About Us

Mishkiki Chichakk Kamik has been a decades-long vision of Residential School Survivor Michael Cachagee. Michael was the executive director of Weecheetowin Support Services and founder of the Children of Shingwauk, one of the first residential school survivors’ organizations in Canada, which held their first healing reunion in 1981. Forty years later, in 2020, Michael began planning to take his vision from concept to creation and since that time there has been considerable time, effort and personal finance invested into making Mishkiki Chichakk Kamik a feasible and attainable reality. Michael passed away on July 15, 2023 at the age of 83. Please visit NEWS section for more details.

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To Date:

• Land for site development purchased from MNR, March 2023.

• Feasibility and environmental studies have been completed.

• Community consultation completed.

• Project endorsement from the Chiefs of Ontario and Mississaugi #8 First Nation.

• Non-profit org. has been incorporated and charitable status registration is in progress

• Architectural and Engineering Firm, Idea Inc. hired for design, site planning, serviceability, construction planning + project management

• Final concept designs + site planning with est budget have been finalized

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In November 2021, the Chiefs of Ontario passed a unanimous resolution to support the first-ever residential school survivors healing lodge, in accordance with Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #21, which calls upon the federal government to fund support services and facilities for survivors and their families. The lodge will also provide in-person services to people and families affected by intergenerational trauma, day school survivors, MMIWG and the missing and unmarked graves of IRS children, among others.

 

Mishkiki Chichakk Kamik will be built nestled amongst the cedars and blueberry bushes, close to the shore of little Lake Wenebegon, an hour drive southeast of Chapleau, ON. The main building has been designed to complement the natural environment, with the central space of the lodge acting as the focal point for ceremony, traditional healing, oral teaching, group sessions and open dialogue.

 

The surrounding grounds are included within the design of culturally informed, person-centered care and will feature access to the site's natural features, space for ceremony, recreation and traditional healing and teaching. Creating and using the natural space for land-based healing, knowledge sharing, ceremony and reconnection is of utmost importance. Several family units are to be built on the grounds in keeping with the need for family based support and care.

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Next Steps:

• Raise + secure ~$25m quoted budget for lodge/grounds completion

• Secure a commitment from the federal government for on-going funding

• Finalize establishment of a registered charity ~ early 2024

• Fundraising campaign for private charitable donations

• Ceremonial ground-breaking planning for Fall 2023

• Commence construction once initial funds are secured