News

It was a powerful moment at the PAC on Carl Totzke Court, on January 27, 2023 as Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry led UWaterloo's first ever Eagle Feather Raising Ceremony between the women's and men's basketball games. The ceremony was an act of reconciliation, honoring Indigenous athletes.  The eagle feather was raised just prior to the singing of the National Anthem, and was accompanied by an honor song intended to honor the athletes. Myeengun Henry remarked, "raising this eagle feather gives Indigenous athletes the opportunity to be proud of what they do." By representing Indigenous cultures in tandem with the National Anthem, the ceremony signified a path forward where the original relationship between Indigenous folks and settlers is represented and respected. Chi miigwech/ Nia:wen to all that participated. It was truly moving.

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. 

In November 2021, CTE hired Leslie Wexler as a Senior Educational Developer in Indigenous Knowledges and Anti-Racist (IKAR) Pedagogies, followed some months later by Nahannee Schuitemaker, Madison Hill, and Jessica Rumboldt who work in more specific areas of IKAR. Having now settled into their individual positions and developed into a distinct five-person team, which includes Savannah Sloat, Manager of Indigenous Initiatives in the Faculty of Science, we asked each of them to share their role, current area of focus, and vision for the future of IKAR at Waterloo. 

Are you a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student at the University of Waterloo? We need your voice!

The Office of Indigenous Relations is seeking one Undergraduate student and one Graduate student to join the Indigenous Advisory Circle.

In this role you will be asked to provide your input and feedback regarding Indigenous initiatives across campus. You will be joining a circle of Indigenous staff, faculty, alum, community members and Elders in discussions that inform the work of decolonization and Indigenization across campus. This is an opportunity to share from your personal experience and perspective as a student.  You will contribute to the growth and strengthening of the Indigenous landscape at UWaterloo.

We are asking for a commitment of one year as a Circle member, which includes a minimum of four meetings seasonally that are 1.5 – 2 hours in length, as well as consideration to participate in other Indigenous Advisory Circle activities such as events and community meetings. Financial compensation will be provided for your valuable time and important input.

If interested, please send us an email at indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca and share a bit about yourself, including why you are interested in joining the Circle.  If you  have any questions about the Indigenous Advisory Circle we are always happy to chat with you.

We will review all expressions of interest Friday, January 13^th, 2023.

We look forward to hearing from you! Miigwech/ Nia:wen.

*The people accepting these roles must be First Nations, Métis, or Inuit*

We are pleased to let you know that registration for the Global Map the System 2023 competition is now open. Students have until January 31, 2023, to register for this competition for a chance to win up to $2,000 in cash prizes and compete at the virtual Canadian Final and Global Final at Oxford University, UK. In Map the System, students learn how to explore, probe, and research complex social or environmental issues, using Systems Thinking tools and approaches. This competition is open to both undergrad and grad students.  

 For more information, students can visit our website and check out Student Resources.

Today, people across our campuses and around the world will come together in support of their communities and the causes they care most about to create a better world for all. Today, you have the opportunity to be a hero, and make a difference in the lives of UWaterloo students by joining the Giving Tuesday movement, and making a charitable gift to the University of Waterloo.

Waterloo’s Giving Tuesday campaign features 43 exciting challenges, including two special ones for our own faculty and staff to support. Your gift to one of these challenges — or to any Giving Tuesday challenge or fund of your choice — can help unlock up to $2,000 in additional funds to make an even greater impact on the experiences of our students.

Please make your gift before midnight tonight. For more details, visit Waterloo’s Giving Tuesday website https://uwaterloo.ca/giving-tuesday/

To donate to Indigenous Relations, check out https://imodules.uwaterloo.ca/s/1802/cf20/interior.aspx...

• Sign up to join ERS 275 Indigenous Sustainability Entrepreneurship! This course consists of having an various Indigenous Entrepreneurs across different industries (beauty, fashion, agriculture, health & wellness, and more) come join our class each week to speaks to their entrepreneurial journeys, their connections to the environment, sustainability, and so much more! Readings and further learning materials focus on relevant topics from each week’s entrepreneur’s field/industry. Notably, our course will give students a unique opportunity to help our Indigenous Entrepreneur’s solve sustainability related issues/problems that they are currently facing. Offering students well rounded, deep learning that they can benefit from beyond the classroom! This course is has no prerequisites and is open to all students, of any faculty, of any year! Just reach out to Dr Leonard about course permission code to sign up to join today! For any questions or more information please contact Dr Leonard at kelsey.leonard@uwaterloo.ca.

GIVEAWAYS! November 13-19 is #rockyourmocks
week! In honour of the U.S National Native American Heritage Month (November), we rock our mocs in unity and celebration of Indigenous identities. Follow our social media channels and participate in our giveaway contest, or simply rock your mocks with style and pride! To learn more, please visit https://rockyourmocs.org/

Showing at the Princess Cinemas November 4 - November 11:

Inspired by Canuck WWI flying ace Billy Bishop, two young soldiers crash the front lines in August 1918. With the Allies detained, their platoon must desperately hold out alongside legendary Anishnaabe sniper, Francis "Peggy" Pegahmagabow.

Opening night (Nov 4) in WATERLOO will feature the Stunt Coordinator and some cast*! Night two in WATERLOO (Nov 5) will feature the director, producers and actors.

For more details, please visit: https://www.princesscinemas.com/movie/the-ace-and-the-scout

Dominic Barton, the University of Waterloo's 11th chancellor, has committed $1 million to support the next generation of talent at Waterloo. Barton is a well-known leader in global business and a philanthropist, as well as a key supporter of the University.

“Dominic has created valuable opportunities for our researchers and students during his tenure as chancellor,” says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor. “I’m deeply grateful for his ongoing support, and I’m delighted that he has built on his leadership with this meaningful gift.”

Barton’s gift will fund several initiatives including a new award for Indigenous students, an international travel program in the School of Accounting and Finance and the growth of Waterloo’s entrepreneurship program, Velocity, at its new home in the Innovation Arena.

Read the full story here.