On the International Day of Peace, Algoma University was honoured as the recipient of the inaugural Global Education for Peace Award, presented by the STAR Scholars Network, a transnational organization supporting a new generation of scholars working across borders on social impact. The award honours and recognizes higher education institutions worldwide that promote global peace, integrate global perspectives in the curriculum, and foster a sense of global citizenship amongst their students.
The Global Education for Peace Award highlighted Algoma University’s efforts to foster global citizenship, reconciliation, and cross-cultural understanding. This recognition was especially meaningful as the international community celebrated the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s Declaration on a Culture of Peace.
This award acknowledges the dedication and vision of our university: leading meaningful change for generations to come. Our goal, across all disciplines, is to graduate student leaders who are the future change makers. We want our graduates to have the skills and diverse world views and perspectives to create a more inclusive, socially equitable and peaceful approach in contributing to a better world, said President and Vice-chancellor Asima Vezina, PhD. “
At Algoma University, we believe that education plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and promoting peace, and collectively, across the University, we are honoured to be recognized on a global platform for these efforts.”
The STAR Scholars Network firmly believes that institutions like Algoma University are vital in cultivating a culture of peace. The Global Education for Peace Award celebrated these efforts to inspire change and foster a vision of a peaceful future. Dr. Alean Al-Krenawi, PhD, Professor and Special Advisor to the President, was the driving force behind this prestigious award, emphasizing the significance of this special recognition and the many colleagues he works with for their efforts locally, nationally and globally.
This award reflects the heart of what Algoma University stands for— creating spaces for learning that foster mutual respect, cultural understanding, and peace. As educators, we are responsible for equipping future generations with the tools to resolve conflicts through dialogue and cooperation. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue leading the way in peace and cross-cultural education and building bridges across communities and cultures, said Dr. Al-Krenawi.
Dr. Al-Krenawi will also participate as a keynote speaker at the highly anticipated 2024 STAR Global Conference hosted by Kathmandu University in Nepal. The conference, set to take place in December 2024, brings together thought leaders, scholars, and practitioners from across the globe to discuss critical issues in research and higher education. His keynote address will explore the role of higher education institutions in driving social change and cultivating cultures of peace across borders, reflecting the visionary work being done at Algoma University.
About the Algoma University
Established in 1965, and located on the former site of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School, Algoma has a special mission to provide cross-cultural learning between Indigenous communities and other communities in Northern Ontario.
In 2008, after operating as Algoma University College for many years, Algoma University was granted its charter, achieving full autonomous university status as Ontario’s 19th University. The Algoma University Act, 2008 was amended in 2021 to authorize Algoma University to grant graduate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in any and all branches of teaching and learning. Algoma University now offers over 30 academic programs across three unique campuses (Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins) in a range of diverse fields and through four faculties: Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and Faculty of Science.
The provincial Shingwauk Education Trust (SET) gives ownership of a portion of the site to Anishinaabek people, and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG), one of nine provincially recognized Indigenous institutes of higher learning is located on the property. SKG provides academic programs, workshops and seminars on the site which reflect the Anishinaabe worldview, distinguished by Anishinaabe ways of learning and knowing.
In 2006, Algoma signed a Covenant with SET to reinforce the important work being done for the benefit of all students of Algoma and Shingwauk on the site. In 2018, Algoma University, SET, and SKG reaffirmed their partnership and mutual understanding by signing an addendum to the original Covenant. The addendum reinforces the strong commitment by all parties to work closely together to provide quality education to Anishinaabe students and to students of all cultural backgrounds while working in partnership to serve as leaders during this time dedicated by Canada as a period of truth, healing and reconciliation.
