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. Explore this website to learn more about our work and the ongoing Indigenous relations at UWaterloo. Connect with us at https://linktr.ee/uwaterlooindigenous
University of Waterloo Territorial Acknowledgement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
Learn how to pronounce Anishinaabeg.
Learn how to pronounce Haudenosaunee.
Stay Connected with our Seasonal Newsletter
Sign-up for Indigenous Connections, our seasonal newsletter and we will keep you up-to-date on what we are working on, ways you can engage with our office, and provide resources to strengthen and apply your knowledge. Read our latest edition here.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023 (click below to learn more)
University of Waterloo Indigenous Commitment Ceremony
Events
UWaterloo Indigenous Logo Creative Consultation
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.
News
Employee Equity Census
The annual Employee Equity Census is now open. All employees are asked to complete this confidential census at their earliest convenience. It will only take a few minutes and can be accessed through Workday by following these instructions, then clicking on the following link: https://wd3.myworkday.com/uwaterloo/d/task/2997$12683.htmld
If you have completed the census, thank you for taking this opportunity to help shape equity-based initiatives across the University. Please spread the word and encourage your colleagues to participate, too! For more information about this initiative, please visit the Equity Data Strategy website or email analyusis@uwaterloo.ca.
Welcome Emily Brant-Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations!
Please join us in welcoming Emily Brant-Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations!
Emily Brant (she/her) is a Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk) communications manager, author, and speaker from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She works at the intersections of communication, personal development, and decolonization. Emily is passionate about empowering and supporting Indigenous peoples to live their most soul-fulfilling and authentic life, in a way that honours their roots and their truest self.
Emily started her new role on campus yesterday. She will work closely with the OIR team, spending time both in the Office of Indigenous Relations and the University Relations space. Emily is responsible for writing and developing a wide range of communication products in support of the University’s strategic objectives, specifically supporting the Office of Indigenous Relations and other strategic communications at the University of Waterloo.
We are happy you are here, Emily!
Welcome Laura Belben - Indigenous Student Support Counsellor!
*For students:
To book time with Laura, please visit https://uwaterloo.ca/campus-wellness/counselling-services
or reach out directly to Laura at lbelben@uwaterloo.ca
Laura is an Indigenous Woman of mixed ancestry with paternal Innu lineage. She is a member of the NunatuKavut Territory of Labrador. Laura has been on an incredible journey of healing that has focused on remembering and reclaiming who she is and her ancestral power.
Laura is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers and with the Ontario Association of Social Workers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Sociology from Cape Breton University, a Master of Arts in Sociology from Acadia University, and a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University.
Laura’s professional experience includes over fifteen years working alongside and supporting individuals, families, and communities experiencing mental health crises and ongoing psychiatric concerns, in both community and hospital settings. Through her various roles, she has supported folks in an array of capacities, including crisis intervention, assessment, case management, counselling, and ongoing treatment and support.
Laura values each learner, their experiences, and their story. She strives to provide a safe space for learners to share and unpack their experiences. Her framework for Social Work practice centers on her connection to the Land and the importance of Nature, traditional knowledge, ceremony, and medicine in the healing process. Laura holds a wholistic view of health and wellness, as well as strives to support and promote greater self-awareness, confidence, and connection while building capacity, empowerment, and resilience.
Laura’s practice is influenced by an Indigenous, anti-colonial, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, feminist, and intersectional approach. In her work alongside learners, she incorporates an eclectic mix of Supportive Counselling, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)