Shingwauk Hall: A Visit Unveils Dark Legacy of Residential Schools

A recent visit to the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has prompted a profound reflection on the legacy of Canada’s residential school system. Named after the Anishinaabe Chief Shingwaukonse, this site stands out among the numerous facilities that aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. Unlike other schools, Shingwauk Hall offers a unique glimpse into a history that intertwines hope and tragedy.

On a cool, grey October day, the imposing brown brick structure of Shingwauk Hall presented an austere facade. Its identifiable central spire and lower crucifix suggest a solemn history. The building, which opened in 1873, operated as a residential school until 1970, making it one of the few surviving sites of this troubled chapter in Canadian history. The grounds include several preserved buildings, such as the Shingwauk Memorial Cemetery (established in 1876) and the Bishop Fauquier Memorial Chapel (built in 1883), each bearing witness to the experiences of those who attended the school.

As visitors approach the entrance, they encounter a memorial on the front lawn honoring the school’s founder, Reverend E.F. Wilson. Positioned behind it is another monument, established by the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, which pays tribute to all who attended residential schools and especially those who never returned home. This juxtaposition starkly illustrates the contrasting narratives of the school’s founders and its survivors.

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre is now home to the first major exhibition driven by residential school survivors, highlighting their experiences. The centre aims to facilitate healing and promote dialogue surrounding the painful history of residential schools in Canada. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the residential school system was a form of cultural genocide, with the stated goal of eradicating Indigenous cultures and languages.

Serena Hill, a Community Engagement Specialist at the centre, emphasizes the importance of these educational experiences. “This is important work,” she states. “For so long, this history was kept hidden or shared only through the worldview of the colonizers.” Hill advocates for self-care among visitors, acknowledging that the emotional weight of learning about this history can be overwhelming.

The TRC officially began its work on June 1, 2008, concluding in December 2015 with a comprehensive final report that included 94 Calls to Action. These actions aim to foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada. The Shingwauk site serves as a living testament to this ongoing effort.

A significant aspect of the Shingwauk experience is the emotionally charged visit to a small cubby hole located beneath the building’s staircase. Originally a place of solace for students, this area later became a site of punishment and confinement. The stark transformation of this space underscores the traumatic realities faced by students, many of whom were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

The residential school system, which began in the 1880s, resulted in widespread physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Thousands of Indigenous children were subjected to neglect and harsh conditions, leading to significant loss of life. The last federally recognized residential school closed in 1996, leaving a legacy of intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous communities across Canada today.

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre is now a collaborative project of Algoma University and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association. Algoma University occupies the site of the former residential school and uses some of its buildings for educational purposes. This integration of history and education aims to fulfill Chief Shingwaukonse’s original vision—one of cross-cultural learning and mutual respect.

Hill’s reflections on visitor experiences reveal the complex emotions that arise during these tours. “Reactions can vary and depend on where each individual is on their own learning journey,” she explains. Some visitors may feel a deep sense of sadness, while others may experience anger or confusion as they confront this difficult past.

As the centre continues to evolve, a new facility, the Makwa Waakaa’igan Culture Centre, is set to be constructed. Scheduled for completion in 2024, this space will provide additional resources for cultural events and academic learning, further deepening the centre’s commitment to education and healing.

The legacy of Chief Shingwaukonse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting Indigenous histories. He was a strong advocate for education for his people, recognizing it as an inherent right. Tragically, his vision was diverted into the residential school system, which contradicted his ideals and intentions.

Visiting Shingwauk Hall is more than simply a tour; it is an opportunity for meaningful learning and reflection. The experiences shared by survivors and the historical context presented at the centre invite visitors to engage with the past actively. It is a call to acknowledge the truth of Canada’s history and to commit to a future grounded in reconciliation.

This visit leaves a lasting impact, urging individuals to reconsider their perspectives and recognize the importance of truth and reconciliation in moving forward together. As Hill aptly puts it, “Don’t tour—pay a visit for learning and respect.”