Congratulations to Amy Nahwegahbow, the 2024 recipient of the Ogimaa Indigenous Graduate Scholarship!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.