Statement from Shingwauk Education Trust

NEWS RELEASE

SHINGWAUK EDUCATION TRUST

************************* Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (University) makes history with the new launch of Anishinaabe studies and a leading Anishinaabe educator, Edward Benton-Banai

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (May 30) - Shingwauk Education Trust, home of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and in equal partnership with Algoma University College, is honoured and privileged to have Edward Benton-Banai lead the new Anishinaabe studies four-year (pending) degree program.

Eddie will also serve as the spiritual and academic adviser for Shingwauk Education Trust and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig.

Eddie Benton-Banai, Bawdwaywidun, his spiritual Ojibway name, is a full-blooded Ojibway from the Fish Clan.

He is also the grand chief of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge.

Eddie is a noted pioneer in culture-based curriculum and a respected educator, a storyteller/writer and a spiritual leader.

Eddie holds a master degree in education from the University of Minnesota, and is the founder of the Red School House, an Anishinabe-controlled school for kindergarten to Grade 12 students in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"To my absolute amazement I've been appointed to Shingwauk University as the spiritual and academic adviser," says Eddie. "Humbly I have accepted and will undertake to carry on the great and ongoing dedication, hard work of the native community, Shingwauk Education Trust, Algoma University College, Garden River First Nation's Chief Sayers, Darrell Boissoneau, Jerry Fontaine and the young Anishinabe and non-native students and the many others who understand and believe in Chief Shingwauk's dream, from seven generations ago and now. I am humbled and proud. We will continue together into a great future. Migwetch."

Darrell Boissoneau, president of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and the board of Shingwauk Education Trust, said: "We are honored and excited that the foremost expert in traditional governance, cultural-based education and a leader in quality education will be joining Shingwauk University as a faculty member in advancing the vision of Chief Shingwauk by cultivating and nurturing the Anishinabek worldview in our unique and specialized courses. We welcome Grand Chief Eddie Benton-Banai as we embrace new and innovative knowledge that will import a new set of skills to emerging leaders. Indeed, Mr. Benton-Banai will assist all students in looking at the practical issues that face our people regarding the social, economic, political and cultural issues that impact our lives."

"Shingwauk Education Trust would also like to welcome professor of Anishinaabemowin, Howard Webkamigad, who will continue to teach the three-year bachelor of arts program," said Boissoneau. "Howard brings experience and a wealth of knowledge in teaching the Anishinaabemowin program. We applaud Howard's leadership and see him as vital link to preserving a spiritual language for our people."

Shingwauk Education Trust and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig will provide a unique learning approach from an Anishinabek worldview... the truth.

Sign up today for classes via Algoma University College.

For more information regarding Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and Eddie Benton-Banai, please visit Shingwauku.com.

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