Indigenous Connections - Summer 2024 | Volume 12

Maamawi /m-a-m-a-w-i/ means together in Ojibway. This past summer we saw collective efforts and working together to advance indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation on campus. Many community members embodied an important reminder of the spirit of unity, collaboration, and mutual support in the face of the world's challenges. Together we can continue to work to address the past and present to create a just and sustainable future. 

In this Issue:

• Upcoming Events
• Indigenization on Campus
• News
• Territorial Acknowledgement

As part of the Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) senior leadership team, Bryanne has provided strategic leadership with regard to Indigenous initiatives within CEE, identified systematic and systemic changes, and has built internal and external relationships and partnerships that strengthen Indigenous student experiences. As Bryanne's time at Waterloo comes to an end, we can't thank her enough for all her good work and wish her all the best in future endeavors! Bryanne is Turtle Clan, Seneca from Six Nations and the Office of Indigenous Relations team is honoured to know her and to have worked together. 

For the original message visit the OIR news page. 

OIR has joined the Office of Sustainability's Green Office program to improve and build a culture of sustainability. 

For more information visit OIR's news page. 

OIR welcomes Bruno as Social Media Coordinator for an eight-month co-op term. He is a third-year environment and business student at the Faculty of Environment with an interest in social justice and environmental sustainability. 

We are pleased to announce Gladwyn Badger has joined the Office of Indigenous Relations team as the Events and Special Projects Coordinator. Within this role Gladwyn is responsible for developing and leading event strategy, managing event operations, managing and supporting special projects, supporting department communications strategy.

Gladwyn Badger, a proud Nehyiaw (Cree) and member of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation from Treaty 8 territory, is deeply committed to preserving Indigenous culture and heritage. With a diverse background spanning academia and military service, Gladwyn has left a significant impact on his community and beyond.

Sieara's dedication to Indigenous holistic healing and her contributions to the OIR team have been truly inspiring. Throughout her MSW practicum placement, she demonstrated a deep commitment to learning and applying Indigenous knowledge and practices.

From her active participation in drum circles and medicine-making workshops to her contributions to the hosting community project, Sieara consistently demonstrated a willingness to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. Her ability to integrate Indigenous perspectives into her social work practice, as evidenced by her work on the Indigenous Peer Mentorship program and the arts-based group, is a testament to her dedication and skill. We are grateful for Sieara's contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Canadian Lawyer has named the Honourable L.S. Tony Mandamin, IPC, a University of Waterloo alum, as one of the year’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers – legal professionals who have distinguished themselves for their immense contributions and frontrunners in a rigorous selection process.

For the full story visit the Canadian Lawyer website.

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.