Message from the Associate Vice President and Director, Office of Indigenous Relations and Director, Office of Indigenous Relations
In 2023, the Office of Indigenous Relations launched the University of Waterloo Indigenous Strategic Plan 2023-2028. This strategic plan outlines a clear path for implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action and Indigenous human rights, as articulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) within all areas of the University.
This important work began decades before the launch of the strategic plan and will continue for years to come. However, significant strides have been made in the past year, and we are pleased to share the first Annual Momentum Report for the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations 2024-2025.
As we celebrate the milestones and achievements, it is important to acknowledge and thank our internal and external partners and collaborators. Together, we have embodied the true spirit of reconciliation and can now appreciate an especially meaningful year. Despite the challenges that come with this work, Waterloo is becoming an institution that is rooted in respect for Indigenous peoples, ways of being and ways of knowing. Our key milestones show that more Indigenous students, staff and faculty are finding a home here and while we know there is much more work to be done, it is important to reflect on the progress made together.
On behalf of the Office of Indigenous Relations and our growing community across campus and beyond, we extend a heartfelt thank you and an invitation to continue walking with us as we work together to advance truth and reconciliation.
Nakurmiik | Miigwech | Thank you,
Jean Becker (Inuk), Associate Vice President, Office of Indigenous Relations
Melissa Star Ireland (Anishinaabe), Director, Office of Indigenous Relations
Acknowledgements
We recognize and acknowledge the University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land six miles on each side of the Grand River, granted to the Haudenosaunee by the Haldimand Treaty of 1784. The land inside and surrounding the Haldimand Tract, including the Stratford campus, is the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee. We also acknowledge and recognize this area is now home to diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups.
We acknowledge and appreciate the work and commitment of the University of Waterloo, the Indigenous Advisory Circle, the 2018 Indigenization Strategy working groups, the President and Provost, Shatitsirótha Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC), in addition to campus partners and the campus community, who committed their time, shared their wisdom, and remained steadfast in their commitment to decolonizing and indigenizing the University of Waterloo.
This strategic plan was written by the Indigenous Advisory Council, a body comprised of Indigenous students, staff, faculty and community members and facilitated by Anishnaabe consultant Andrea Johnston of Johnston Research and informed by the work of many Waterloo employees