Archaeologists to search the grounds of Algoma University

A sign for Algoma University on this campus grounds in June 2021. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Sault residents may notice some commotion on the Algoma University campus over the next two weeks as a team conducts an archaeological search.

The university said, in a news release Friday, that it wanted to give the public advance notice of the archaeological work, which is part of the Makwa Waakaa’igan project.

Makwa Waakaa’igan project is a soon-to-be-built Indigenous cultural centre on campus that will house residential school archives and a new Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute in partnership with the NOSM University.

The new centre is expected to open in 2027.

“As part of the municipal permit process for the construction of Makwa Waakaa’igan, the WSP archeology team will be completing an archaeology search on the front lawn of Algoma University’s Sault Ste. Marie campus over the next two weeks,” said the university in the release.

“Ahead of the planned commemorative events for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which will be hosted at Algoma University’s Sault Ste. Marie campus on Monday … we wanted to inform the community about this archaeological work currently taking place on-site.”

This permit process is not related to the ongoing site search for unmarked graves being led by the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and NORDIK Institute.

“However, we continue to collaborate closely with our site search team,” read the release.

More information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities being hosted by the school can be found on its website.