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
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 centralized within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
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.
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 to create a space for all University community members to learn about the crisis as they reflect upon their responsibilities, share in speaking the names of the lives taken to honour and remember as the red fabric is tied to the bridge between Environment 3 and United College. For the Opening Ceremony, each year we are requesting volunteers to read the names.
The gesture to name, remember, and honour the 5000+ missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People across the many Nations in Canada is an active engagement in learning about the depth of the crisis in the Canada while resisting and (en)countering the existing silence that continues to shroud it. Originally installed in Montreal in 2009, as The Writing Names Project, Moll's research-creation initiative is a counter memorial and is part of a meaningful and sustained collaborative intercultural praxis between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
University of Waterloo Indigenous Commitment Ceremony
Events
Wiisnidaa: Indigenous End of Term Feast
This is an Indigenous Event!
The Waterloo Indigenous Student Center (WISC) and Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the UWaterloo Indigenous Campus Community. You are cordially invited to Federation Hall November 30, 5pm-8pm for an end of term feast. Dinner will be provided free of charge, with Vegan and gluten-free options available. This event is for all current Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and retirees. We are happy to welcome immediate family members or your +1! Please include your guests in the number of tickets requested (eg. if you are attending with one other person, select 2 tickets). This gathering is a time for all of us to connect, celebrate, and end the term and year in a good way. Big appetites and belly-laughs are encouraged! Dress boujie for the camera!
Please note: We will be having a gift exchange at this event. Every person attending is asked to bring a wrapped gift to contribute (wrapping paper is available at WISC and will be available at Fed Hall the evening of the event). Maximum value of the gift should be $20. Hand made gifts/crafts are fantastic too!
(we understand that this time of year can be demanding and expensive. If you are unable to bring a gift, please email us at indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca and we will provide a gift on your behalf, no questions asked.)
Decolonizing the Academy: Dr. Marie Battiste
This is a free event, hosted by York University. To register, please visit https://yorku.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6H0nNnsTR7udWkaNzxq-GQ.
Indigenous Speakers Series presents Talena Atfield
The Indigenous Speakers Series is honoured to present Dr. Talena Atfield, member of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation of the Six Nations of the Grand River. Focusing on her work with Hodinohso:ni basket weavers, Dr. Atfield will speak about Western notions of the origins of Indigenous artistic practices versus the importance of arts and creation within the community.
Métis 101
Presentation on Métis culture and history, including with the ethnogenesis of the Métis, "Who Are the Métis?", their unique and rich culture and language. Why did they disappear in history? Where are they today? Online, 2-hour workshop in a small group setting.
To register, please visit https://uwaterloo.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=7100.
News
#ROCKYOURMOCS
GIVEAWAYS! November 13-19 is #rockyourmocks
week! In honour of the U.S National Native American Heritage Month (November), we rock our mocs in unity and celebration of Indigenous identities. Follow our social media channels and participate in our giveaway contest, or simply rock your mocks with style and pride! To learn more, please visit https://rockyourmocs.org/
The Ace and the Scout
Showing at the Princess Cinemas November 4 - November 11:
Inspired by Canuck WWI flying ace Billy Bishop, two young soldiers crash the front lines in August 1918. With the Allies detained, their platoon must desperately hold out alongside legendary Anishnaabe sniper, Francis "Peggy" Pegahmagabow.
Opening night (Nov 4) in WATERLOO will feature the Stunt Coordinator and some cast*! Night two in WATERLOO (Nov 5) will feature the director, producers and actors.
For more details, please visit: https://www.princesscinemas.com/movie/the-ace-and-the-scout
Waterloo’s chancellor commits $1 million to support community-focused Indigenous students, aspiring leaders in global business and next-generation entrepreneurs
Dominic Barton, the University of Waterloo's 11th chancellor, has committed $1 million to support the next generation of talent at Waterloo. Barton is a well-known leader in global business and a philanthropist, as well as a key supporter of the University.
“Dominic has created valuable opportunities for our researchers and students during his tenure as chancellor,” says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor. “I’m deeply grateful for his ongoing support, and I’m delighted that he has built on his leadership with this meaningful gift.”
Barton’s gift will fund several initiatives including a new award for Indigenous students, an international travel program in the School of Accounting and Finance and the growth of Waterloo’s entrepreneurship program, Velocity, at its new home in the Innovation Arena.
Read the full story here.