Events

September 23, 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the United College (formerly St. Paul’s University College) annual Pow Wow. This year is the inaugural collaboration on this celebration between the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) and the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR). In addition to the Pow Wow being co-hosted by WISC and OIR, there will be another major change from years past, as the Pow Wow moves to the University of Waterloo Campus at an indoor venue, Columbia Icefield (CIF). A huge thank you goes out to University of Waterloo Athletics for your support in this celebration! This is a one-day event featuring vendors, dancers, and singers from the Region of Waterloo and beyond. This is a non-competition Pow Wow, with a focus on celebrating Indigenous culture and tradition through song, dance, arts, and food. Most importantly, this Pow Wow is intended to be a safe, welcoming, and vibrant opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks from the University of Waterloo community and beyond to gather and spend time with each other in a beautiful display of indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in the celebration!       

For full details please visit the site hosted by the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre.

Calling all First Natons, Metis, and Inuit students, staff, and faculty at UWaterloo! We want your creativity and input for the UWaterloo Indigenous Logo, coming soon!

When: Thursday, October 5 | 1-2 pm
Where: Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC)

In recognition of our commitments to reconciliation, decolonization, and indigenization, the Office of Indigenous Relations and University Relations is embarking on a project to find different ways to represent indigeneity in the University of Waterloo logo.

Our current shield, which dates to 1961, uses the official colours of gold, black and white with double chevrons and three red lions.

According to our brand website: “The imagery is derived from the coats of arms of two historic figures connected to Waterloo Region — Lord Kitchener and the Duke of Wellington. The colours reflect the Germanic heritage of the Region.”

Recognizing that this erases historical and contemporary Indigenous life on the territory that the University of Waterloo now occupies, this logo project will seek to commission Indigenous artists to create different interpretations of the logo.

This logo will be made available in official branding packages on the branding website for anyone at UWaterloo to use in their presentations and communications materials.

Consultation is the initial step towards the addition of Indigenous logo options at UWaterloo, and we value your insight and creativity!

Snacks and beverages will be provided. The link to register is in our bio.

If you have any questions, please email us at indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca

To help us with our preparation of food for this gathering of creative minds, please register here.

Biindigen! Welcome, come in!  You are invited and welcome to our space to participate in the Office of Indigenous Relations United Way Fundraiser!

Halloween day, anytime from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM the Office of Indigenous Relations is hosting a Spooktacular Spannock lunch for a $5.00 donation. With this you have a choice of soup and a slice of Melissa Ireland’s famous baked Bannock!

While you drop-by for soup to go or sit and eat, you are welcome to check-out our small silent auction and make a bid if you wish!  Prizes include, Ghostly Beaded Fringe-style earrings made by Robin Stadelbauer, mugs and teas, and a chance to win lunch at the University Club with Jean Becker, Jean’s treat and if you are lucky she may even teach you a few tricks!

Lunch and auction hosted in the Office of Indigenous Relations located on the fourth floor of East Campus 5 in suite 4201.

Virtual bidding on silent auction items available in this events page.

Clayton Samuel King, Potawatomi from Beausoleil, is an artist, educator, and orator. One focus of Clayton's work includes the Williams treaties, which effect his home community. In this presentation, Clayton will share his expertise and passion while discussing life before the treaties, 100 years of the Williams Treaties, and implications such as denied rights to hunting and fishing.

Inuit Day is November 7th!

Join us for a captivating screening of the documentary "The Experimental Eskimos" followed by a sharing circle with Inuit elder Minnie Akparook. Elder Minnie will be in the Office of Indigenous Relations throughout the day, so please feel welcome to come and spend some time together!

When: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 | 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Where: EC5 1111

Let the stories of resilience, tradition and innovation inspire us on this special occasion!

In this presentation, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry guides attendees on an interactive journey back in time. He discusses how treaties and agreements were spiritually significant, emphasizing the intent and meaning Indigenous folks carried into these agreements.

Please join the film screening of 1939, written by Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan, directed by Jani Lauzon. The 2022 Stratford Festival production of 1939 launched a partnership between the University of Waterloo’s Office of Indigenous Relations, Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, Centre of Teaching Excellence, Faculty of Arts, and the Stratford Festival’s Education Department.

Now entering year three, this partnership with the Festival is a collaboration for the development and design of educational resources to support knowledge sharing among communities and institutions, including a 1939 Study Guide. The pilot project, supporting Indigenous theatre production as an education resource, continues with the film screening of the play 1939. A reflection workshop led by Jessica Rumboldt, Centre for Teaching Excellence Education Developer, Indigenous Knowledges will follow the film screening.

This is a free event and everyone is welcome!

"You Don't Know What You Don't Know" is a three-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Metis 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.

Online, 3-hour workshop, in a small-group setting

In recognition of Indigenous Disabilities Awareness Month we will be screening Dr. Sandy Greer’s documentary Soop on Wheels featuring Everette Soop. This is a truth-telling and moving story of a First Nations man living with a disability and being an authentically Indigenous man in the late 80’s and early 90’s. His work as a cartoonist, journalist and activist has since been widely recognized. We are thrilled to host Dr. Sandy Greer for Q and A session following.

Location to be announced

Part 1 is a prerequisite for part 2. If you have taken part 1 this term or in a previous term, you are welcome and encouraged to participate.

“You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know” is a three-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Metis 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.

Part 2 – Colonization, Miskasowin, and Reconcili-Action

 This workshop will provide a foundation of Indigenous knowledge and an opportunity to unlearn colonial history regarding Indigenous peoples.  This workshop will further require participants to consider how their Miskasowin, both personal and professional, impact the journey and belonging of the students and communities you work with.

This is a virtual workshop facilitated on Zoom.