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
June is National Indigenous History Month
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 June to August 2025.
An Afternoon with Kai Potts
To celebrate Indigenous Peoples History Month and Pride Month, the Office of Indigenous Relations and the Keeping Well at Work (KW@W) program are excited to welcome Kai Potts for a special event on June 18.
Kai is a proud Two-Spirit community builder with a big heart and a lot to say. Whether he's sharing stories about Indigenous identity, queerness, fashion, or his favourite video games, Kai brings humour, insight, and authenticity to every conversation.
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day!
On June 19th, in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) invite you to a celebration at BMH Green. Join us for a vibrant lunchtime concert featuring talented Indigenous student musicians, artisans, and cultural showcases. Enjoy a free "Taco in a Bag" lunch and connect in community as we celebrate Indigenous cultures and voices.
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 June to August 2025.
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 June to August 2025.
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 June to August 2025.
News
Indigenous Connections – Spring 2025 | Volume 15
The Awakening Edition
As the Earth awakens with the warmth of spring, so too does our commitment to Indigenization continue to grow and flourish. This spring, we celebrated the renewal of relationships, the blossoming of new initiatives, and the continued integration of Indigenous knowledge and voices across campus. From raising awareness on Red Dress Day to expanding smudging signage across campus, these initiatives echo a collective journey toward truth, healing, and belonging. This season has planted seeds of connection, renewal and change across our campus. As we prepare to enter Indigenous History Month, we do so with open hearts—rooted in the past, grounded in the present, and reaching toward a future of shared understanding and respect. We’ve witnessed meaningful growth—and with each new season, more continues to bloom.
A Sign of Respect: New smudging signage indicates dedicated spaces across Waterloo campus
The Office of Indigenous Relations is thrilled to share that new smudging room signage has been put in place across the University of Waterloo’s main campus.
Thank you Shatitsirótha Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre and United College
As we look ahead with excitement, it is also important to look back and acknowledge all the groundwork that laid the foundation for both OIR and WISC and our ultimate union. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions of WISC and United College over the past 22 years.
Step by Step, Wave by Wave: A water walker's story
Water is not just a resource — it is sacred. It is our first medicine, as we are all born of water. It connects us to the land, to the ancestors, and to future generations. In Indigenous worldviews, water is a living relative that must be treated with reverence.
New for 2025: Indigenous students can have $500 residence deposit waived
Incoming first-year students who complete the Indigenous citizenship/membership verification process are now eligible for the First Year Residence Guarantee Application, with the $500 deposit waived for those choosing to live on campus in September.
Indigenous Connections - Winter 2025 | Volume 14
From welcoming new Indigenous staff to launching a powerful new logo, along with embracing Indigenous storytelling, this season brought moments of integration and connection. As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, we honour Indigenous resilience, cultures, and growth. Indigenization is not just about representation – it is about incorporating Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives into the structure of our institutions. The journey forward is shaped by our collective actions and shared stories – each one a step toward a stronger, more inclusive community. There were many special milestones and moments for Indigenization on campus this season and we are looking forward for many more to come in the future.