The Anishinabek Discovery Centre, currently under construction across from the Algoma University campus in Sault Ste. Marie, received $5.1 million in federal funding on Sept. 15.
That’s in addition to a previously announced $5.1 million from the federal government, for a total of $10.2 million in funding.
The 19,179-square-foot building will serve to preserve, promote and share First Nations history. The LEED-certified facility will include a National Chiefs Library, which will be the first First Nations-organized and run research library in Canada.
The centre will also assist in archival and records management services through the building of an online research centre, where physical original documents would be disseminated digitally. The new physical space would allow for the integration of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) into the National Chiefs Library.
The centre will also provide a home base for Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, an evolving and developing Anishinaabe University that currently offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in Anishinaabe Studies through Algoma University.
Design of the building is being done by Two Row Architect, an Indigenous-owned firm which operates from the Six Nations reserve in southern Ontario.
It’s expected 165 jobs will be created during construction and professional activities phases at the facility, in addition to 10 permanent positions.
