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 centralized within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
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University of Waterloo Indigenous Commitment Ceremony
Events
Indigenous Beading Workshop
The Faculty of Health is hosting an Indigenous Beading workshop with Emma Anderson. Participants will learn some basic beading skills and will complete a beaded keychain during the workshop. No prior experience necessary. Come learn a new skill, enjoy good company, and have fun!
The workshop is free and all supplies are provided but space is limited and registration is required.
To register, please visit https://uwaterloo.ca/health/events/indigenous-beading-workshop
News
Eagle Feather Raised at UWaterloo Basketball Game
It was a powerful moment at the PAC on Carl Totzke Court, on January 27, 2023 as Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry led UWaterloo's first ever Eagle Feather Raising Ceremony between the women's and men's basketball games. The ceremony was an act of reconciliation, honoring Indigenous athletes. The eagle feather was raised just prior to the singing of the National Anthem, and was accompanied by an honor song intended to honor the athletes. Myeengun Henry remarked, "raising this eagle feather gives Indigenous athletes the opportunity to be proud of what they do." By representing Indigenous cultures in tandem with the National Anthem, the ceremony signified a path forward where the original relationship between Indigenous folks and settlers is represented and respected. Chi miigwech/ Nia:wen to all that participated. It was truly moving.
Global Map the System 2023 Competition Now Open
We are pleased to let you know that registration for the Global Map the System 2023 competition is now open. Students have until January 31, 2023, to register for this competition for a chance to win up to $2,000 in cash prizes and compete at the virtual Canadian Final and Global Final at Oxford University, UK. In Map the System, students learn how to explore, probe, and research complex social or environmental issues, using Systems Thinking tools and approaches. This competition is open to both undergrad and grad students.
For more information, students can visit our website and check out Student Resources.
Introducing CTE's Indigenous Knowledges and Anti-Racism team
In November 2021, CTE hired Leslie Wexler as a Senior Educational Developer in Indigenous Knowledges and Anti-Racist (IKAR) Pedagogies, followed some months later by Nahannee Schuitemaker, Madison Hill, and Jessica Rumboldt who work in more specific areas of IKAR. Having now settled into their individual positions and developed into a distinct five-person team, which includes Savannah Sloat, Manager of Indigenous Initiatives in the Faculty of Science, we asked each of them to share their role, current area of focus, and vision for the future of IKAR at Waterloo.