In our third season of our partnership with the Stratford Festival, we invite you to join us on October 2nd, to see the show, The Diviners.
For For First Nations, Metis, and Inuit University of Waterloo 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.
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.
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We invite and encourage all members of the University community to attend and observe all of the ceremonies throughout the day as their schedule allows.
Welcome to the Truth and Reconciliation Edition!
On September 30, we honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Widespread public commemoration and acknowledgement of the tragic and painful history, continued impact, and intergenerational trauma of Canada's residential school legacy is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The University of Waterloo and the Office of Indigenous Relations continue to amplify that truth as we build towards reconciliation. We will also highlight the beauty and resilience of indigeneity, and the strengthening of bonds with allies as we navigate this complex and meaningful day.
Indigenous Commitment Edition
At UWaterloo, the Fall season began in such a good way. A commitment to lasting support for Indigenization was solidified in ceremony, the campus community came together like never before to honour those impacted by the residential school legacy, and students returned to a campus that showed tremendous growth in all areas of Indigenization! Us folks in the Office of Indigenous Relations have felt so much love and support, and are so grateful for the inspiring work that is happening throughout the University.
The significance of winter to Indigenous folks across Turtle Island is as diverse and beautiful as the people themselves! For many, winter is the time where we remain indoors and spend time closely connected with our loved ones. We share stories and laughs and reinforce our bonds. It is also a time for quiet introspection, reflection, and attention as we make use of the stillness to connect to all things in that intentional way. As winter begins to slowly retreat and make way for spring, we eagerly look ahead to the changing of seasons, with gratitude, humility and fresh perspectives.
Celebrating National Indigenous History Month and Pride
Welcome everyone, and thank you for taking this time to check out "Indigenous Connections." We know things are busy as our lives align with the season of Spring, and your gift of time is precious. Spring is a time of change and renewal and connects to the medicine wheel teachings of the Eastern direction. It is a time for planting and creating new life, of growth and the accompanying vulnerability. Somewhere between the solemnity of winter and vibrant frenzy of summer, we take this time to nurture, prepare, and bloom!
The Coming Together Edition
Happy September, everybody! Thank you for taking the time to check out another edition of Indigenous Connections. As we head towards the final days of summer, we have so much to reflect on and so many great Indigenous initiatives that took place here at the University of Waterloo. Summer is the time when we are busy tending to all the seeds we planted in spring, metaphorically and literally for those who garden! While it is a beautiful season, it can also be intense as it is often full of growth (and heat). We hope you have had a chance to find nourishment and connection through it all and welcome you to a new academic term!
September 28, 2024 marks the 21st anniversary of the Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát annual Pow Wow.
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.