Welcome to the Summer 2023 Edition of Indigenous Connections
Happy September, everybody! Thank you for taking the time to check out another edition of Indigenous Connections. As we head towards the final days of summer, we have so much to reflect on and so many great Indigenous initiatives that took place here at the University of Waterloo. Summer is the time when we are busy tending to all the seeds we planted in spring, metaphorically and literally for those who garden! While it is a beautiful season, it can also be intense as it is often full of growth (and heat). We hope you have had a chance to find nourishment and connection through it all and welcome you to a new academic term!
In this Issue:
- A message to students
- Statement of solidarity
- Indigenization on Campus
- Community Welcome
- Upcoming events
- Territorial Acknowledgement
Message to Students
Welcome to a new term, students! As students are at the heart of everything we do, we want to make sure you are aware of the resources available to Indigenous students on campus. We have them listed on our website for you. Always know that you can reach out to our office and find a safe and supportive space with us. Be sure to scroll down as well to check out the events we have coming up and stay connected with us and other Indigenous folks on campus. Through this connection and the space to be our authentic selves, we find community and belonging. That is our greatest hope for you, and again we are here for you however we can support.
Statement of Solidarity
This summer, a horrific act of hate took place on our campus. This attack was horrific, not “unimaginable” and sadly- not shocking. We want to acknowledge how much this has a direct impact on students’ daily lives, particularly Two-Spirit (2S) and LGTBQIA+ students, and their ability to feel safe and welcome on campus.
We want to make our stance clear: we absolutely condemn any and all acts of hate and violence towards 2S and LGTBQIA+ folks on campus and beyond. We stand with the 2S and LGTBQIA+ community and are working to find ways that we as an office can be of more support.
We understand as Indigenous peoples that silence is another form of violence, which is why we wanted to share a statement making our stance clear.
That said, we understand that actions speak louder than words. Our office continues to work alongside 2S and LGTBQIA+ students, staff and faculty who we hope will give us the privilege of hearing perspectives and insights that need to be shared and acted upon.
We will continue to update you as we have more information and assure you that we as a team are not taking this work lightly. The work to make University of Waterloo a safe and joyful place for 2S and LGTBQIA+ is one that must be collective, and we are actively examining our role in this. This work is meaningful, must be done with great care, and it never stops. In the meantime we want you to know that our office is a place where 2S and LGTBQIA+ are always welcome and supported.
Resources and support:
The Glow Centre – a Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association offering space, services and resources led by students to the Two-Spirit & LGBTQ+ community.
The Women's Centre —another group run by dedicated student volunteers, committed to creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for women and transgender individuals across campus.
Indigenization on Campus
Waterloo Launches five-year Indigenous Strategic Plan
The new plan guides the University into meaningful actions of reconciliation.
On Tuesday, July 7, the Office of Indigenous Relations invited Waterloo President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel and other campus community members for an event to celebrate the official launch of the Indigenous Strategic Plan 2023-2028. The purpose of this plan is “to assist in guiding the University of Waterloo towards its goal of indigenizing and decolonizing the institution,” according to Jean Becker, associate vice-president of the Office of Indigenous Relations.
A Call to Consciousness
Integrating Indigenous ways of thinking and making in all their work, Professor Jay Havens offers audiences, colleagues and students opportunities to learn and reciprocate
By integrating Indigenous ways of thinking and making in all their work, Havens calls audiences, colleagues and students to consciousness – and is activating the vision of Waterloo’s Indigenous Strategic Plan to “promote reconciliation and decolonization, understanding, and relationship building.”
Reimagining the museum through Indigenous values and teachings
Growing up, Heather George didn't see herself reflected in history lessons or textbooks. Even at the postsecondary level, the History PhD student, who is of Euro-Canadian and Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) descent, noticed problems with how Indigenous culture and heritage are taught.
Today, the Faculty of Arts student is on an academic and personal journey to change that. Her research studies Indigenous ways of telling and preserving history — and explores how those methods can shape the future of museums in Canada.
Read the full story here
Community Welcome
Welcome Kashish Arora
Social Media Coordinator, Co-op Placement
Kashish is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mathematics in Mathematics/Business Administration and joins us as a Social Media Coordinator. In her role, Kashish plays a pivotal role in shaping our online presence and fostering connections. She assists in curating content, developing social media platforms, and enhancing our website. Kashish's creativity shines through in her work, where she skillfully crafts graphics that align with our social media and brand strategies. Outside of her professional life, Kashish is a passionate learner who thrives on acquiring new knowledge and she loves to share it, making her a perfect fit for the Office of Indigenous Relations.
Welcome, Kashish!
Welcome Aminder Mander
Program Assistant Co-op Placement
Amninder Mander (He/Him) is currently in his third year of the Legal Studies program in the Faculty of Arts. He is working towards his goal of becoming a lawyer with hopes to go to law school after completing his Bachelors. Amninder has always had a strong interest in law and justice ever since he was 10 years old. As he’s progressed through his studies, he’s gained a deeper appreciation for the nuances and complexities of the legal system and how it affects society. Amninder is of Indian descent from the region of Punjab but grew up in Brampton, Ontario. He is excited to work with the Office of Indigenous Relations as their Program Assistant as he hopes that he will be learning more about indigenous ways of knowing and helping to support indigenous initiatives in the Waterloo community. He believes that this experience will be invaluable to his future legal career, as it will give him a better understanding of diverse communities and their unique perspectives and knowledge systems. Amninder is passionate about making a positive difference in the world, and he believes that pursuing a legal career is one way to do that. Outside of work, Amninder enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and cooking.
Welcome, Amninder!
Upcoming Events
Pow Wow 101: History, Meaning, Protocols
September 19
The Presentation will focus on the origin of what is known as “Pow Wow" and how it came to be in North America and in the Great Lakes area. Gordon will also talk about what you can expect when attending a Pow Wow, including drumming, singing, dancing, and associated protocols. Whether this is your first Pow Wow or you've been on the Pow Wow trail for years, there is something for everyone to learn. Gordon Nicotine-Sands is a fourth generation singer, originally from Bkejwanong territory, and the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan.
Event details:
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
6pm - 8pm
20th Annual Pow Wow
September 23
September 23, 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the United College (formerly St. Paul’s University College) annual Pow Wow. This year is the inaugural collaboration on this celebration between the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) and the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR). In addition to the Pow Wow being co-hosted by WISC and OIR, there will be another major change from years past, as the Pow Wow moves to the University of Waterloo Campus at an indoor venue, Columbia Icefield Fieldhouse (CIF). This is a one-day event featuring vendors, dancers, and singers from the Region of Waterloo and beyond. This is a non-competition Pow Wow, with a focus on celebrating Indigenous culture and tradition through song, dance, arts, and food.
Event details:
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
All are welcome
Lectures in Catholic Experience presents: Archbishop Donald Bolen
September 28
The Wounds of the Past, Truth-telling and a Future of Hope: The Doctrine of Discovery and the Path of Reconciliation
The lecture will situate the Church's contemporary response to papal bulls of the 15th century, which provided moral justification for colonizing powers to claim as their own lands which had long been inhabited by Indigenous Peoples, within the context of the challenge of dealing well with sinful actions from within the Church in the past. It will explore what the recent Vatican statement on the Doctrine of Discovery said and didn't say, and how it has been received. And it will reflect on the larger work of reconciliation and the challenge of proclaiming and being faithful to the Gospel in a context where wounds from the past continue to impact present relations.
Event details:
Thursday, September 28, 2023
7:30pm-9:30pm
In Person & Online
St. Jerome's University - Notre Dame Chapel, SJ1 Classrooms and Library Buildling
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 29
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Since that falls on a Saturday, we will commemorate this day on Friday, September 29th on campus.
On this day we honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Widespread public commemoration and acknowledgement of the tragic and painful history, continued impact, and intergenerational trauma of Canada's residential school legacy is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The University of Waterloo and the Office of Indigenous Relations continue to amplify that truth as we build towards reconciliation. We will also highlight the beauty and resilience of indigeneity, and the strengthening of bonds with allies as we navigate this complex and meaningful day.
On Friday, September 29, we will gather at the BMH Green for a Sunrise Ceremony beginning at 7:00 am, which will be followed by a Commitment Polishing Ceremony at 10am. The Commitment Polishing Ceremony will include a Cedar Circle and Pipe Ceremony. The day will also include speeches, a walk around Ring Road, a feast, drumming and round dance at the BMH Green.
Event details:
Friday, September 29, 2023
7:00am-1:30pm
BC Matthews Hall Green
As there is a feast, please register if you plan to attend.
Learn more and register here.
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line —Call: 1-866-925-4419. The crisis line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience
Indigenous Knowledge Reading Series
October 12
Faculty and staff are welcome to join the next Indigenous reading series discussion on October 12th, 2023. Book: "The Land We Are: Artists and Writers Unsettle the Politics of Reconciliation" – Edited by: Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill and Sophie McCall (2015)
Event details:
Thursday, October 12
1:00pm-3:00pm
Online
Learn more and register here.
Indigenous Speaker Series: Niigaan Sinclair
October 17
The Indigenous Speakers Series is organized by a group of Indigenous and settler faculty, staff, and students from the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC), the Office of Indigenous Relations, the Dean of Arts Office, and the departments of History and Communication Arts. The series is co-sponsored by WISC and the Faculty of Arts with the support of donors to the Arts unrestricted giving fund.
The Indigenous Speakers Series is honoured to present Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, professor, writer, and activist who holds the Faculty of Arts Professorship in Indigenous Knowledge and Aesthetics at the University of Manitoba.
Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe (St. Peter’s/Little Peguis) and a professor at the University of Manitoba, where he holds the Faculty of Arts Professorship in Indigenous Knowledge and Aesthetics and is currently Head of the Department of Indigenous Studies. Niigaan is also an award-winning writer, editor and activist who was recently named to the “Power List” by Maclean’s magazine as one of the most influential individuals in Canada.
Event Details:
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
4:00pm-5:30pm
Modern Languages, Theatre of the Arts.
Learn more and register here.
Territorial Acknowledgement
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.