Meet the Team!
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.
On this page
Jean Becker: Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations
Melissa Ireland: Director, Indigenous Relations
Robin Stadelbauer: Associate Director, Indigenous Relations
Jen Smerdon: Indigenous Relations Administrative Manager
Dr. Kayla Murphy: Indigenous Relations Coordinator
Bryanne Smart: Associate Director, Indigenous Relations Co-operative & Experiential Education
Laura Belben: Indigenous Student Support Counsellor
Emily Brant: Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
Kevin George: Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator
Jean Becker
Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations
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.
Contact: j2becker@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40246
Robin Stadelbauer
Associate Director, Indigenous Relations
Robin is Anishinaabe 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.
Contact: robin.stadelbauer@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40354
Dr. Kayla Murphy
Indigenous Relations Coordinator
Kayla is Anishinaabe, Turtle Clan, from Bkejwanong First Nation. Responsible for the day-to-day activities with respect to program delivery, Kayla assists with the planning and implementation of the campus wide Indigenization plan, and implements the engagement and outreach strategy for the Indigenous Relations Office. Kayla researches and implements best practices to support learning and development to meet the needs of all campus community members.
Contact: kayla.murphy@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 ext. 40706
Laura Belben
Indigenous Student Support Counsellor
Laura is an Indigenous Woman of mixed ancestry with paternal Innu lineage. She is a member of the NunatuKavut Territory of Labrador. She offers support to Indigenous students who are experiencing challenges, whether it be related to studies, family/relationship issues or on-going mental health concerns. She offers support from her office space, virtually by phone or video and in outdoor spaces on campus. Laura’s office is located in the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) at EC5 4201.
Contact: lbelben@uwaterloo.ca /519-888-4096 (Counselling Services)
Kevin George
Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator
Kevin is Cree/Potawotomi from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. As the Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator, Kevin is responsible for advising and recommending solutions, implementing project and event plans, identifying and responding to the objectives and priorities of the University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan, the TRC recommendations, and contributing to the Indigenization and decolonization of the University.
Contact: kevin.george@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 ext. 41027
Melissa Ireland
Director, Indigenous Relations
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.
Contact: msireland@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40203
Jen Smerdon
Indigenous Relations Administrative Manager
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
Contact: jennifer.smerdon@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 x40207
Bryanne Smart
Associate Director, Indigenous Relations Co-operative and Experiential Education
Bryanne is Turtle Clan, Seneca from Six Nations. As part of the Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) senior leadership team, Bryanne provides strategic leadership with regard to Indigenous initiatives within CEE, identifies systematic and systemic changes, and builds internal/external relationships and partnerships that strengthen Indigenous student experiences.
Contact: b4smart@uwaterloo.ca / 519-888-4567 ext. 41393
Emily Brant
Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations
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.
Contact: ebrant@uwaterloo.ca