The Office of Indigenous Relations staff welcomes you to connect with us
This diverse group of Indigenous professionals consists of folks from many different nations and clans, backgrounds, and experiences. We are honoured to be doing this work for the people, and grateful for the opportunity to share our gifts in this good way.
Our team
John Lewis: Interim Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations
Melissa Ireland: Director, Indigenous Relations
Jen Smerdon: Indigenous Relations Administrative Officer
Emily Brant: Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
Alissa Gee: Interim Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
John Lewis
Interim Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations
Contact: j7lewis@uwaterloo.ca
John is a registered member of Timiskaming First Nation. John’s role is to work broadly with the University community to achieve its goal of Indigenizing and decolonizing the institution. He provides critical perspectives/insights to Indigenous faculty relations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders on campus, including members of the Indigenous Advisory Circle, as well as external Indigenous communities on the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan.
Melissa Ireland
Director, Indigenous Relations
Contact: msireland@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40203
Melissa is a Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg kwe, Waabizheshi Dodem (Marten Clan), and a member of Curve Lake First Nation. As Director, Indigenous Relations, Melissa is primarily responsible for strategic leadership in the Indigenous Relations Office and will work with the entire university community to lead, articulate, and effect change in support of Indigenous success through the development of guidelines, programs, and practices.
Jen Smerdon
Indigenous Relations Administrative Officer
Contact: jennifer.smerdon@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40207
Jen is of mixed ancestry with maternal Anishinaabe lineage from Matachewan First Nation in Ontario. Jen is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Indigenous Relations Office (OIR) providing all administrative and financial management functions, and contributes a wealth of knowledge of university systems to the OIR team.
Emily Brant
Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations - On leave
Contact: ebrant@uwaterloo.ca
Emily is Kanyen’kehà:ka, Turtle Clan from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She works 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 Indigenous focused communications across the University.
Alissa Gee
Interim Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
Contact: alissa.gee@uwaterloo.ca
Alissa Gee (she/her) is Kanyen'kehà:ka (Mohawk) from Six Nations of the Grand River and brings a strong background in digital media, film, photography, and communications. Guided by the intergenerational resilience of her ancestors, Alissa is deeply committed to preserving Indigenous culture and heritage. Alissa will be providing interim communications support while the Inclusive Communications Manager is on leave. She will work closely with the OIR team, spending time in both the Office of Indigenous Relations and University Relations spaces. In this role, Alissa will write and develop a wide range of communications products that advance the University’s strategic objectives, with a particular focus on the Office of Indigenous Relations and other strategic communications across the University of Waterloo.
Gladwyn Badger
Events and Special Projects Coordinator
Contact: gbadger@uwaterloo.ca
Gladwyn Badger, a proud Nehyiaw (Cree) and member of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation from Treaty 8 territory, is deeply committed to preserving Indigenous culture and heritage. With a diverse background spanning academia and military service, Gladwyn has left a significant impact on his community and beyond. Gladwyn holds an undergraduate Music degree from MacEwan University and a graduate's degree in Arts Leadership from Queen's University. He deeply appreciates the arts for their ability to preserve cultural identity and enhance community unity.
Emma Smith
Indigenous Student Experience Manager
Contact: er4smith@uwaterloo.ca
Emma Smith (She/They) is Indigiqueer Aniishnaabe from Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation). Emma’s research focuses on the application and inclusion of oral history within museum spaces, grounding academic practice in community knowledge and lived experience. Emma is passionate about Indigenous student services and community care, working to support and uplift Indigenous students within academic spaces. Her experience at a student at UW, alongside their expertise in project management and student affairs, empowers her to lead with a vision that bridges community, academia, and the arts, ultimately striving to create a platform for emerging leaders and amplify Indigenous voices in education. Emma finds joy in all things horror, including movies and books. In her downtime, you’ll often find her knitting, reading, or spending time with their dogs.
Cianna Fayant Gill
Indigenous Relations Coordinator
Contact: cfayantgill@uwaterloo.ca
Cianna was raised in Fishing Lake Métis Settlement and is a proud member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. She previously led Indigenous events and engagement at Congress, Canada's largest academic gathering. In her new role with the Office of Indigenous Relations, Cianna supports both Directors and team on a range of initiatives that strengthen the University's relationships with Indigenous communities.
Wanda Kidd
Indigenous Student Services Coordinator
Contact: wkidd@uwaterloo.ca
Wanda Kidd (she/they) is Anishinaabe and a member of Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation). As the Indigenous Student Services Coordinator at the University of Waterloo, Wanda is dedicated to supporting Indigenous students in their academic journeys and fostering a strong sense of community on campus. With a background in Theatre and Performance, and a passion for costuming and dramaturgy, Wanda brings creativity and care to her work. She is committed to creating inclusive spaces, advocating for Indigenous student needs, and building meaningful relationships across campus and beyond.