Current graduate students

Monday, January 13, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Office of Indigenous Relations Anniversary Celebration Open House

Join us in celebrating the 4th anniversary of the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) at the University of Waterloo! All are welcome for the afternoon to connect with the OIR team and learn more about our mission, initiatives, and contributions to supporting Indigenous students, faculty, staff and alumni fostering greater awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues and culture on campus.

Thursday, January 16, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

You Don't Know What You Don't Know with Ela Smith

This is a three-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Métis relations with settlers. As the title indicates, you don't know what you don't know so everyone is welcome. You will be introduced to the concept of Miskasowin (wholistic self-evaluation) that will define content, context, and relationship promoting further action, accountability, and responsibilities as a treaty person in this land now known as Canada. This is an online, 3-hour workshop, in a small-group setting.

Hosted by the Office of Indigenous Relations, facilitated by Ela Smith. 

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Inuit Day: The Story of the Qulliq

Today is Inuit Day, an acknowledgement and celebration of Inuit culture and contributions, but most importantly, a day to affirm the voices of Inuit across the circumpolar world. Associate Vice President, Jean Becker (Inuk), a member of Nunatsiavut Territory of Labrador, tells the history of how Inuit culture was replaced with European culture in the centuries after John Cabot arrived in North America in 1497.

We Never Forget Edition

From Indigenous Disability Awareness Month to Inuit Day to Indigenous Veterans Day and Treaties Recognition Week, we dedicate time to remember what we have forgotten, to remember the historical context of this land and the very present, very real and continuous harms that persist. As we experience unnerving changes in the climate, a multitude of violence, and many other tragedies around the globe, the answer in mainstream culture has been to stay close to safe feelings but we must feel what we feel. Our bodies never forget what we’ve experienced. Yet with kindness, empathy and compassion towards ourselves and others we can move forward in a good way. We have a chance to learn, grow and get better as individuals and as a collective every day if we so choose – while still honouring that which we will never forget.

Friday, November 29, 2024 9:30 am - 3:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Ribbon Skirt Workshop

Indigenous students, faculty and staff are invited to join us for a special Ribbon Skirt Workshop in preparation for National Ribbon Skirt Day on January 4th.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and preserve Indigenous culture, promote community engagement, and to learn the art and significance of ribbon skirt making. At the end of this workshop, you will have created your own unique and personalized ribbon skirt that you can be proud to wear on National Ribbon Skirt Day. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Unlearning Ableism: decolonizing and un-shaming disability

In observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) and Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, the Office of Indigenous Relations is honoured to have Emily Brant give our keynote presentation. Emily, a Kanyen’kehà:ka woman from the Turtle Clan in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory will share insights from her personal experiences as a person with a disability.

Thursday, October 24, 2024 - Thursday, November 7, 2024 (all day)

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

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Treaties as Foundations: The Legacy of the Mississaugas 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.