Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026
Join the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and The Graduate Students Association (GSA) on June 23 for a celebration in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day — a time to recognize and honour the diverse cultures, voices, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
The day will begin with ceremony and reflection, followed by a community gathering filled with music, art, and snacks around the Student Life Centre's Great Hall!
Please join us for live music, arts and crafts vendors and Indigenous-themed food and pastries.
*Registration for this event is not required but is appreciated.
Event Schedule (all times approximate)
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11:00 a.m. | Sacred Fire Lighting & Indigenous Arts Market Opens
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11:45 a.m. | Elders’ Prayer and Welcome from OIR, WUSA and GSA
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12:00 p.m. | Indigenous themed pastries and strawberry drink, Live Music by Indigenous Student Musicians and Indigenous Art Market Continues
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3:00 p.m. | Event End
All are welcome to attend this inclusive celebration of Indigenous joy, pride and community.
Mr. Sauga
MR. SAUGA is a dynamic Indigenous hip-hop artist, singer-songwriter, and storyteller from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Known for high-energy performances and authentic storytelling, MR. SAUGA weaves Indigenous teachings, language, and lived experience into every track. His projects, including Unidentified, Earthbound, and Band Council Secrets explore themes of identity, resilience, reconnection, and Indigenous pride, showcasing an artist committed to elevating his community through sound. With growing recognition, live performances across major festivals, and a distinct voice in Indigenous music, MR. SAUGA is carving out a space where tradition meets the future of hip-hop.
Gladwyn Badger
Gladwyn Badger is an Indigenous instrumental surf-inspired musician and artist whose music is fuelled by reverb-driven guitars with a gritty, cinematic edge. Often compared to the mood of Pulp Fiction, his sound moves beyond traditional surf into something he calls Rez-Rok.
His debut EP Renegade climbed the Indigenous Music Countdown and peaked at #2—an uncommon milestone for instrumental surf music. Gladwyn’s latest single, “Rack ’Em Up,” builds on that momentum with a tighter, punchier, rock-forward sound shaped by film noir influences. With new music on the way and a growing live presence, Gladwyn is building on the success of his past work while continuing to expand his sound.
