Shingwauk Hall was first established in 1873, as a residential school for native children. Chief Shingwauk, the Chief of the Ojibways at Garden River, believed that the future Ojibway needed to learn the white man's academic method of education in order to survive in what was becoming a "predominately non-native world with non-native values". 

His dream was to have an educational centre built for all future Ojibway children.  With the combined effort of Shingwauk's Sons, Augustine and Buhgwujjenene, and Rev. E.  F. Wilson, this dream came a reality.   A school was built at Garden River in 1873.  Six days after completion, the dream was turned to ashes; the school burned to the ground.  Not giving in to misfortune another school was erected at the present site overlooking the St. Mary's River. 

The cornerstone for the second Shingwauk Home was laid by the Earl of Dufferin, the Governor-General of Canada, in the summer of 1874.  In August 1875, the new building was officially opened to fifty pupils.  Sixty years later this building  was demolished and a third building was erected directly behind the old one.  This was the home of the students until 1970.  It now houses Algoma University College.