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.
Beaders n' Eaters!
For University of Waterloo, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit 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.
Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát 21st Annual Pow Wow
September 28, 2024 marks the 21st anniversary of the Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát annual Pow Wow.
Join us as we celebrate Indigenous culture and tradition through song, dance, arts, and cuisine. Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát Pow Wow is intended to be a safe, welcoming, and vibrant opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks from the UWaterloo community and beyond to gather in celebration of indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We invite and encourage all members of the University community attend and observe all of the ceremonies throughout the day as their schedule allows.
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.
The Diviners | Stratford Festival Trip
In our third season of our partnership with the Stratford Festival, we invite you to join us on October 2nd, to see the show, The Diviners.
News
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.
Farewell to Bryanne Smart
As Bryanne's time at Waterloo comes to an end, we can't thank her enough for all her good work and wish her all the best in future endeavors!
Indigenous Relations joins the Green Office program
The Office of Indigenous Relations has joined the Office of Sustainability's Green Office program.
Indigenous Connections - Spring 2024 | Volume 11
The Brighter Days Edition
Greetings, everyone! Spring is finally here, bringing with it a breath of fresh air and a burst of color. As we say “see you again” to winter and welcome the warmer days ahead, let's take a moment to soak in the beauty of this season of renewal. Just like the flowers blooming and the trees budding, it is a time for us to embrace growth and new beginnings. So, what seeds have you planted that are ready to sprout? Let's kick back, enjoy the long-awaited brighter days, and celebrate the joy of spring together! Here’s a bit of what has been going on and what is coming up that we can look forward to.
Indigenous Connections - Winter 2024 | Volume 10
New Year, New Beginnings
Happy new year! We'd like to take a moment to celebrate and highlight all of the incredible work that was done in 2023 at UWaterloo in decolonization, indigenization and reconciliation and thank you all for the various roles you played in this.