Indigenous students

A student at the far end of the table uses an eyedropper while 2 other students look on

With the support of the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, Brae uses his chemistry knowledge to focus on indigenizing beauty. As part of that work, he plans and facilitates workshops that integrate Indigenous medicines and remedies with skincare products.


Boozhoo, shé:kon, waachjiiye, tansi, aanii, tungasugiit, sago, tawnshi, greetings!

At Waterloo, you’ll find resources and opportunities for Indigenous students, from weekly meetups to scholarships to an on-campus living community.

 

Scholarships and bursaries

Entrance scholarships, awarded to new Waterloo students, are based primarily on academic and personal achievement while bursaries are based on financial need.

Earn money and experience through Waterloo's co-op program

 

Tuition waivers for First Nations communities

Waterloo is committed to addressing the goals of truth and reconciliation and removing or reducing the financial barriers of attending university. We waive the application fee for all Indigenous applicants. We also waive tuition fees for students who are members of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation or Six Nations of the Grand River (on whose traditional territory the University of Waterloo is situated).

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students from Canadian provinces and territories outside Ontario can pay the lower tuition rate for Ontario students. Native American students from the continental U.S. recognized by the Jay Treaty are also eligible for Ontario tuition rates instead of international student tuition.

More about the tuition waiver →

 

Life at Waterloo

Ceremonial fire grounds and medicine garden

Reflect

The Ceremonial Fire Grounds and Medicine Garden facilitate community building and offer a sacred space for individual use, ceremonies, education, and other gatherings.

Regalia feathers

Celebrate

The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) hosts an annual Pow Wow to honour traditional teachings through drumming, dancing, food, and crafts.

Indigenous students walking outside together

Feel at home

Be part of our close-knit residence community that supports Indigenous first-year students, located on campus at United College and supported by WISC.

 

Waterloo's Indigenous campus community (photo gallery) →

 

Resources and supports

Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC)

Through cultural gatherings, elder teachings, and workshops, WISC creates a space for community, connection, and friendship among students, staff, and professors.

Indigenous student support counsellor

An Indigenous counsellor can help with school, family or relationships, or mental health challenges. Counselling Services also provides one-on-one counselling, group therapy, and skills seminars.

 

Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR)

OIR is a central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, researchers, professors, staff, and allies. OIR provides guidance, support, and resources to strengthen our shared vision of reconciliation.

Indigenous Speakers Series

An annual lecture is organized by Indigenous and settler professors, staff, and students.

 

Learn more about the services to help you succeed at Waterloo →

 

Enhance your learning

Many of Waterloo's programs allow you to include a specialization or a minor, which consists of 8 to 10 courses. These minors are available to all Waterloo students.

Indigenous studies.

Indigenous Studies minor: Deepen your understanding of Indigenous cultures, history, languages, and contemporary challenges. Sample courses include the Indigenous Experience in Canada and Indigenous Rights in Global Context.

 

Indigenous entrepreneur.

Indigenous Entrepreneurship minor: Learn from Indigenous instructors with deeply-held expertise in entrepreneurship and social justice. Available to students in any program at Waterloo or as a stand-alone diploma if you have successfully completed at least one year of college or university.

 

Book icon

Learn Mohawk language (Kanien’kéha): Offered in collaboration with the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre at United College, these courses are available to Waterloo students in any program who have minimal to no knowledge of Kanien’kéha.

 

Activities and societies

Student life.

 

Explore more of our 200+ on-campus clubs and activities →

Ready to learn more?

Student reading the Waterloo Indigenous brochure

Request a brochure

Request the Indigenous brochure and Waterloo viewbook to learn more about Indigenous student experience.

Request a brochure →

Campus tour.

Join us for a tour or event

Explore what the Waterloo campus has to offer!

Register for a tour or event →

Alex Degagne, Indigenous Recruitment and Partnership Specialist

Connect with us

No matter your question, our Indigenous Recruitment and Partnerships Specialist, Alex DeGagne, is here to support you.

Connect with Alex →

 

Student-written articles

Discover more about Indigenous support and initiatives in these student-written articles.