Congratulations to Amy Nahwegahbow, the 2024 recipient of the Ogimaa Indigenous Graduate Scholarship!
Today is Inuit Day, an acknowledgement and celebration of Inuit culture and contributions, but most importantly, a day to affirm the voices of Inuit across the circumpolar world. Associate Vice President, Jean Becker (Inuk), a member of Nunatsiavut Territory of Labrador, tells the history of how Inuit culture was replaced with European culture in the centuries after John Cabot arrived in North America in 1497.
We Never Forget Edition
From Indigenous Disability Awareness Month to Inuit Day to Indigenous Veterans Day and Treaties Recognition Week, we dedicate time to remember what we have forgotten, to remember the historical context of this land and the very present, very real and continuous harms that persist. As we experience unnerving changes in the climate, a multitude of violence, and many other tragedies around the globe, the answer in mainstream culture has been to stay close to safe feelings but we must feel what we feel. Our bodies never forget what we’ve experienced. Yet with kindness, empathy and compassion towards ourselves and others we can move forward in a good way. We have a chance to learn, grow and get better as individuals and as a collective every day if we so choose – while still honouring that which we will never forget.
Maamawi | Together We Can Edition
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.
The Brighter Days Edition
Greetings, everyone! Spring is finally here, bringing with it a breath of fresh air and a burst of color. As we say “see you again” to winter and welcome the warmer days ahead, let's take a moment to soak in the beauty of this season of renewal. Just like the flowers blooming and the trees budding, it is a time for us to embrace growth and new beginnings. So, what seeds have you planted that are ready to sprout? Let's kick back, enjoy the long-awaited brighter days, and celebrate the joy of spring together! Here’s a bit of what has been going on and what is coming up that we can look forward to.
New Year, New Beginnings
Happy new year! We'd like to take a moment to celebrate and highlight all of the incredible work that was done in 2023 at UWaterloo in decolonization, indigenization and reconciliation and thank you all for the various roles you played in this.
Embracing the colours of change
Happy November! We appreciate you taking the time to read the 9th edition of the Indigenous Connections Newsletter. As the crisp fall leaves blanket our campus, we reflect on the beauty and significance of the fall and embrace the changing season with the arrival of November. Fall is a time that allows us to enjoy the harvest and receive everything from the seeds we planted in the spring and nurtured in the summer.
The Coming Together Edition
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!
Celebrating National Indigenous History Month and Pride
Welcome everyone, and thank you for taking this time to check out "Indigenous Connections." We know things are busy as our lives align with the season of Spring, and your gift of time is precious. Spring is a time of change and renewal and connects to the medicine wheel teachings of the Eastern direction. It is a time for planting and creating new life, of growth and the accompanying vulnerability. Somewhere between the solemnity of winter and vibrant frenzy of summer, we take this time to nurture, prepare, and bloom!
The significance of winter to Indigenous folks across Turtle Island is as diverse and beautiful as the people themselves! For many, winter is the time where we remain indoors and spend time closely connected with our loved ones. We share stories and laughs and reinforce our bonds. It is also a time for quiet introspection, reflection, and attention as we make use of the stillness to connect to all things in that intentional way. As winter begins to slowly retreat and make way for spring, we eagerly look ahead to the changing of seasons, with gratitude, humility and fresh perspectives.