'Outstanding choice': Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig names new president

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig has appointed Mary Wabano-McKay as its new president and chief academic officer for the post-secondary institution, where she will steer both the development and implementation of degree-level education rooted in Anishinaabe culture and values. 

Wabano-McKay is slated to begin July 2, according to an announcement made on behalf of the school’s board of directors by Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig Chair Dean Sayers Friday.

“It’s an honour to welcome Mary Wabano-McKay to our team at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. We are truly blessed to have someone of Mary’s educational calibre join us,” Sayers said in a news release. “Accreditation and degree granting as a post-secondary institute is on the horizon, and Mary is posed to get us to the finish line. Meegwetch for choosing us on your journey, Mary.” 

Wabano-McKay brings over 20 years of experience in academic leadership to her new role. Her lived experience as O’Mushkego Anishinaabe and first-generation residential school survivor guides her both personally and professionally. More recently, she had served as the vice president of Nyaagaaniid – Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity and Student Success at Algoma University prior to joining Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. 

She holds a bachelor of social work degree from Laurentian University and master of social work degree from Carleton University, and has been designated as a master trainer for the Mental Health Commission of Canada in the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) First Nations program and trainer for both MHFA youth and MHFA First Nation programs. Wabano-McKay currently serves on the board of Actua, a national STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) charity. 

“As I step into this new leadership role in Indigenous higher education, I am honored to embark on a journey guided by Anishinaabe teachings and principles of cultural integrity, community empowerment and Anishinaabe sovereignty,” said Wabano-McKay. “I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve and uplift Anishinaabeg communities, taking the lead from those who have come before us and those who are yet to come through culturally responsive and empowering educational initiatives.

“Together, let us embark on a journey of reclamation, revitalization, empowerment, and reconciliation, ensuring that Indigenous knowledges, languages, and traditions thrive within the educational landscape, now and always."

Wabano-McKay was congratulated by Algoma University President and Vice-Chancellor Asima Vezina in a news release issued by the school Friday. 

“Mary is an outstanding choice to lead SKG as its next president. She will be deeply missed as Algoma University’s Vice-president Nyaagaaniid, Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity and Student Success; however, we see the wonderful opportunities her leadership will bring as we continue to deepen our partnership with SKG,” Vezina said. “Algoma University and our community will be forever grateful for Mary’s contributions during her years at Algoma University, including leading the creation of the Algoma University EDI Strategy and Action Plan, overseeing the University’s launch of Makwa Waakaa’igan, and so much more. Mary is leaving Algoma University with a stronger foundation for decolonization, from which we will keep building.” 

Shinawuk Kinoomaage Gamig is one of nine recognized Indigenous post-secondary institutes in Ontario, offering degree programs in partnership with Algoma University.