Events

This presentation will engage with participants to explore what they know and what they think they know about 2Spirit and Queer-Trans Indigenous experiences and histories. Folks will also review some of the LGBTQ+ Pride history of Canada. Folks are encouraged to come with an open heart, mind and spirit. Topic warning: colonisation, racism, homophobia/transphobia, gender based violence, residential schools

This is a three-hour workshop, held in person at UWaterloo EXP 1689.

All are welcome!

You don't know what you don't know Parts 1 & 2

This is 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.

*Part 1 is a prerequisite for Part 2*

You don't know what you don't know Part 2 (Virtual Workshop)

*Part 1 is a prerequisite for part 2* Please feel welcome to register if you have taken part 1 in a previous term.

We have a few spaces left for part 2 of the workshop (Spring Term). If you have already registered for part 2, there is no need to register again.

This is part two of a 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!

After having been introduced to the concept of Miskasowin (wholistic self-evaluation) that defines content, context, and relationship promoting further action, accountability, and responsibilities as a treaty person in this land now known as Canada, Part 2 delves deeper into colonial history and the impacts that exist today.

July 26, 1pm-4pm on Zoom (links sent out that morning)

The Office of Indigenous Relations and the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (Faculty of Health) are pleased to co-host a presentation by Bobbie Chew Bigby, postdoctoral fellow at University of Waterloo.

Bobbie is excited and honored to engage with the University of Waterloo community through this talk and dialogue. Beginning by first sharing some personal stories from her background and home base in Oklahoma Indian Country, Bobbie aims to sketch some of the many lines of connection between the lands and communities of the Waterloo area and Oklahoma. Turning next to an overview of her learning journey, research trajectory, and recent PhD dissertation, Bobbie will highlight her work documenting Indigenous-led tourism and resurgence across Indigenous Australia and beyond. Images and stories from fieldwork in both Australia and the US will be shared, along with reflections from navigating research in the recent period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Bobbie’s more recent research work on documenting and standing in solidarity with Indigenous-led toxic tours of environmentally assaulted land and waterscapes will be briefly covered, along with an overview of other projects that are part of her postdoctoral fellowship. Following the presentation, Bobbie looks forward to an extended question-and-answer and dialogue period to engage in conversation with the UW community.     

Wondering what to expect at a Pow Wow? We've got you covered! 

This Presentation will focus on the origin of what is known as “Pow-wow,"  and how it came to be in North America and in the Great Lakes area. Gordon will also talk about what you can expect when attending a Pow Wow, including drumming, singing, dancing, and associated protocols. Whether this is your first Pow Wow or you've been on the Pow Wow trail for years, there is something for everyone to learn. 

About the Speaker

Gordon Nicotine-Sands is a fourth generation singer, originally from Bkejwanong territory, and the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan.  The “Eagle Flight” singers (lead by Gordon) are a First Nations singing group based out of London, On. and have been active for over two decades.  The group has travelled extensively in the Great Lakes area(internationally on occasion) participating in festival-like celebrations known as “Pow-wow”.  “Eagle Flight” has also honoured invitations from professional and educational institutions in the form of educational song and dance performances.  In addition to creating and sharing traditional music, Gordon also serves as an MC to many winter celebrations in the Great Lakes known as “Round dance” which are trending cultural events that originated out west.  Gordon is a graduate of Fanshawe’s Fine Art program and Father to four.

Registration for this presentation is required and appreciated.

September 23, 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the United College (formerly St. Paul’s University College) annual Pow Wow. This year is the inaugural collaboration on this celebration between the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) and the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR). In addition to the Pow Wow being co-hosted by WISC and OIR, there will be another major change from years past, as the Pow Wow moves to the University of Waterloo Campus at an indoor venue, Columbia Icefield (CIF). A huge thank you goes out to University of Waterloo Athletics for your support in this celebration! This is a one-day event featuring vendors, dancers, and singers from the Region of Waterloo and beyond. This is a non-competition Pow Wow, with a focus on celebrating Indigenous culture and tradition through song, dance, arts, and food. Most importantly, this Pow Wow is intended to be a safe, welcoming, and vibrant opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks from the University of Waterloo community and beyond to gather and spend time with each other in a beautiful display of indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in the celebration!       

For full details please visit the site hosted by the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre.

Calling all First Natons, Metis, and Inuit students, staff, and faculty at UWaterloo! We want your creativity and input for the UWaterloo Indigenous Logo, coming soon!

When: Thursday, October 5 | 1-2 pm
Where: Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC)

In recognition of our commitments to reconciliation, decolonization, and indigenization, the Office of Indigenous Relations and University Relations is embarking on a project to find different ways to represent indigeneity in the University of Waterloo logo.

Our current shield, which dates to 1961, uses the official colours of gold, black and white with double chevrons and three red lions.

According to our brand website: “The imagery is derived from the coats of arms of two historic figures connected to Waterloo Region — Lord Kitchener and the Duke of Wellington. The colours reflect the Germanic heritage of the Region.”

Recognizing that this erases historical and contemporary Indigenous life on the territory that the University of Waterloo now occupies, this logo project will seek to commission Indigenous artists to create different interpretations of the logo.

This logo will be made available in official branding packages on the branding website for anyone at UWaterloo to use in their presentations and communications materials.

Consultation is the initial step towards the addition of Indigenous logo options at UWaterloo, and we value your insight and creativity!

Snacks and beverages will be provided. The link to register is in our bio.

If you have any questions, please email us at indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca

To help us with our preparation of food for this gathering of creative minds, please register here.

Biindigen! Welcome, come in!  You are invited and welcome to our space to participate in the Office of Indigenous Relations United Way Fundraiser!

Halloween day, anytime from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM the Office of Indigenous Relations is hosting a Spooktacular Spannock lunch for a $5.00 donation. With this you have a choice of soup and a slice of Melissa Ireland’s famous baked Bannock!

While you drop-by for soup to go or sit and eat, you are welcome to check-out our small silent auction and make a bid if you wish!  Prizes include, Ghostly Beaded Fringe-style earrings made by Robin Stadelbauer, mugs and teas, and a chance to win lunch at the University Club with Jean Becker, Jean’s treat and if you are lucky she may even teach you a few tricks!

Lunch and auction hosted in the Office of Indigenous Relations located on the fourth floor of East Campus 5 in suite 4201.

Virtual bidding on silent auction items available in this events page.

Clayton Samuel King, Potawatomi from Beausoleil, is an artist, educator, and orator. One focus of Clayton's work includes the Williams treaties, which effect his home community. In this presentation, Clayton will share his expertise and passion while discussing life before the treaties, 100 years of the Williams Treaties, and implications such as denied rights to hunting and fishing.

Inuit Day is November 7th!

Join us for a captivating screening of the documentary "The Experimental Eskimos" followed by a sharing circle with Inuit elder Minnie Akparook. Elder Minnie will be in the Office of Indigenous Relations throughout the day, so please feel welcome to come and spend some time together!

When: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 | 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Where: EC5 1111

Let the stories of resilience, tradition and innovation inspire us on this special occasion!