News

The Awakening Edition

As the Earth awakens with the warmth of spring, so too does our commitment to Indigenization continue to grow and flourish. This spring, we celebrated the renewal of relationships, the blossoming of new initiatives, and the continued integration of Indigenous knowledge and voices across campus. From raising awareness on Red Dress Day to expanding smudging signage across campus, these initiatives echo a collective journey toward truth, healing, and belonging. This season has planted seeds of connection, renewal and change across our campus. As we prepare to enter Indigenous History Month, we do so with open hearts—rooted in the past, grounded in the present, and reaching toward a future of shared understanding and respect. We’ve witnessed meaningful growth—and with each new season, more continues to bloom.  

The Office of Indigenous Relations is thrilled to share that new smudging room signage has been put in place across the University of Waterloo’s main campus.

As we look ahead with excitement, it is also important to look back and acknowledge all the groundwork that laid the foundation for both OIR and WISC and our ultimate union. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions of WISC and United College over the past 22 years.

Water is not just a resource — it is sacred. It is our first medicine, as we are all born of water. It connects us to the land, to the ancestors, and to future generations. In Indigenous worldviews, water is a living relative that must be treated with reverence.

Incoming first-year students who complete the Indigenous citizenship/membership verification process are now eligible for the First Year Residence Guarantee Application, with the $500 deposit waived for those choosing to live on campus in September. 

A special celebration took place in the Health Services building on Monday, February 10, 2025, to warmly welcome two new Indigenous staff members to Waterloo: Dr. Sarah Connors, Indigenous Naturopath and Brad LeBarron, Indigenous Student Wellness Navigator.

The Office of Indigenous Relations and Campus Wellness warmly welcome Indigenous Naturopath Dr. Sarah Connors!

Dr. Michelle Rutty from the Department of Geography and Environmental Management has been invited to the International Science Council’s newly formed Global Roster of Experts.

In a move designed to enhance support and foster a cohesive environment for Indigenous students across campus, the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) would like to jointly announce the unification of our offices.