Written by Zoya (she/her), student
As an Indigenous student at Waterloo, there are plenty of supports across campus to help you feel welcome. Learn about the experiences of two current students and how they've been able to feel connected to the campus.
Embracing your environment
Meet Devon, a current student in the Environment, Resources and Sustainability program. Through her involvement with the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) and the Indigenous Student Association (ISA), Devon is making the most of her time at Waterloo.
Being a part of both the WISC and ISA has allowed me to explore my own identity and create lasting friendships.
WISC serves as a safe space for many Indigenous students on campus, including Devon! Events like soup lunch and workshops give you the chance to meet new people, spend time with other students, and maybe even learn something new. A fond memory of Devon’s is learning how to make ribbon skirts so that she can help teach workshops at WISC.
Outside of WISC and ISA, Devon loves the hands-on learning opportunities that come with her classes. For example, she got the chance to conduct a field study at Laurel Creek on campus, where they got to examine the health of the water in the area. In the Faculty of Environment, Devon’s met plenty of people that are just as passionate about the environment as she is.
Inside and outside of the classroom, you'll be able to find a space where you fit in and are welcome!
Finding your home away from home
Adjusting to university life can be difficult but with the right support, your transition into Waterloo life can become easier. Brae, an Honours Chemistry student can attest to that.
At first, being far away from home and in a new environment was tough, but just like Devon, WISC played a big role in helping Brae find community here on campus. He’s had the opportunity to work on many projects with WISC, including some that align directly with what he’s studying!
Brae’s projects at WISC focus on Indigenizing beauty by holding workshops that integrate Indigenous medicines and remedies with skin care products. He's been able to connect with so many students, staff, and faculty, and even some possible supervisors if he decides to pursue graduate studies.
Being able to meet and connect with so many different people has impacted me in so many ways, such as becoming more outgoing, having confidence in myself and my projects and overall feeling like I have a place to be myself in a community.
One of Brae’s favourite parts of being a Chemistry student is the in-lab experience. Getting to apply the content he’s learned in courses greatly helps his understanding of what he’s studying. Plus, all the great people in the Faculty of Science make sure he feels supported every step of the way.
The tight-knit Indigenous community on campus means that you’ll always have people encouraging and supporting you throughout your university journey. Whether you grew up in an Indigenous community or you’re just beginning to embrace your culture, you belong here.
