway language and culture.

(All courses are developed and instructed by Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and offered under the degree programs granting office of the University of Sudbury and Algoma University College.)

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