Thank you for visiting the Office of Indigenous Relations. We work collaboratively on and off-campus to advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, creating a long-term vision for the University, grounded in decolonization.
"Our goals are intended to advance a strategic focus on the advocacy, commitments and actionable areas that will enable the University of Waterloo to strengthen Indigenous inclusion and leadership."
Explore our work and the ongoing Indigenous relations at the University of Waterloo
Quick links for students
News and upcoming events
Events
Office of Indigenous Relations Anniversary Celebration Open House
Join us in celebrating the 4th anniversary of the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) at the University of Waterloo! All are welcome for the afternoon to connect with the OIR team and learn more about our mission, initiatives, and contributions to supporting Indigenous students, faculty, staff and alumni fostering greater awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues and culture on campus.
You Don't Know What You Don't Know with Ela Smith
This is a three-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Métis relations with settlers. As the title indicates, you don't know what you don't know so everyone is welcome. You will be introduced to the concept of Miskasowin (wholistic self-evaluation) that will define content, context, and relationship promoting further action, accountability, and responsibilities as a treaty person in this land now known as Canada. This is an online, 3-hour workshop, in a small-group setting.
Hosted by the Office of Indigenous Relations, facilitated by Ela Smith.
Have A Heart Day
The Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR), University of Waterloo School of Architecture in Cambridge and Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Centre (SOAHAC) will be collaborating for a community gathering and social to be hosted on the evening of February 13, 2025. The evening will include a connection to culture, song, dance, crafts, activities for kids and more!
News
Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Rutty
Dr. Michelle Rutty from the Department of Geography and Environmental Management has been invited to the International Science Council’s newly formed Global Roster of Experts.
Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre joins the Office of Indigenous Relations
In a move designed to enhance support and foster a cohesive environment for Indigenous students across campus, the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) would like to jointly announce the unification of our offices.
Congratulations to the Ogimaa Indigenous Graduate Scholarship recipient!
Congratulations to Amy Nahwegahbow, the 2024 recipient of the Ogimaa Indigenous Graduate Scholarship!
Inuit Day: The Story of the Qulliq
Today is Inuit Day, an acknowledgement and celebration of Inuit culture and contributions, but most importantly, a day to affirm the voices of Inuit across the circumpolar world. Associate Vice President, Jean Becker (Inuk), a member of Nunatsiavut Territory of Labrador, tells the history of how Inuit culture was replaced with European culture in the centuries after John Cabot arrived in North America in 1497.
Indigenous Connections - Fall 2024 | Volume 13
We Never Forget Edition
From Indigenous Disability Awareness Month to Inuit Day to Indigenous Veterans Day and Treaties Recognition Week, we dedicate time to remember what we have forgotten, to remember the historical context of this land and the very present, very real and continuous harms that persist. As we experience unnerving changes in the climate, a multitude of violence, and many other tragedies around the globe, the answer in mainstream culture has been to stay close to safe feelings but we must feel what we feel. Our bodies never forget what we’ve experienced. Yet with kindness, empathy and compassion towards ourselves and others we can move forward in a good way. We have a chance to learn, grow and get better as individuals and as a collective every day if we so choose – while still honouring that which we will never forget.
Project Launch: Decolonizing and Establishing Payment Practices
We are excited to announce the launch of a project at the University of Waterloo entitled “Decolonizing and Establishing Payment Practices with Indigenous Community Members”, co-sponsored by Finance, Human Resources, the Office of Research, and the Office of Indigenous Relations.