Boozhoo, Shé:kon, Waachjiiye, Tansi, Aanii, Tungasugiit, Tawnshi, Greetings!

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."

2023 - 2028 Indigenous Strategic Plan

Explore our work and the ongoing Indigenous relations at the University of Waterloo

News and upcoming events

News

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Employee Equity Census

The annual Employee Equity Census is now open. All employees are asked to complete this confidential census at their earliest convenience. It will only take a few minutes and can be accessed through Workday by following these instructions, then clicking on the following link:  https://wd3.myworkday.com/uwaterloo/d/task/2997$12683.htmld 

If you have completed the census, thank you for taking this opportunity to help shape equity-based initiatives across the University. Please spread the word and encourage your colleagues to participate, too! For more information about this initiative, please visit the Equity Data Strategy website or email analyusis@uwaterloo.ca. 

Please join us in welcoming Emily Brant-Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations!

Emily Brant (she/her) is a Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk) communications manager, author, and speaker from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She works at the intersections of communication, personal development, and decolonization. Emily is passionate about empowering and supporting Indigenous peoples to live their most soul-fulfilling and authentic life, in a way that honours their roots and their truest self.

Emily started her new role on campus yesterday. She will work closely with the OIR team, spending time both in the Office of Indigenous Relations and the University Relations space. Emily is responsible for writing and developing a wide range of communication products in support of the University’s strategic objectives, specifically supporting the Office of Indigenous Relations and other strategic communications at the University of Waterloo.
We are happy you are here, Emily!

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Waterloo Welcomes an Eagle Staff

On March 27, the University of Waterloo community came together to welcome an Eagle Staff to our institution. The day began with a Sunrise Ceremony followed by a formal introduction ceremony held at Federation Hall. The ceremony began with drumming from the Cedar Hill Singers and a procession, followed by a prayer of thanks led by Elder Bill Woodworth. Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Elder Myeengun Henry, introduced the sacred Eagle Staff on behalf of the University’s Indigenous community, marking an important step in Waterloo’s journey towards reconciliation.

Read the full story from Waterloo News.