Events

Hello all,

We are excited to announce that next month, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry will introduce an Eagle Staff to the University of Waterloo, on behalf of the UWaterloo Indigenous Campus Community. This sacred item will be used in ceremony and celebration at UWaterloo and will represent the traditions and cultures of UWaterloo First Nations, Metis, and Inuit folks, serving as a beacon of reconciliation throughout our shared future. 

On Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 12:30pm – 2:00 pm in LHI 3071 we will be hosting an open discussion as to what the Eagle Staff will look like, represent and symbolize. Whether you have creative talents, crafty skills, artistic vision, or even meaningful thoughts around the creation of the staff, we would like to hear from you.

As the Eagle Staff will represent First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people here at UWaterloo, we are asking for your voices and talent in guiding the creation of the staff. In this way, the staff will truly carry the spirit of the people.

Attendance is voluntary. Drinks and Snacks will be provided.

If interested, please email us at indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca and we will save you a spot!

Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is widely considered to be one of Canada’s most pressing social justice issues. A major piece in the reconciliation agenda is the pursuit of “economic reconciliation.” This means giving Indigenous peoples – who traditionally had highly developed commercial practices and networks – the opportunity to take control over their own economic development and destiny. Education, specifically in business and entrepreneurship, will be a key prerequisite in the quest for economic reconciliation.

The Indigenous Entrepreneurship diploma features courses taught by Indigenous instructors and supports students with an incubator and a community of mentors with deeply held expertise in entrepreneurship, social innovation and community service learning. The curriculum is based on case studies drawn from Indigenous businesses and includes technical content unique to Indigenous entrepreneurs, such as joint ventures, procurement policies, Indigenous economic development corporations, and tax and governance issues.

The Faculty of Health is hosting an Indigenous Beading workshop with Emma Anderson.  Participants will learn some basic beading skills and will complete a beaded keychain during the workshop. No prior experience necessary. Come learn a new skill, enjoy good company, and have fun!

The workshop is free and all supplies are provided but space is limited and registration is required.

To register, please visit https://uwaterloo.ca/health/events/indigenous-beading-workshop

Indigenization. Equity, inclusivity, and Anti-Racism. Health and wellness. Sustainability. What do these goals have in common? 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a valuable framework for highlighting the intersections between social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. While we often approach them separately, there is a growing understanding that these goals cannot be achieved in isolation, and that interconnected approaches are needed.

This panel discussion will bring together voices from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R), the Office of Indigenous Relations, Campus Wellness, and the Sustainability Office at the University of Waterloo. Together, the panelists will discuss how the work across these four portfolios connects, how work across and between teams can be mutually supporting, and how our campus community can continue to create meaningful impact together.

To learn more and to register, please visit: https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainability/events/accelerating-progress-through-collaboration-panel-discussion

This is part one of a two-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Metis 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.

The University of Waterloo is honoured to welcome an Eagle Staff to our institution. Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry will introduce this sacred item, on behalf of the UWaterloo Indigenous campus community.

An Eagle Staff is an important element of the Indigenous relationship to mother earth and those that have protected it. The Staff reflects the wisdom, strength, and honour of those that carry it in representation of Nations across Turtle Island.

This Eagle Staff will be present at ceremonies and celebrations, such as convocation, representing University of Waterloo First Nations, Métis and Inuit community members, their traditions, cultures, and strengths.

Through the introduction of the Eagle Staff, the University of Waterloo honours the responsibility to take on Indigenous perspectives, ensuring that they are reflected in the governance, structure, and intent of the University. A symbol of Indigenous acknowledgement, the Eagle Staff will serve as a beacon of reconciliation throughout our shared future.

Location: Federation Hall
Date: Monday, March 27, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.

A sunrise ceremony will take place at 7:00 a.m. outside of Federation Hall

The entire university community is invited to participate in this meaningful ceremony as we welcome the Eagle Staff.

The ceremony is expected to take up to 90 minutes, including an opportunity for refreshments and community building.

To register, please visit:

https://ticketfi.com/event/5003/eagle-staff-ceremony?utm_source=CRE&utm_campaign=4b5e977a23-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_02_28_08_27_COPY_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-aa38ec0064-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

The Faculty of Engineering EDI team is pleased to welcome Elder Jan Longboat who will be speaking on the role of women in Haudenausaunee culture. Registration is required.

About the Elder

Jan Kahehti:io [“beautiful garden”] Longboat, Turtle clan of the Mohawk Nation, is an Elder, educator, writer, herbalist, cultural advocate and visionary. She has dedicated her life to the dissemination and learning of Indigenous language and culture. She shares her knowledge of Earth teachings, storytelling, fasting, dreams, visions, medicine teachings, women’s roles, and relationships, Haudenausaunee wampum belts, leadership, environmental changes and the impact that her original language has on understanding important values of life. Kahehti:io is the keeper of the Earth Healing Herb Gardens and healing Forest at Six Nations. She believes our ancestors left us a great legacy of Indigenous knowledge with which we can carry our spiritual, physical, mental, and environmental medicine bundles.

Kahehti:io is recognized in her community being given the Six Nations Community Treasure Award in 2010. She also received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from the University of Guelph in 2011; the “Peace” Award from the Indigenous Women’s Initiative, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian “Peacemaker Award” in 2007.

Kahehti:io received her degree as a Natural Health Practitioner from the London School and Canadian College of Natural Healing and received her degree in counselling from Laurentian University in 2017.

Kahehti:io received the Indspire Award, the Einstein Award 2018. She received the Order of Canada in 2017.

Please join us for an evening of learning surrounding Earth Day and Indigenous perspectives. We will hear Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe teachings, including stories and discussion about Indigenous relationships to Mother Earth, and our responsibilities as stewards of our shared home. 

*This is a hybrid event with in-person and virtual attendance options available during registration *

To register, please visit https://www.ticketfi.com/event/5064/earth-day-teaching-with-lotunt-honyust-myeengun-henry

Hosted by the folks at the United College Indigenous Entrepreneurship Incubator!

On April 19, come and learn about our innovative Indigenous Entrepreneurship program that will help support the next generation of First Nations, Metis and Inuit changemakers! This groundbreaking initiative is taking venture creation to a new level with an indigenous lens tailored specifically for unique needs of indigenous entrepreneurs. Join us in helping create meaningful change within these communities! RVSP today!

We’ll be working on our content catalog and participant work flow for you guys this week. Stay tuned!

Event Brite to register for event:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigenous-entrepreneurship-info-session-tickets-617934066427

Zoom link for meeting:

https://uwaterloo.zoom.us/j/91683002436?pwd=a2M3a1JEWUZkWVkwWTNIa09GVXcvdz09

Part 1 (offered every term) is a prerequisite for part 2. If you haven't previously taken part 1, please do so next term prior to enrolling for part 2.

This is the second half a two-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Metis 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.

Learning Objectives:

• Deconstruct language and discuss why identity and labels are different for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples.
• Unlearning historic and current realities forFirst Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in the land now known as Canada and how the resulting cultural genocide:
  • Affects current and future generations of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples
  • Affects how First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples are received andtreated in institutions, including post-secondary institution
• Increase understanding ofIndigenous ways of knowing
• Increase awareness of local urban First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities
• Promote self-reflection to further an understanding of the impacts of colonization, racism, and implicit bias experienced by First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples

Online, 3-hour workshop, in a small-group setting

To register, please visit https://uwaterloo.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=7358