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!
The Office of Indigenous Relations has joined the Office of Sustainability's Green Office program.
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 annual Employee Equity Census is now open. All employees are asked to complete this confidential census at their earliest convenience. It will only take a few minutes and can be accessed through Workday by following these instructions, then clicking on the following link: https://wd3.myworkday.com/uwaterloo/d/task/2997$12683.htmld
If you have completed the census, thank you for taking this opportunity to help shape equity-based initiatives across the University. Please spread the word and encourage your colleagues to participate, too! For more information about this initiative, please visit the Equity Data Strategy website or email analyusis@uwaterloo.ca.
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!
Please join us in welcoming Emily Brant-Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations!
Emily Brant (she/her) is a Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk) communications manager, author, and speaker from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She works at the intersections of communication, personal development, and decolonization. Emily is passionate about empowering and supporting Indigenous peoples to live their most soul-fulfilling and authentic life, in a way that honours their roots and their truest self.
Emily started her new role on campus yesterday. She will work closely with the OIR team, spending time both in the Office of Indigenous Relations and the University Relations space. Emily is responsible for writing and developing a wide range of communication products in support of the University’s strategic objectives, specifically supporting the Office of Indigenous Relations and other strategic communications at the University of Waterloo.
We are happy you are here, Emily!
On March 27, the University of Waterloo community came together to welcome an Eagle Staff to our institution. The day began with a Sunrise Ceremony followed by a formal introduction ceremony held at Federation Hall. The ceremony began with drumming from the Cedar Hill Singers and a procession, followed by a prayer of thanks led by Elder Bill Woodworth. Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Elder Myeengun Henry, introduced the sacred Eagle Staff on behalf of the University’s Indigenous community, marking an important step in Waterloo’s journey towards reconciliation.
Read the full story from Waterloo News.