Wednesday, June 21, 2023

A National Indigenous Peoples Day message from the President

By Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor.

June is National Indigenous History Month, and on the 21^st—the summer solstice—we mark National Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

For some Indigenous Peoples, it’s a day to gather, celebrate the diversity of Indigenous Peoples, reflect on recent achievements and dream for the future. It’s also a chance to catch up with friends and family while enjoying an extra-long day of traditional food, music, conversation and games. First and foremost, I wish those celebrating a fun and relaxing day to remember.

It’s also an opportunity for everyone to truly think about the historic and ongoing colonial legacy under which First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nations continue to live and work — and what from this legacy remains unaddressed.

At the September 2022 Commitment Ceremony, I made a promise on behalf of the institution to foster a better understanding of Indigenous history, develop an awareness of the damaging intergenerational effects of colonialism and the residential school system and taking responsibility for vital components of the reconciliation process.

I am proud to say that collectively as an institution we have made some progress since that historic day.

Visitors from across the world joined us on campus last week for Spring Convocation. Upon entering they were greeted by the Two-Spirit Pride flag which was raised as one of several Pride month activities, for the first time in the institution’s history.

The Spring Convocation also saw the inaugural use of an Eagle Staff in the University of Waterloo's Convocation ceremonies. Welcomed in March 2023, the Staff is an important element of the Indigenous relationship to Earth and those who have protected it. Leading the Chancellor's procession into each ceremony, the Eagle Staff honours the University’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit community members, and uplifts Indigenous traditions, cultures and strengths. The Chancellor and I were also proud to wear Indigenous beading on our regalia and are grateful to Marilyn Sutherland, a Cree master beader from Kitchener, for her work in adorning our robes. These additions, and the contributions of Elder Myeengun Henry and the Cedar Hill Singers, are part of the work underway to ensure Indigenous perspectives and cultures are represented at our institution’s ceremonies.

Earning a university degree and walking across the stage is a great achievement — yet it’s one that has too often been denied Indigenous Peoples because of systemic racism and colonial policy.

Recently Waterloo became the first institution in Ontario to work towards addressing centuries of colonialism and oppression by offering a new tuition waiver for admitted students who are members of the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, upon whose traditional territory Waterloo is situated. Waterloo will also offer Ontario domestic tuition rates for Indigenous students from elsewhere in Canada and Native American students from the United States. 

These are a few of many initiatives that we have collaboratively implemented across our campuses as we continue the process of reconciliation. In addition to the tuition waiver, bursaries, scholarship funding and a dedicated Indigenous student recruiter are other ways we hope to boost Indigenous student enrollment. Once here, students will have access to supports including Indigenous student groups and campus spaces, an Indigenous Residence Community and wellness supports. We have also made progress on hiring Indigenous faculty as well as new staff roles dedicated to developing resources and incorporating Indigenous knowledges and research methodologies in the curriculum. And as we continue to find new ways to celebrate Indigenous culture across our campuses, we are committed to this on-going process that enriches our institution and community.

None of these important advancements would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of The Office of Indigenous Relations, the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-racism Office (EDI-RO), and the Waterloo Indigenous Students Centre. However, these are just first steps in the journey towards decolonization and reconciliation.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank all involved. Your capacity for innovation, collaboration and imagination is the main driving force behind this change. Six months ago today, on the winter solstice, we shared a video message featuring Savanah Seaton, director of the Shatitsirótha' Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) and I exchanging knowledge about the significance of the solstice in Indigenous life and culture.

I learned a great deal that day, and as we take time today on the summer solstice to celebrate Indigenous communities and identities, I urge everyone to learn as much as possible about the oppressive systems we’ve inherited and use our imaginations to think about what’s next in our shared journey to reconciliation.

I speak for a great many of us when I say I’m looking forward to the upcoming release days of the Office of Indigenous Relations’ first Strategic Plan and see that journey come into sharper focus.

Forging the shield: Warriors' iconic logo turns 25

This article was originally published on the Athletics and Recreation website.

Steve Brooks wasn't exactly eased into his role as the publications coordinator with the University of Waterloo's athletics and recreation department. 

Immediately after being hired in the late spring of 1998, Brooks found a monumental task on his to-do list: the Warriors had been searching for a new logo for almost a year, and the deadline to make such a large change ahead of the 1998-99 varsity season was fast approaching. Warriors marketing leaders had consulted with graphic designers from across several campus departments, but Brooks saw an opportunity in all the discarded options – "I knew everything that didn't work. I didn't have to spend a lot of time on the early concepts," he said.  

So, the newbie in the marketing department took all that feedback, grabbed his sketchbook, and went to work. Now, a quarter-century later, Brooks' design has become a symbol of what it means to be a Waterloo Warrior. 

The Warriors logo celebrates its 25^th anniversary this month, but what it stands for is bigger than a helmet on a shield. Up until 1998, women's varsity teams played under the name Athenas, with a separate logo. But the redesigned imagery was part of a wider effort to unify all teams under a single logo and the Warriors name. 

"The Greek helmet has been used for a long time for both the Warriors and Athenas teams," said Brooks. "But the Athenas helmet had hair coming from beneath it. We knew we wanted to have a more inclusive logo." 

Versions of the Greek helmet logo had been used since 1960, when the varsity teams were officially bestowed with the Warrior and Athena monikers. So, Brooks wanted to maintain the helmet in his version of the logo. But he also wanted to pay homage to the academic prowess of the University of Waterloo, so he incorporated a more artistic version of the university's gold shield into the design. Brooks then hand-drew the shadowed WARRIORS lettering across the top of the shield, gave the helmet a more curved and dimensional style, and the new Warriors logo was born. 

In a press release unveiling the new logo and name in 1998, then-director of athletics and recreation Judy McCrae said that it was "an appropriate time in our history to unify the men's and women's sports under one umbrella." Since then, the logo, branding, and Warriors' identity has continued to grow and permeate outside of just the realm of athletics, to the entire student body. 

"It's a great moment in our history to be able to celebrate 25 years of being Warriors, not only for our student-athletes, but for our entire campus," said director of athletics and recreation, Roly Webster. "It was an important step at the time to unify all our student-athletes under the same name, and I think the Warriors brand across campus is as strong as it's ever been. We are all Warriors here, and we're proud to help form that sense of community and belonging for the students, staff, and faculty. 

As for Brooks, he certainly didn't know that his first task in 1998 would end up creating a mark that has become synonymous with excellence for thousands of current and former student-athletes. But it's something he's both proud of and passionate about – Brooks recently celebrated his 25th anniversary at UWaterloo, and currently oversees Warriors branding, uniform design, and visual media in his role as the Warriors' creative design and brand specialist.  

"It's still exciting to see my work in real life," said Brooks. "When they added the Warriors logo to the stairwell at South Campus Hall, or the logo on the Fieldhouse, those moments are really neat. When you drive or walk onto this campus, you're a Warrior, and it's cool to know I had a part in that."

To build on the excitement and to encourage our fans to purchase more Warriors gear, we'll be working on some exciting sponsor activations for Orientation Week and back to school. Including FREE Domino's Pizza vouchers given to those that purchase gear! Stay tuned for more information.

The Warriors will return to action for their 25th season behind the shield and helmet when the fall semester sports kick off in late August. Keep watching gowarriorsgo.ca for info on schedules, single-game tickets, and season passes.

Consent Culture Calendar contest and other notes

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) and WUSA are collaborating on a Consent Calendar, which will be distributed in the fall term. "We hope to raise awareness about the support and services offered by SVPRO to those in the UWaterloo community who have experienced sexual violence or have been affected by it," says a note from SVPRO. "The bright and warm calendar will also serve as a physical representation of our dedication to building a culture of consent at UWaterloo and provide a visual reminder of hope, healing and belonging while highlighting the creative, diverse, and innovative nature of our students.  "

This year’s theme centers around consent and healthy relationships. Explore the various aspects of consent, such as communication, respect, boundaries, and empowerment, and use these concepts to inspire your artwork.

Consider the following themes for creative inspiration:

• Building Consent Culture 
• Inspiring Hope and Healing 
• Providing Community Care  
• Supporting Others & Myself

Check out the Consent Calendar Contest submission rules on the WUSA website. Submissions will be received until July 3.

Food Truck Wednesdays, brought you by UW Food Services, will continue this week from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today in the Arts Quad. Today, there will be a Sizzling BBQ brought to you by UW Food Services, with the return of the Funnel Cloud Team.