Emma Smith
Emma is Aniishnaabe from Walpole Island First Nation. She graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Waterloo in 2018 and is finishing her Masters at the University of Waterloo working in Indigenous History. Their research is focused on Indigenous History – specifically, presenting Oral History in Museums. Based on her curatorial experience on Dibaajimowin: Stories from this Land (2022) exhibition with the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum. Emma has worked with and been involved in the KW Indigenous community for almost 10 years. She is a producer, curator, artists, and community organizer. They hope to use their passion of working with students and youth to create more leaders in community.
Email: wisc.director@uwaterloo.ca
Wanda Kidd
Wanda is Anishinaabe and a member of Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation). They are a recent graduate of the Theatre and Performance program at the University of Waterloo with a focus in costuming and dramaturgy. Wanda served as an executive member of the Indigenous Student Association for three years, where they played an active role in connecting the ISA with the wider campus community and advocating for the needs of Indigenous students on campus. They spend most of their time (re)connecting with community, designing costumes for book characters, and getting lost in antique markets.
Email: wisc@uwaterloo.ca
Ryan MacTavish
Ryan MacTavish, a proud Turtle Clan member and a Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River, recently completed his Social Development Studies undergraduate degree and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work. He brings a deep commitment to restorative justice values, shaped through his experience working with Community Justice Initiatives. Currently, as part of his practicum, he is working with the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, where he applies his passion for community and social development to support Indigenous students. Ryan is dedicated to creating meaningful impact within the community. His goals include finishing his Bachelor of Social Work and then a Master of Social Work with the hope of working in the helping professions as a Clinical Social Worker/Mental Health Counsellor.