A message from Jean Becker (Inuk), Associate Vice President, Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR)
June is National Indigenous History Month, and on June 21 we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day, also known to some as the summer solstice.
I continue to be grateful for the University of Waterloo’s dedication to fostering enduring, respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. In 2023 we launched the University of Waterloo Indigenous Strategic Plan 2023-2028, which charts a course towards Indigenizing and decolonizing the institution. Aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, this plan outlines steps for the University’s transformation. This plan is for all of us to utilize as a guidepost in our respective fields of study and work.
Throughout June 2025, we have two events hosted by OIR and other exciting events happening across campus, designed to celebrate National Indigenous History Month. This includes a special talk with Kai Potts on June 18 and an outdoor concert and lunch on June 19 - details below. We are also pleased to look back on the past year and highlight some incredible stories of Indigenization on campus.
Our mission as always for June and beyond is to progress from rhetoric to meaningful, tangible actions on our collective journey towards reconciliation and decolonization.
A message from Dr. Vivek Goel, University of Waterloo's president and vice-chancellor
National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples represented in our University community and across the country.
This month is also about acknowledging and honouring Indigenous history. In addition to learning about the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, this is also a time to reflect on the difficult and complicated history of colonialism in Canada and its ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities. As an institution of learning, the University of Waterloo plays a unique role in teaching this history and in working towards truth and reconciliation.
In 2022, we made a formal commitment to decolonization, indigenization and reconciliation. That work is ongoing, and we have made some good progress this past year on ensuring our physical spaces reflect our commitment. For example, the new 500-bed residence building currently being built prioritizes Indigenous engagement and principles into its design. Additionally, the new Indigenous gathering space on the BMH green now serves as a prominent physical reminder of indigeneity on our main campus, as well as providing a welcoming space to connect and learn—as with events like those taking place this month. These are just two recent examples of our continuing journey.
I hope you’ll join in the programming across our campuses this month and take the opportunity for learning, reflection and celebration.
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Indigenization at Waterloo
Waterloo Warriors launch a new Indigenous logo
Collaboration leads to Indigenization in Waterloo's Athletics and Recreation.
A Sign of Respect: New smudging signage indicates dedicated spaces across Waterloo campus
The Office of Indigenous Relations is thrilled to share that new smudging room signage has been put in place across the University of Waterloo’s main campus.
W Store launches new Indigenous collection
Celebrating the newest Indigenous collection featuring artwork from Tehatsistahawi (Tsista) Kennedy.
Tackling environmental health challenges in Indigenous communities
PhD student’s research examines how industrial pollution may be affecting northern First Nations communities.
Elder Myeengun Henry receives an honorary doctorate
The University of Waterloo celebrates the achievements of the newest pool of talented changemakers and wishes them success ahead. Elder Myeengun Henry receives an honorary doctorate at convocation fall 2024.
Flourishing through adversity
Dr. Nel Wieman discovers her passion for helping people and becomes Canada’s first female Indigenous psychiatrist.
Tentewatenikonhra’khánion
How a Waterloo Canada Research Chair is decolonizing research methods and co-creating a path forward through community collaboration.
Campus community grows with new Indigenous staff
A heartfelt gathering in Health Services welcomed two new Indigenous staff members to the campus wellness team.
AI Meets EDI: Virtual Simulations for Culturally Safe Indigenous Healthcare
Pharmacy students at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy will soon gain access to innovative AI-powered virtual training designed to help them provide culturally responsive care to Indigenous patients, addressing a critical gap in healthcare education.
Indigenous Elders guide Science students in land-based learning
University of Waterloo's first fully Indigenous-led field course takes learning beyond the classroom to be immersed in Indigenous knowledge.
Weaving Indigenous science into the classroom
The Faculty of Science is driving the initiative to transform the way science is taught and understood.
Indigenous History Month Events
An Afternoon with Kai Potts
June 18 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Join us as we host special guest Kai Potts. The afternoon will inspire reflection on visibility, resilience, and the role of youth in leading transformational change. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of Two-Spirit identity, its cultural significance, and how we can support safer, more inclusive spaces for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Inuit Identity – Who Is Resilient Inuk by Resilient Inuk
June 19 | 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Join the library virtually or in person to explore key aspects of Inuit identity with "Resilient Inuk" Vanessa Brousseau.
Faculty of Health Indigenous Recommitment Ceremony
June 18 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Health faculty, staff and students! Please mark your calendars and join us for our
Faculty of Health Indigenous Recommitment Ceremony.
Indigenous Mural Unveiling
June 20 | 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join the Libraries for a celebration marking the installation of new Indigenous murals at our Waterloo campus locations. University Librarian Beth Namachchivaya will share how the new artwork contributes to the Libraries’ decolonization efforts. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day!
June 19 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) on June 19 in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. The day will begin with ceremony and reflection, followed by a community gathering filled with music, art, and food around the new Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space!
Queer Film Series: Matinée Screening of "Rosie"
June 26 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
In honour of National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, the Faculty of Mathematics, in collaboration with the Office of Indigenous Relations and Princess Cinemas, invites you to a special matinée Queer Film Series screening of the film Rosie! Rosie is a powerful story that celebrates identity, acceptance, and chosen family.
National Indigenous History month allows for events and activities that create opportunities for gathering, knowledge and inclusion, which in turn sparks important relational connections for all. Let’s come together to celebrate, learn and grow.
Indigenous funds to support
Indigenous Student Success Fund
Provides financial assistance to Indigenous students experiencing financial hardship. The fund addresses a range of needs including emergency housing-related expenses, rental payment, funding security, and education enrichment.
Indigenous Opportunities Fund
Supports programming needs of the Office of Indigenous Relations. Under the direction of Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations, this unrestricted fund allows the office to fund urgent projects that may arise.
Faculty of Arts Indigenous Initiatives Fund
Supports and promotes Indigenous Initiatives, and makes Indigenous histories and cultures more visible on campus through Indigenous-led programs, activities and events, including the annual Indigenous Speakers Series which highlights the voices of Indigenous artists, writers, activists, scholars and leaders from across Turtle Island.
Longhouse Labs Capital Fund
The Longhouse Labs will provide emerging Indigenous visual artists with residencies and exhibition opportunities at Waterloo. Creating appropriate, dedicated and resourced space is a critical first step in supporting the experience of the artists.
Black and Indigenous Students Engineering Outreach Program
Supports racialized youth in Grades 1 to 12 through programs and activities, and provides bursaries and/or scholarships.
Note: The Office of Indigenous Relations manages a list of awards available for Indigenous Students