Indigenous Connections - Spring 2026 | Volume 19

Spring is a time of renewal and balance, a moment when light and dark meet, rivers begin to flow again, and our plant kin awakens with new growth. As the Earth stirs from her winter slumber, we look ahead to brighter days filled with possibility, learning, and connection.
At the University of Waterloo, this season also invites reflection and intention. We reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation and to building respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.  This spring also marks a time of welcoming new leadership and nurturing new relationships, grounded in care, responsibility, and a shared commitment to moving forward together.

In this Issue:

• News
• Upcoming Events
• Event Recaps
• Opportunities
• Territorial Acknowledgement

Embedding Indigenization at the Heart of Waterloo’s Partnerships: At the University of Waterloo, Indigenization and decolonization are increasingly shaping how the institution builds and sustains partnerships. This shift is formalized in the Task Force on Principles for Institutional Partnerships (TFPIP) Final Report (2025), which establishes a values‑driven framework for ensuring institutional partnerships are ethical, accountable, and aligned with Indigenous rights and relationships.

Established in 2024, the Task Force was mandated to bring clarity, consistency, and transparency to partnership activities across the University. Central to this mandate was the requirement that all partnerships align with Waterloo’s mission, vision, and values, including its commitments to reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization. Indigenous inclusion is embedded throughout the report, shaping its process, guiding criteria, and core principles.

Read the full article here.

The 2026 AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) Canada National Gathering brought together Indigenous students, professionals, educators, and leaders from across Canada for a national conference focuses on connection, learning, and community. Through keynote speakers, sessions, and cultural programming, the Gathering highlighted a shared theme of hope, from envisioning more inclusive spaces to strengthening Indigenous presence across STEM and related fields.

A key moment was the closing Talking Circle, which emphasized the power of belonging and community when Indigenous identity is centered rather than isolated. One student shared, “Nothing compares to that feeling of walking into the space and knowing you belong, so our AISES group wishes to give the biggest of thanks to the Office of Indigenous Relations for supporting us to attend this gathering!” 
 
The Gathering reinforced AISES’ commitment to illuminating Indigenous futures and creating pathways for systemic change across education and professional fields.

For Indigenous students at the University of Waterloo, attending the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Central Business Forum was more than a professional development opportunity, it was a moment of connection, inspiration and possibility. 

With support from the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR), students attended the national forum on February 25–26, 2026, at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The two-day event immersed students in Canada’s Indigenous business ecosystem through panels, breakout sessions, an Indigenous artisan marketplace and an evening Awards Gala. 

“By attending the conference, I was able to get a broader scope of the opportunities available to Indigenous people,” said Hannah Van Esch, an Arts Honours student in Anthropology. “Getting to see and speak to the hundreds of entrepreneurs and professionals actively building their enterprises around Indigenous talent gives me confidence that there are countless opportunities open to me.” 

Students heard from Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs reflecting on the forum theme, Rooted in Purpose. Growing Through Connection. Mainstage “Lightning Talks” featured speakers including Jen Harper (Cheekbone Beauty) and Clint Davis (Cedar Leaf Capital), who spoke candidly about leadership, perseverance and community. 

Science and Business student Ethan Pruchnicki said the experience made business feel both accessible and inspiring. 

“Getting to talk to all of these successful Indigenous people really inspired me and got my mind thinking about future careers,” he said. “Seeing how open they were about their paths made me feel much more confident about pursuing business in my own way.” 

Students connected with speakers, employers, CCIB staff and fellow attendees throughout the forum. These interactions helped students see themselves reflected in professional spaces that may once have felt out of reach. 

“It made me feel very proud to be Indigenous,” Pruchnicki said. “Being part of this network of leaders and entrepreneurs is very beneficial, and I love that Indigenous people and companies are supporting one another.” 

 The forum also highlighted Waterloo connections, with CCIB President and CEO Tabatha Bull, a Waterloo alum, moderating a mainstage panel, and University of Waterloo Board of Governors member Tracy Primeau in attendance. 

The Centre for Extended Education (CEE) and the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) supported student participation, helping remove financial barriers and create meaningful pathways for Indigenous students to connect with leaders shaping Indigenous economic futures. 

On March 31st, the OIR welcomed Susan Aglukarak, the award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter, for the Nomad: Correcting the Narrative event.

Throughout this event, Susan had taken the audience on an incredible journey of storytelling regarding the history and experiences of the Canadian Inuit through different music video tracks, songs, and photos.

Throughout this event, individuals gained a deeper understanding of Inuit culture as well as the extreme resilience and persistence that Inuit individuals had developed/maintained despite the cruel experiences and struggles they had undergone.

Indigenous Student Services (ISS) is now part of the Office of Indigenous Relations! While we look forward to the new Indigenous Student Centre in Needles Hall next year, Indigenous students can access staff support, study space, and community at OIR (EC5 4201).  

Check out our webpage to see more programming, including weekly recurring events and special activities throughout the term.

The Indigenous Student Development Fund offers support for Indigenous students at the University of Waterloo with unexpected educational or living expenses. Eligible costs include tuition gaps, school supplies, emergency housing or childcare, and wellness supports not covered by insurance. Open to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in any program. Citizenship/membership documents must be uploaded to Quest.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Visit our website for more information

As the Canadian Association of University Teachers described in their guide to territorial acknowledgment for Canadian universities, “[…] acknowledging territory is only the beginning of cultivating strong relationships with the First Peoples of Canada." 

The University of Waterloo is located on the Haldimand Tract and learning the history of this Treaty is an important way to not only connect the past with the present, but also provides space and time to reflect on the ways in which we are all treaty people.

Learn more about the Haldimand Tract with Phil Monture, who is Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River. From 1975 to July 2002, Phil was the Director of the Land Claims Research Office at the Six Nations of the Grand River. Phil's video lecture was recorded as part of Treaties Week 2020.

Visit the Indigenous Relations Territorial Acknowledgement resource page to learn more about creating your own acknowledgement.