Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig Advances Toward Full Accreditation

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG), a leading institution in Anishinaabe education, has achieved a significant milestone by completing its organizational review with the Indigenous Advanced Education Skills Council (IAESC). On August 8, 2023, SKG received a ten-year approval, which includes a mid-term review scheduled for five years from the approval date. This accreditation is granted under Section 4(1) of the Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017, allowing SKG to submit new program proposals directly to IAESC for stand-alone accreditation.

The announcement highlights a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for the Anishinaabe community. Mary Wabano-McKay, President and Chief Academic Officer of SKG, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This achievement reflects the vision of Chief Shingwaukoonse to establish a Teaching Lodge where Anishinaabe people could learn in ways that honour their identity, culture, and knowledge systems.” Wabano-McKay described the accreditation as a source of pride for SKG, its students, graduates, and the communities it serves.

Commitment to Anishinaabe-led Education

The approval is a testament to the dedication of SKG’s leadership and the community it represents. Dean Sayers, Chair of the SKG Board of Directors, remarked that this step “affirms the strength of our collective commitment to Anishinaabe-led education.” He further noted that the accreditation ensures that future generations will have access to programs that reflect their culture, language, and ways of knowing.

The process for SKG’s accreditation reflects a broader trend towards recognizing the importance of Indigenous education frameworks. By gaining the ability to propose new programs directly to IAESC, SKG strengthens its role in shaping educational paths that resonate with Anishinaabe values and traditions. This move not only empowers the institution but also serves as a model for other Indigenous educational initiatives across the country.

As SKG prepares for its mid-term review, the institution looks forward to expanding its offerings and enhancing its curriculum. The accreditation is expected to attract more students and further integrate Anishinaabe perspectives into higher education, fostering a learning environment that is both culturally relevant and academically rigorous.

This achievement represents a pivotal moment in the journey of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, marking another step towards fulfilling its mission of providing quality education that honors Anishinaabe culture and identity.