Events

September 27, 2025 marks the 22nd 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.

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.  

Join us for an engaging career workshop hosted by SAP in collaboration with the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations.

This event is designed to support Indigenous students in exploring career and networking opportunities while developing essential skills for co-op and early career roles at SAP in finance, sales and business, engineering, marketing, HR and more.

All University of Waterloo employees (staff and faculty) and students are invited to join us for Honouring the Lives of
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People bridge installation opening and closing ceremony.

The Indigenous Speakers Series hosted by the Faculty of Arts is pleased and honoured to present Mary Spencer, world champion boxer, Olympian, and Indigenous athlete, as the first speaker in our 2025–26 series.

The Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) invites all Indigenous students, staff, and faculty to a free gala-style appreciation dinner. Bring your appetite and come as you are—no formal dress required. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available, and guests may bring a +1 or children. Join us for an evening of good food, laughter, and fellowship.

Join us in celebrating Jean Becker, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations, for her outstanding leadership and lasting impact at the University of Waterloo. Since 2020, Jean has guided key initiatives including the Indigenous Strategic Plan and the creation of the Office of Indigenous Relations.

Come share your stories, gratitude, and warm wishes as we honour her contributions to truth and reconciliation. Tea and sweet treats will be provided. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Join the Office of Indigenous Relations for a hands-on workshop supporting Indigenous students who are enrolled at the University of Waterloo in navigating the Indspire: Building Brighter Futures application. Participants will receive guided, step-by-step support from OIR staff, with an Indspire representative supporting virtually to share insights and answer questions.

The Indigenous Speakers Series is honoured to present Dr. Kim TallBear, professor, author, and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience, and Society. 

The Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR), University of Waterloo School of Architecture in Cambridge and Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Centre (SOAHAC) will be collaborating for a community gathering and social to be hosted on the evening of February 12, 2026. The evening will include a connection to culture, song, dance, crafts, activities for kids and more!