Indigenous Connections - Spring 2023 | Volume 7

The University of Waterloo is offering a full tuition waiver to all qualifying students from two First Nations communities on whose traditional territory the University is situated. 

The initiative covers current and incoming students who are members of the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Waterloo will also offer Ontario domestic tuition rates for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students from elsewhere in Canada and Native Americans from the United States, and will continue to waive the application fee for applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Students will need to meet admission requirements for a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at Waterloo to qualify for the waiver. Read the full story here.

For full details and inquiries, please visit our website here.

Director, Indigenous Relations

The Office of Indigenous Relations is pleased to announce Melissa Ireland in the role of Director, Indigenous Relations.  Melissa started work with the OIR team on Monday, May 8, 2023. 
Melissa has worked in the post-secondary education sector for over 16 years as an in a variety of roles, including the Director role in Indigenous Initiatives at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is known to be a wholistic social work practitioner, community development advocate and Indigenous community engagement specialist.  She has extensive experience in leadership, strategy, and communications.  She has served on many boards and committees in the community, and currently sits on the Board of Directors at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.
 
Guided by having opportunities to be contributed to just as much as she gets to contribute to others, Melissa is known to hold ethical spaces in workshops, trainings, circle facilitation and social justice conversations. Melissa is Mississauga Anishinaabe kwe, a member of Curve Lake First Nation and lives in Waterloo Region with her family.  Melissa is an alumnus who received in Hons BA in English Rhetoric and Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo in 2010. She completed her MSW in 2017 in the Indigenous Field of Study at Wilfrid Laurier University.  
 
“I am honoured to be part of this amazing team at the University of Waterloo,” said Melissa Ireland.  “I look forward to growing community partnerships and cross-campus strategic initiatives.  It’s a thrilling time to be here to support the roll out and implementation of the coming Indigenous Strategic plan.”

Please join us in welcoming Melissa!

Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations

Emily Brant (she/her) is a Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk), Turtle Clan communications manager, author, and speaker from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She works at the intersections of communication, personal development, and decolonization. Emily is passionate about empowering and supporting Indigenous peoples to live their most soul-fulfilling and authentic life, in a way that honours their roots and their truest self.

Emily 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.

Please join us in welcoming Emily

Indigenous Student Support Counsellor

Laura is an Indigenous Woman of mixed ancestry with paternal Innu lineage. She is a member of the NunatuKavut Territory of Labrador. Laura offers support to Indigenous students who are experiencing challenges, whether it be related to studies, family/relationship issues or on-going mental health concerns. Laura offers support from her office space, virtually by phone or video and in outdoor spaces on campus.

Laura’s office is located in the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) at EC5 4201

Indigenous Student Service Specialist, The Centre

Lori is Lenape and a member of Six Nations of the Grand River with relational ties to Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. Lori brings great experience of working within the post-secondary and private sectors in a number of capacities including instructing, tutoring, writing, researching, library technician and customer service. Lori’s has a deep understanding of the Residential School System, colonialism and the barriers our people continue to face.  Her knowledge, skills, understandings, and experience are welcomed both within The Centre and the campus community. 
 
Lori joined the Waterloo community on May 15 and is situated within The Centre which is a unique one-stop service for all Waterloo students with non-academic needs. In her role, Lori provides a wide range of front line support and guidance to all Waterloo students as well as specialized support to Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students.  Once Lori is completed training, Indigenous students can visit or request to speak with Lori if they wish.

Please join us in welcoming Lori!