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
Jean Becker: Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations
Melissa Ireland: Director, Indigenous Relations
Robin Jones: Associate Director, Indigenous Relations
Jen Smerdon: Indigenous Relations Administrative Officer
Emily Brant: Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
Jean Becker
Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations
Contact: j2becker@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40246
Jean is Inuk and a member of the Nunatsiavut Territory of Labrador. As the Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations Jean provides strategic leadership to articulate the University of Waterloo-specific response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and identifies systemic and systematic changes that move beyond the Calls to Action by creating a long-term vision of decolonization and indigenization for the university.
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.
Robin Jones
Associate Director, Indigenous Relations
Contact: robin.jones@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40354
Robin is Anishinaabe and N’gig Dodem (Otter Clan) from Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) and has a long history at Waterloo. As the Associate Director, Robin supports the AVP Indigenous Relations in their strategic vision and leadership, represents the AVP, takes leadership on key projects, and is responsible for the daily operations of the Indigenous Relations Office.
Emily Brant
Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
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.
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.
John Lewis
Director, Indigenous Faculty Relations
Contact: j7lewis@uwaterloo.ca
John is Métis and a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. 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.
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.