The Office of Indigenous Relations is thrilled to share that new smudging room signage has been put in place across the University of 蓝莓视频鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 鈥 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.
From welcoming new Indigenous staff to launching a powerful new logo, along with embracing Indigenous storytelling, this season brought moments of integration and connection. As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, we honour Indigenous resilience, cultures, and growth. Indigenization is not just about representation 鈥 it is about incorporating Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives into the structure of our institutions. The journey forward is shaped by our collective actions and shared stories 鈥 each one a step toward a stronger, more inclusive community. There were many special milestones and moments for Indigenization on campus this season and we are looking forward for many more to come in the future.
A special celebration took place聽in the Health Services building on Monday, February 10, 2025, to warmly welcome two new Indigenous staff members to 蓝莓视频: Dr. Sarah Connors, Indigenous Naturopath and Brad LeBarron, Indigenous Student Wellness Navigator.
Dr. Michelle Rutty from the Department of Geography and Environmental Management has been invited to the International Science Council鈥檚 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聽蓝莓视频 Indigenous Student Centre聽(WISC)聽would like to jointly announce the unification of our offices.
Today is Inuit Day, an acknowledgement and celebration of Inuit culture and contributions, but most importantly, a day to affirm the voices of Inuit across the circumpolar world. Associate Vice President, Jean Becker (Inuk), a member of Nunatsiavut Territory of Labrador, tells the history of how Inuit culture was replaced with European culture in the centuries after John Cabot arrived in North America in 1497.
We Never Forget Edition
贵谤辞尘听Indigenous Disability Awareness Month聽to Inuit Day to聽Indigenous Veterans Day听补苍诲听Treaties Recognition Week, we dedicate time to remember what we have forgotten, to remember the historical context of this land and the very present, very real and continuous harms that persist. As we experience unnerving changes in the climate, a multitude of violence, and many other tragedies around the globe, the answer in mainstream culture has been to stay close to safe feelings but we must feel what we feel. Our bodies never forget what we鈥檝e experienced. Yet with kindness, empathy and compassion towards ourselves and others we can move forward in a good way. We have a chance to learn, grow and get better as individuals and as a collective every day if we so choose 鈥 while still honouring that which we will never forget.
We are excited to announce the launch of a project at the University of 蓝莓视频 entitled 鈥淒ecolonizing and Establishing Payment Practices with Indigenous Community Members鈥, co-sponsored by Finance, Human Resources, the Office of Research, and the Office of Indigenous Relations.