a group of people smiling
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Campus community grows with new Indigenous staff

A heartfelt gathering in Health Services welcomed two new Indigenous staff members to the campus wellness team

A special celebration took place in the Health Services building on Monday, February 10, 2025, to warmly welcome two new Indigenous staff members to Waterloo: Dr. Sarah Connors, Indigenous Naturopath and Brad LeBarron, Indigenous Student Wellness Navigator. These two new positions on campus create more advocacy and culturally relevant care for Indigenous students at Waterloo and marks a significant milestone in reconciliation, decolonization and Indigenization on campus. 

“As we know, culturally relevant care and representation is important for Indigenous peoples, especially when it comes to health care,” said Jean Becker, Associate Vice President for the Office of Indigenous Relations, in a heartfelt welcome speech. 

In addition to speeches welcoming Connors and LeBarron, the event featured the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address by Dakota Rohrer and a Mi’kmaq welcome song from Melissa Ireland, Ryan Dwight MacTavish and Wanda Kidd who sang and rattled. Guests enjoyed light refreshments and a "meet and greet" with the new staff members. Dr. Connors, who is also a Waterloo alumna, was invited to give an impromptu speech. 

“I was actually a student here at UW for my undergrad so in a way it feels a little bit like coming home to be here to support the students and to support the campus to step into this new vision that they have for putting health and wellness in a broader context” she said. The appreciation and need for a wholistic approach to student wellness was also highlighted by each of the speakers, including Dr. Connors. 

“I have a great deal of respect for Western science and Western medicine, and I think there’s a place for a blending of both so that the students ultimately get the best care and the best benefit” Connors said. 
 
Dr. Connors and Brad Lebarron both bring unique perspectives and an unwavering commitment to enhancing well-being and advancing reconciliation on our campus. Their presence on campus represents a meaningful step forward in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for our students and we are excited to see the positive impact this will undoubtedly have across Waterloo. 

More details about the services Dr. Connors provides can be found on the Office of Indigenous Relations website and instructions for booking a appointment can be found on the Student Medical Clinic website

Brad will be working within a wholistic Wellness Practice focusing on supporting Indigenous students through cultural teachings, wellness programming, and resources. Students can get in touch with Brad via email: brad.lebarron@uwaterloo.ca. 
 

Brad LeBarron and Dr. Sarah Connors
three people singing and rattling
Jean Becker speaking into a mic