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
Bi-Weekly Hand-drumming Circle
All Indigenous University of Waterloo employees (staff and faculty) are invited to join us at our bi-weekly hand-drumming circle from September to December, 2024.
Unlearning Ableism: decolonizing and un-shaming disability
In observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) and Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, the Office of Indigenous Relations is honoured to have Emily Brant give our keynote presentation. Emily, a Kanyen’kehà:ka woman from the Turtle Clan in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory will share insights from her personal experiences as a person with a disability.
Beaders n' Eaters!
For For First Nations, Metis, and Inuit University of Waterloo staff, faculty, students, alumni and retirees.
Join us for crafts, food and community with Beaders N' Eaters! Bring your favourite craft to work on and/or some food to share so we can enjoy connection and creativity. All skill levels and types of crafts are welcome or you can simply come to enjoy the company - we look forward to seeing you.
Ribbon Skirt Workshop
Indigenous students, faculty and staff are invited to join us for a special Ribbon Skirt Workshop in preparation for National Ribbon Skirt Day on January 4th.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and preserve Indigenous culture, promote community engagement, and to learn the art and significance of ribbon skirt making. At the end of this workshop, you will have created your own unique and personalized ribbon skirt that you can be proud to wear on National Ribbon Skirt Day.
Bi-Weekly Hand-drumming Circle
All Indigenous University of Waterloo employees (staff and faculty) are invited to join us at our bi-weekly hand-drumming circle from September to December, 2024.
Bi-Weekly Hand-drumming Circle
All Indigenous University of Waterloo employees (staff and faculty) are invited to join us at our bi-weekly hand-drumming circle from September to December, 2024.
News
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.
Indigenous Connections - Summer 2024 | Volume 12
Maamawi | Together We Can Edition
Maamawi /m-a-m-a-w-i/ means together in Ojibway. This past summer we saw collective efforts and working together to advance indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation on campus. Many community members embodied an important reminder of the spirit of unity, collaboration, and mutual support in the face of the world's challenges. Together we can continue to work to address the past and present to create a just and sustainable future.
Employment Opportunity: Research Assistant
The Office of Indigenous Relations is seeking a research assistant who will work with the Director, Indigenous Faculty Relations to support research activities with a focus on sustaining existing initiatives and the development of new research directions that support OIR's core mission.
Learn more about this job opportunity and how to apply.