On June 21, 2018, the Parliament of Canada designated the month of October as Latin American Heritage Month in recognition of the significant contribution that Latin American communities have made to the social, economic, political, and cultural fabric of Canada. Latin American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to honour diverse communities and share achievements and contributions with others.
Throughout October there are opportunities to learn and celebrate the long and rich history, culture, language, and pride of the many Latin American communities within the University of Waterloo community, Canada, and beyond.
We encourage University of Waterloo students, faculty, and staff to take time to explore this webpage that features events, supports, resources, and educational tools:
Upcoming Events
Fuego Rojo |September 28 – October 6, 2021 8:00 pm EDT
A play presented at the Impact 2021 International Theatre Festival by the Argentinean company La Patogallina in collaboration with Waterloo Region’s Neruda Arts. Through the mix of physical theatre, circus, object manipulation, poetic imagery, and live music a depiction of Latin America under construction is presented. Learn more and register for Fuego Rojo.
Talk with Professor Dolores Figueroa Romero | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 11:00 am EDT
Virtual talk by Professor Dolores Figueroa Romero, from the National Council for Science and Technology/The Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACYT). Professor Dolores Figueroa Romero will speak to “Binational dialogues on the challenges to make visible and document violence against indigenous women in Mexico and Canada”. Please RSVP by emailing Yessenia Guerrero at yguerrero@uwaterloo.ca. The link to join the virtual presentation will be shared a few days before the event.
Conversemos en Español / Let’s chat in Spanish | Every Thursday 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
Come and practice your Spanish! Under the direction of faculty member, Regina Vera-Quinn, practice conversational Spanish, meet other Spanish speakers and make new friends in this virtual program. A basic knowledge of Spanish is necessary in order to be able to participate.
This program is being offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo Spanish Department and the Waterloo Public Library. Learn more and register for Let's Chat in Spanish.
Latin American Heritage Month Event Page 2021 | Friday October 1 – Sunday October 31
The Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council (HCHC) has compiled a list of events, services, resources, and festivals occurring throughout October 2021 for Latin American Heritage Month. Learn more and register for HCHC events.
Arts and Culture
Books by Latin Canadian Writers and Illustrators
Check out the curated list of 18 books ranging from children’s literature to adult literature by Latin Canadian authors and illustrators. Learn more here
The Apostles Review
The Apostles Review is the longest-running literary magazine publishing Hispanic Canadian literature, founded by Argentine-Canadian Ramón de Elía. Published in print and online since 2004, it doesn’t define itself by the language in which the works are written or the themes they contain: Works published aren’t always in Spanish, aren’t always translated from Spanish, and they tend to steer away from exile literature. Learn more about The Apostles Review.
Latin Art Show Exhibit
For Latin Heritage Month 2021 the Hispanic Canadian Arts & Cultural Association has displayed a virtual art show exhibit from Latin American artists. Learn more and visit the Latin Art Show Exhibit.
University of Waterloo Resources
Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) UW
The ALAS is a student run club at the University of Waterloo that serves as a space for community-building and campus wide education for Latin American culture(s).
Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies (SLAS)
The Department of SLAS is a department at the University of Waterloo with programs that examine the diverse societies of Latin America and Spain through a decolonial lens to explore and make sense of the experiences of the peoples of the region.
Spanish and Latin American Studies (SLAS) Student Society
The SLAS Student Society is a student-run organization that aims to create a sense of community for the diverse group of students in SLAS. The society connects students from all departments with alumni, faculty, and staff in the Spanish and Latin American Studies Department.
BIPOC Graduate Student Collective
The BIPOC Graduate Student Collective is a virtual space that aims to center the academic and social experience and needs of Black, Indigenous, People of Colour Graduate Students through various supports.
Campus Wellness
Visit Campus Wellness for counselling services and resources.
Employee Assistance Program
As part of the Employee Assistance Program, University of Waterloo employees and their dependent family members have a range of health and wellness services under the Employee and Family Assistance Program, including short-term, confidential counselling.
Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity, and Equity (RAISE)
RAISE is a student-led WUSA service that serves to address racism and xenophobia on campus with initiatives reflective of their three pillars of Education and Advocacy, Peer-to-Peer Support, and Community Building.
QTPOC KW
QTPOC KW hosts monthly events for people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC with the goal of building and nurturing a more resilient community. Visit them on their Facebook page.
Other Resources & Supports
Healing in Colour
Healing in Colour provides a directory of BIPOC therapists across Canada, to help BIPOC find a therapist who understands their lived experiences.
Latin American-Canadian Art Projects (LACAP)
LACAP is a Toronto-based, not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to the implementation of art projects, which promote Latin American art in Canada with an emphasis on artistic excellence, critically engaged artistic practices, and hemispheric networks of exchange.
Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council (HCHC)
The HCHC is an organization that aims to promote Hispanic Heritage Month in an effort to advance the Canadian Hispanic community, which undoubtedly plays and will play an important role in the future development of Canada.