Program Overview
The program provides instruction in Ojibwe language and culture, from basic to advanced levels, and explores social structures, values, and the Anishinaabe worldview. The hands-on learning environment is supported by a close-knit community and caring faculty, including Elders who share their insights and wisdom. Graduates can pursue careers in education, linguistics, or government, with strong demand for bilingual workers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Algoma University offers a three-year undergraduate degree in Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language. The program aims to revive and maintain the language, addressing the threat of extinction faced by Anishinaabemowin. The program provides instruction ranging from basic to advanced levels in Ojibwe language and culture. Students achieve functional fluency and explore the challenges of the written word. The curriculum includes examining social structures and values within Anishinaabe society, studying the Anishinaabe worldview and philosophy, and understanding the grammar and sound of Anishinaabemowin through written exercises. Students are also exposed to Anishinaabe music, social activism, and regional cultural differences across Canada. It aligns with Chief Shingwauk's vision of "sharing, healing, and learning," situated on the site of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School. The program is deeply rooted in Anishinaabe culture and history, incorporating elements of The Shingwauk Project. The learning environment is described as hands-on, with a close-knit campus community and caring faculty.
Teaching:
The program involves hands-on learning. The faculty are described as caring and committed to Algoma U's special mission. John-Paul Chalykoff (Michipicoten First Nation) is mentioned as an Assistant Professor in Anishinaabe Studies, specializing in Anishinaabemowin revitalization using an interdisciplinary approach combining language, music, and education. The university also hosts cross-cultural awareness workshops and presentations with guest speakers, poets, writers, and social activists.
Careers:
A degree in Anishinaabe Studies can lead to careers as educators, linguists, civil servants, and policymakers. The text notes that the federal government recruits 5,000 new bilingual employees annually, and bilingual workers earn 15-21% more than unilingual workers on average.
Other:
The program is situated within the context of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre (SRSC), a cross-cultural research and educational center working to research, collect, preserve, and display the history of residential schools. The SRSC also develops projects related to sharing, healing, learning, and cultural restoration, aiming to realize Chief Shingwauk's vision of cross-cultural synthesis. The Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA) supports the academic and cultural needs of Anishinaabe students and offers family and cultural activities. The Anishinaabe Research Symposium highlights research by Anishinaabe faculty and students, encouraging Anishinaabe students to consider higher education. The Shingwauk Gathering and Conference brings together Indigenous peoples to continue Chief Shingwauk's vision. The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an annual celebration of Anishinaabe heritage and culture.
Algoma University, established in 1965, is a distinctive institution dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and cross-cultural learning. Located on the historic site of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School, the university embraces a special mission to foster cross-cultural learning between Anishinaabe (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) communities and the world.
Special Mission and Values
At the heart of Algoma University's ethos is its commitment to cross-cultural learning, particularly between Anishinaabe communities and global perspectives. This mission permeates every aspect of campus life, offering students invaluable insights and unique leadership opportunities.
The university celebrates diversity, recognizing and respecting the varied experiences, skills, and talents of its community members.
Campuses
Algoma University operates three campuses, each offering unique experiences:
- Sault Ste. Marie: Known as "The Soo," this campus provides a northern experience with all the amenities of a big city, including shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities.
- Brampton: Situated in one of Canada's fastest-growing cities within the Greater Toronto Area, the Brampton campus offers an urban experience with access to numerous businesses and services.
- Timmins: Known as the "city with a heart of gold," the Timmins campus caters to diploma-to-degree and university transfer students, emphasizing a northern context for those living and working in Northern Ontario.
Academic and Student Life
Algoma University offers a personalized, hands-on learning experience, with small class sizes that foster close interactions between students and faculty. The diverse student body—nearly 50% international—provides a rich environment for cultural exchange.
Students have access to a wide range of cultural, academic, and social activities, contributing to a transformative university experience.
Leadership
The university's senior leadership team includes:
- Dr. Asima Vezina: President and Vice-Chancellor
- Mario Turco: Chancellor
- Kelli-Ann Lemieux: Chair, External Member
- Dr. Michele Piercey-Normore: Special Advisor to the President
- Patty Chabbert: Interim VP, Nyaagaaniid - Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity & Decolonization
- Craig Fowler: Vice-President of Growth, International, & External Relations
- Kramer Rousseau: Interim VP, Finance & Operations
Through its unique mission, diverse campuses, and commitment to inclusive education, Algoma University strives to create a supportive and dynamic learning environment that prepares students for global opportunities.
