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
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.
Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát 21st Annual Pow Wow
September 28, 2024 marks the 21st anniversary of the Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát annual Pow Wow.
This year continues the collaboration between the Shatitsirótha’ Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) and the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR). This one-day non-competitive celebration of Indigenous heritage features vendors, dancers, and singers from the Waterloo region and beyond. Join us as we celebrate Indigenous culture and tradition through song, dance, arts, and cuisine. Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát Pow Wow is intended to be a safe, welcoming, and vibrant opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks from the UWaterloo community and beyond to gather in celebration of indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We invite and encourage you all to attend National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events at Waterloo on Monday, September 30. All of the ceremonies will start and end at the B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) Green. The entire University community is welcome to attend and observe all of the ceremonies throughout the day as their schedule allows.
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.
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.
News
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.
Indigenous Connections - Winter 2024 | Volume 10
New Year, New Beginnings
Happy new year! We'd like to take a moment to celebrate and highlight all of the incredible work that was done in 2023 at UWaterloo in decolonization, indigenization and reconciliation and thank you all for the various roles you played in this.
Indigenous Connections - Fall 2023 | Volume 9
Embracing the colours of change
Happy November! We appreciate you taking the time to read the 9th edition of the Indigenous Connections Newsletter. As the crisp fall leaves blanket our campus, we reflect on the beauty and significance of the fall and embrace the changing season with the arrival of November. Fall is a time that allows us to enjoy the harvest and receive everything from the seeds we planted in the spring and nurtured in the summer.