Indigenous Initiatives in Environment

Boozhoo, Shé:kon, Waachi'ye, Tansi, Aanii, Tungasugiit, Tawnshi, Greetings!

Welcome to the online home of Indigenous Initiatives within
the Faculty of Environment.

Environment's commitment

We strive to live the values of the University, and champion thinking differently, acting with purpose, and working together. Paying particular attention to environmental sustainability, interdisciplinarity, and Indigeneity, we're dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and promoting reconciliation in the Faculty of Environment.

Our mission is to create meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, support Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and non-Indigenous allies, and ensure Indigenous worldviews and ways of knowing are integrated into the Faculty of Environment's work in teaching, learning, and research. Through collaboration, advocacy, and education, we aim to build a more inclusive community.

Meet our Environment Indigenous Initiatives Manager →

What we do

Environment Indigenous Initiatives leads and supports a variety of projects that promote Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation in the Faculty. Our work includes assisting with the development of curricula that integrates Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, supporting research involving Indigenous communities, and organizing events that facilitate dialogue and learning.

A hand drum is resting on a turquoise blanket. A feather, tobacco tie, and bundle of sage lay next to the drum.

Curriculum support

Through collaboration with faculty, the Indigenous Initiatives Office supports the development of courses that reflect the diverse experiences and histories of Indigenous peoples. This work ensures curriculum is inclusive, creating a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous worldviews and ways of knowing among all students.

A book about plants lays open on a desktop in the Ecology Lab.

Research guidance

The Indigenous Initiatives Office provides guidance to researchers by sharing best practices and resources for engaging with Indigenous communities developed by the Indigenous Research Team.

A fancy shawl dancer performs at the annual Waterloo Pow Wow. They are sporting bright blue regalia.

Building community

The Indigenous Initiatives Office is dedicated to building reciprocal, respectful, and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities both on and off campus. By actively engaging in dialogue and collaboration, we're forging a stronger sense of community within the Faculty of Environment.

Expand your understanding

Access a wealth of resources to deepen your understanding of Indigenization, reconciliation and decolonization. This collection of links includes reading lists, videos, and resources for students, researchers, and community members.

University Resources

The Office of Indigenous Relations is a central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, faculty, and staff, along with allies within the University of Waterloo community. They've created a collection of resources and tools to strength your learning. Topics include: terminology, online courses, educational facts, treaties, allyship, and more!
The University of Waterloo Library has developed a specialized Indigenous Research Guide to help researchers identify Indigenous-related resources that have been overlooked or ignored in Western academic practices.
The Inclusive Research Resource Hub is a cross-disciplinary document library of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Research resources to facilitate access for University of Waterloo faculty members, students, and staff to incorporate EDI into research design and team planning.

Student Resources

The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre provides a nurturing environment for Indigenous students -- offering support in cultural, academic, well-being, and social aspects of campus life.
The Office of Indigenous Relations has thoughtfully curated a comprehensive list of bursaries, awards, and scholarships specifically designed to support Indigenous students in their academic journey. These financial resources aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens, enabling students to focus on their studies and personal growth.

Book Lists and Reports

Indigenous Peoples in Canada Reading List

The Indigenous peoples in Canada reading list has been compiled to expand and build on current understandings of the experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. The list includes biographies, memoirs and fictional accounts of lived experiences during and after the end of the residential school system.

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP)

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) was established by the Government of Canada in 1991 in response to the Kanesatake Resistance (Oka Crisis), a standoff between Mohawk protesters, police, and army from July 11 to September 26, 1990, over a land dispute. In October 1996, the five-volume final report was published.

The objective of the commission was to investigate the historical and current-day relationship between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, the Government of Canada, and broader Canadian society. The Commission included 440 recommendations to renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples over a 20-year span.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established in 2007 by the Government of Canada as an element of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The Commission was responsible for collecting the truths of survivors, families, and communities affected by the harms of the residential school system and for sharing what happened to Canadians. Currently, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is mandated to continue the work initiated by the TRC.

The final six-volume TRC report was released in December 2015, and includes 94 Calls to Action for reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and Canadians.

Visit CBC: Beyond 94 to learn about the progress of the TRC 94 Calls to Action since March 2018.

Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was established in 2016. Their mandate was to investigate and report on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) people in Canada. This included examining the social, economic, cultural, institutional, and historical factors that contribute to their vulnerability, as well as assessing the effectiveness of existing policies in addressing such violence.

The final report, Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, was published in 2019 and contained 231 Calls for Justice to end the violence.

Sharing our stories

We are so proud of the work Indigenous students and faculty members have accomplished and the impact it has had on our communities. These stories showcase their experiences and research in Environment.

Deepening the roots of reconciliation

A new exhibit on University of Waterloo's healing forest is nurturing reflection on truth and reconciliation

Indigenous students tackle climate change in South Africa

A Faculty of Environment field course allows Indigenous students to study biodiversity and social justice issues to create an impact in Cape Town

Waterloo’s urban forest receives national healing forest designation

From restoration to interactive maps and art, our community envisions new ways to embody reconciliation on campus

Becoming a pilot isn’t the final destination – it’s just the beginning

Geography and Aviation student Jaden McGregor shares the highs and lows of pursuing his degree