News

The Legacy Edition

As we move through the fall season, a season of change and reflection unfolds across our campus. It is a time to pause and honour the stories, guidance, and dedication that shape our community; threads of experience and care that continue to inspire each of us. In this season, we are reminded that the work of connection and growth is ongoing, rooted in the contributions of those who came before and carried forward by those walking alongside us today. 

This season, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Jean Becker. As Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations, she has championed Indigenization on campus, fostered spaces for learning and connection, and supported generations of students in meaningful ways. As she steps into retirement, her influence remains deeply woven into campus life, inspiring us to carry forward her commitment, care, and leadership. 

As the leaves turn and the campus hums with the rhythm of learning, gathering, and renewal, we step forward into the season ahead, open to the stories yet to be written, the connections yet to be made, and the legacy yet to unfold. 

The Awakening Edition

As the Earth awakens with the warmth of spring, so too does our commitment to Indigenization continue to grow and flourish. This spring, we celebrated the renewal of relationships, the blossoming of new initiatives, and the continued integration of Indigenous knowledge and voices across campus. From raising awareness on Red Dress Day to expanding smudging signage across campus, these initiatives echo a collective journey toward truth, healing, and belonging. This season has planted seeds of connection, renewal and change across our campus. As we prepare to enter Indigenous History Month, we do so with open hearts—rooted in the past, grounded in the present, and reaching toward a future of shared understanding and respect. We’ve witnessed meaningful growth—and with each new season, more continues to bloom.  

The Office of Indigenous Relations is thrilled to share that new smudging room signage has been put in place across the University of Waterloo’s main campus.

As we look ahead with excitement, it is also important to look back and acknowledge all the groundwork that laid the foundation for both OIR and WISC and our ultimate union. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions of WISC and United College over the past 22 years.

Water is not just a resource — it is sacred. It is our first medicine, as we are all born of water. It connects us to the land, to the ancestors, and to future generations. In Indigenous worldviews, water is a living relative that must be treated with reverence.

From welcoming new Indigenous staff to launching a powerful new logo, along with embracing Indigenous storytelling, this season brought moments of integration and connection. As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, we honour Indigenous resilience, cultures, and growth. Indigenization is not just about representation – it is about incorporating Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives into the structure of our institutions. The journey forward is shaped by our collective actions and shared stories – each one a step toward a stronger, more inclusive community. There were many special milestones and moments for Indigenization on campus this season and we are looking forward for many more to come in the future.

A special celebration took place in the Health Services building on Monday, February 10, 2025, to warmly welcome two new Indigenous staff members to Waterloo: Dr. Sarah Connors, Indigenous Naturopath and Brad LeBarron, Indigenous Student Wellness Navigator.

In a move designed to enhance support and foster a cohesive environment for Indigenous students across campus, the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) would like to jointly announce the unification of our offices.

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.