Indigenous Student Services
The Office of Indigenous Relations is a central hub that provides guidance, support and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members. It works collaboratively to advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and to create a long-term vision for the University that is grounded in decolonization.
The Office of Indigenous Relations works in close partnership with the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) to provide support to Indigenous students attending the University of Waterloo.
The WISC, located at United College, services the University of Waterloo campus. It strives to be a home away from home for Indigenous students. You can talk with WISC staff, meet other students and join in activities and cultural events.
The WISC team remains committed to providing student services despite changes made necessary by COVID-19.
WISC remains open to Indigenous students needing a safe, supportive space to study, relax and socialize. Social distancing and increased sanitization protocols have been implemented to ensure the safety of students and staff.
We continue to provide materials, workshops and teachings for students interested in learning traditional craft practices. These often include bead weaving, moccasin making, dream catchers, drum making and sewing.
Every year in the fall, the WISC hosts a traditional pow wow. It celebrates drumming, dancing and other elements of traditional Indigenous culture, and everyone is invited to join. This year programming will take place at United College and will continue to connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the Waterloo community together.
A new entrepreneur training program is available for Indigenous students interested in
