Meet the Team!
The Office of Indigenous Relations staff welcomes you to connect with us! This diverse group of Indigenous professionals consists of folks from many different nations and clans, backgrounds, and experiences. We are honoured to be doing this work for the people, and grateful for the opportunity to share our gifts in this good way.
On this page
Jean Becker: Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations
Melissa Ireland: Director, Indigenous Relations
Robin Jones-Stadelbauer: Associate Director, Indigenous Relations
Jen Smerdon: Indigenous Relations Administrative Manager
Bryanne Smart: Associate Director, Indigenous Relations Co-operative & Experiential Education
Emily Brant: Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
Jean Becker
Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations
Jean is Inuk and a member of the Nunatsiavut Territory of Labrador. As the Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations Jean provides strategic leadership to articulate the University of Waterloo-specific response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and identifies systemic and systematic changes that move beyond the Calls to Action by creating a long-term vision of decolonization and indigenization for the university.
Contact: j2becker@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40246
Robin Jones-Stadelbauer
Associate Director, Indigenous Relations
Robin is Anishinaabe from Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) and has a long history at Waterloo. As the Associate Director, Robin supports the AVP Indigenous Relations in their strategic vision and leadership, represents the AVP, takes leadership on key projects, and is responsible for the daily operations of the Indigenous Relations Office.
Contact: robin.stadelbauer@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40354
Emily Brant
Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
Emily is Kanyen’kehà:ka, Turtle Clan from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She works closely with the OIR team, spending time both in the Office of Indigenous Relations and the University Relations space. Emily is responsible for writing and developing a wide range of communication products in support of the University’s strategic objectives, specifically supporting the Office of Indigenous Relations and Indigenous focused communications across the University.
Contact: ebrant@uwaterloo.ca
John Lewis
Director, Indigenous Faculty Relations
John is Métis and a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. John’s role is to work broadly with the University community to achieve its goal of Indigenizing and decolonizing the institution. He provides critical perspectives/insights to Indigenous faculty relations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders on campus, including members of the Indigenous Advisory Circle, as well as external Indigenous communities on the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan.
Contact: j7lewis@uwaterloo.ca
Melissa Ireland
Director, Indigenous Relations
Melissa is a Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg kwe, Waabizheshi Dodem (Marten Clan), and a member of Curve Lake First Nation. As Director, Indigenous Relations, Melissa is primarily responsible for strategic leadership in the Indigenous Relations Office and will work with the entire university community to lead, articulate, and effect change in support of Indigenous success through the development of guidelines, programs, and practices.
Contact: msireland@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40203
Jen Smerdon
Indigenous Relations Administrative Manager
Jen is of mixed ancestry with maternal Anishinaabe lineage from Matachewan First Nation in Ontario. Jen is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Indigenous Relations Office (OIR) providing all administrative and financial management functions, and contributes a wealth of knowledge of university systems to the OIR team
Contact: jennifer.smerdon@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40207
Bryanne Smart
Associate Director, Indigenous Relations Co-operative and Experiential Education
Bryanne is Turtle Clan, Seneca from Six Nations. As part of the Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) senior leadership team, Bryanne provides strategic leadership with regard to Indigenous initiatives within CEE, identifies systematic and systemic changes, and builds internal/external relationships and partnerships that strengthen Indigenous student experiences.
Contact: b4smart@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 ext. 41393