News

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.  

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.

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!

Indigenous Commitment Edition

At UWaterloo, the Fall season began in such a good way. A commitment to lasting support for Indigenization was solidified in ceremony, the campus community came together like never before to honour those impacted by the residential school legacy, and students returned to a campus that showed tremendous growth in all areas of Indigenization! Us folks in the Office of Indigenous Relations have felt so much love and support, and are so grateful for the inspiring work that is happening throughout the University.

Welcome to the Truth and Reconciliation Edition!

On September 30, 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.