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.
University of Waterloo Indigenous Commitment Ceremony
Events
Finding Ways to Cultivate Curiosity and Respect in Learning and Clinical Contexts by Dr. Chase McMurren
We are excited to share an upcoming webinar from The Decolonizing UW Health Studies Collaborative:
The Decolonizing UW Health Studies Collaborative invites you to join our Spring webinar. Expert & Acolyte: Finding Ways to Cultivate Curiosity and Respect in Learning and Clinical Contexts by Dr. Chase McMurren. Together, we will explore culturally humble approaches to teaching and providing clinical care. We will also consider the value of our own self-awareness and ways we can sit with discomfort while acknowledging inherent power dynamics that exist in teaching and practicing. This webinar is happening live on Zoom June 5th, 2023 from 12:00-1:00pm. Register on Eventbrite at: https://expert_acolyte.eventbrite.com .
Photo by Stef & Ethan.
First Nations Principles of OCAP® Virtual Presentation
Hosted by the Inclusive Research Team at the University of Waterloo
The First Nations principles of OCAP® establish how First Nations’ data and information will be collected, protected, used, or shared. Standing for ownership, control, access and possession, OCAP® is a tool to support strong information governance on the path to First Nations data sovereignty. Given the diversity within and across Nations, the principles will be expressed and asserted in line with a Nation’s respective world view, traditional knowledge, and protocols. For more information, please visit: https://fnigc.ca/ocap-training/
To register, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/kJTsUxNTn2
For any additional questions or clarification, please reach out to Sara Anderson at sara.anderson@uwaterloo.ca.
Please note the webinar link will be emailed closer to the date of the event.
James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw: The Seven Grandfather Teachings
The Seven Grandfather Teachings: Debwewin (Truth), Zoongidi’ewin (Courage), Manaaji’idiwin (Respect), Gwayakwaadiziwin (Integrity), Zaagi’idiwin (Love), Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom), Dabasendizowin (Humility) are guiding principles that the Anishinaabeg live by in order to live Mino Bimaadiziwin (a good life).
Please join the Office of Indigenous Relations in welcoming James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw for a virtual talk about The Seven Grandfather Teachings, how these teachings are reflected in Anishinaabemowin (the Ojibwe language), and how we are guided by the seven generations before and after us.
Indigenous Movie Night!
Join the Faculty of Health for a free Indigenous movie night on Thursday, June 8, in the Sunlife Auditorium (LHI 1621).
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (EST)
Movie starts at 5:30 p.m. (EST)
*No cost. Popcorn will be provided. Everyone is welcome, no registration required!
We will be watching a dystopian horror film called 'Night Raiders' which features the work of Cree Métis writer and director, Danis Goulet. This thriller delves into Canada's history of residential schools and assimilation of Indigenous children by following the futuristic story of a Cree daughter forcibly taken away from her mother to join a forced-education camp. Luckily, her mother joins a group of Cree vigilantes. Is she able to get her daughter back? Join us to find out!
Content advisory: This film contains scenes that may be disturbing to some viewers, especially those who are victims of harm, abuse, violence and/or intergenerational trauma. Viewer discretion is advised.
Questions? Email: health.indigenousinitiatives@uwaterloo.ca
Want to check out the trailer? Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_MAEu5k4kI
News
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)
Waterloo Welcomes an Eagle Staff
On March 27, the University of Waterloo community came together to welcome an Eagle Staff to our institution. The day began with a Sunrise Ceremony followed by a formal introduction ceremony held at Federation Hall. The ceremony began with drumming from the Cedar Hill Singers and a procession, followed by a prayer of thanks led by Elder Bill Woodworth. Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Elder Myeengun Henry, introduced the sacred Eagle Staff on behalf of the University’s Indigenous community, marking an important step in Waterloo’s journey towards reconciliation.
Read the full story from Waterloo News.