Community Builders Awards: Honouring Elder, advocate and residential school survivor Shirley Roach-baa – Soo Today
October 31, 2023
Shirley spent her life advocating for and educating others about Indigenous culture, history, rights and education
Shirley Roach-baa passed away in August 2021, but her lifelong journey of learning and healing will continue to teach the rest of us for generations to come.
Shirley is a survivor of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School who spoke on the national stage about the abuse and trauma she faced in that system.
She was tremendously supportive of Indigenous students on campus in her role as an Elder and expanded her outreach to inspire others to reconnect with their traditional language and culture.
She was a passionate advocate for advancing truth and reconciliation efforts. Shirley was instrumental in guiding the work of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG), Algoma University, the Children of Shingwauk and the Shingwauk Education Trust.
