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
Fall Foodie Fundraiser
The Office of Indigenous Relations is hosting a Fall Foodie Fundraiser as part of the University of Waterloo’s campus efforts for United Way!
Bridge: Honouring the Lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People
Working with Shatitsirótha' Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC), the Office of Indigenous Relations (ORI), the Sexual Violence Prevention Response Office (SVPRO), and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Dr. Sorouja Moll initiated Bridge in 2015 (at the University of Waterloo) to create a space for all University community members to learn about the crisis as they reflect upon their responsibilities, and share in speaking the names of the lives taken to honour and remember them as red fabric is tied to the bridge between Environment 3 and United College
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.
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.
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.
Treaties as Foundations: The Legacy of the Mississauga's of the Credit First Nation
Daniel Secord will be a guest speaker for Treaties Week, delivering a presentation on the history of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and their relationship with treaties. With extensive knowledge of the community's history, Daniel will provide a comprehensive overview of the area's treaty history and its significance.
News
Project Launch: Decolonizing and Establishing Payment Practices
We are excited to announce the launch of a project at the University of Waterloo entitled “Decolonizing and Establishing Payment Practices with Indigenous Community Members”, co-sponsored by Finance, Human Resources, the Office of Research, and the Office of Indigenous Relations.
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.