Office of Indigenous Initiatives
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) at UTM works to mobilize University of Toronto’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation as outlined in Answering the Call – Wecheehetowin. Following the recommendations of the report, the OII guides the University of Toronto Mississauga's efforts in amplifying Indigenous voices and Indigenous placekeeping on campus.
In addition to weaving Indigenous life and thought into the fabric of UTM, the OII serves as a resource to campus faculty and staff, who may consult the OII for help in integrating Indigeneity into student life, physical spaces, course curriculums, faculty research, and recruitment initiatives.
Consultations
The OII provides guidance to UTM staff, faculty, and librarians on how to advance Indigenous strategic initiatives.
Consult with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Placekeeping
UTM has dramatically expanded Indigenous spaces on campus. Many, like UTM's Tipi and Teaching Lodge, are available for booking.
Learn more about UTM's Indigenous spaces
All Nations Powwow
Every year OII connects with neighbouring First Nations to organize a Powwow at UTM's campus.
Media Inquiries
Our office looks forward to sharing more about our mandates and initiatives.
Contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.
UTM Indigenous Centre
The UTM Indigenous Centre (IC) provides service delivery, programming, and support to Indigenous faculty, students, staff, and librarians. The IC works to build lasting and meaningful relationships with surrounding Indigenous communities. The IC also hosts gatherings and cultural programming for UTM's Indigenous members and provides a welcoming and inclusive space for future Indigenous students.
Presentations and Collaborations
Our staff is available to present on Indigenous themes, collaborate on projects, and take part in special events on campus
Connect with IC
Indigenous Student Support Specialist
Indigenous students can book a one-on-one session with our support specialist.
Book with the Indigenous Support Specialist
Events Calendar
All members of the UTM community are welcome to attend Indigenous-focused events across the university's three campuses.
See our Upcoming Events
Our centre very active on Instagram and would love for you to follow us!
Go to UTM_Indigenous Instagram
Upcoming Events
REDress Installation
On the Scarborough campus we have been working towards an educational project/ campaign, REDress Awareness Week with events taking place from February 3-13. This project was organized by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the Athletics and Recreation to align with Women’s Memorial March’s that occurs annually in various communities and cities across the country, including Toronto on February 14.
An Instillation of Red Dresses in the Meeting place at UTSC
February 3-10
All Day
Location: Meeting Place
Gathering in Reflection
Join us for a Reflective Walk on the Ma-Moosh-Ka-Win Valley trail with a Sacred Fire by the Residence Firepit. Hot chocolate and snacks will be provided.
February 11
4pm-6pm
Location: Valley Trail & Residence Firepit
Waneek Horn-Miller: An Inspiring Indigenous Role Model
Join us in welcoming Olympic athlete Waneek Horn-Miller
February 13
2:30-5:30pm In person for community meal gathering, talk, and debrief
4-5pm if Virtual only
Location: Zoom or Catalyst Centre (in-person)
Full Moon Ceremony and Communal Feast at Hart House Farm with Artist Alex Jacobs-Blum
Wednesday, February 12–Thursday, February 13, 2025
Hart House Farm, Caledon, ON
Register here to attend the event.
Accommodation, food and transportation will be provided.
FREE SCREENING: DOCUMENTARY "KANAKIYOST" ABOUT INDIGENOUS BELONGING IN CITIES
The Indigenous-led arts and culture group Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters is hosting a free evening of live music and an exclusive sneak peek of the documentary "KANAKIYOST: art, identity, and belonging" followed by an audience conversation with the film's director Cathleen MacDonald and the main cast Lynn Taylor and Young Elder Philip Cote.
“Kanakiyost” tells the story of local Indigenous artist Lynn Taylor (Oneida name, Kanakiyost) whose feelings of isolation from her heritage led her to form a group to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples move forward in a positive way. The film features the art of Lynn Taylor, Tawny Mestecanean, and Norval Morrisseau, and the music of Dwayne LaForme’s Boogie Blues, and eaoh Argos, with a film score composed by singer-songwriter Arlene Paculan.
When: Thursday, February 13th, 7:30 PM (doors open 7:10 PM)
Where: The Great Hall, Unitarian Congregation Mississauga, 84 South Service Road, Mississauga
For information, the trailer, and free tickets https://KanakiyostMovie.eventbrite.ca
Pow-wow Dance Classes
The Department of Recreation, Athletics & Wellness, in collaboration with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, is thrilled to offer Powwow Dance Classes on the following Wednesdays, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm:
· February 5
· February 12
· February 26
· March 5
· March 12
· March 19
The class will be held at the RAWC Dance Studio, led by John (Waaseyaabin) Hupfield and Deanne Hupfield. All attendees are invited for some light refreshments after the class.
This event prioritizes Indigenous community, student, staff, faculty and librarians at UTM and within the city of Mississauga.
No membership or pre-registration required, this class will be a FREE of charge, drop-in class!
The Office of the Dean of Students at Victoria University is pleased to invite you to our Ninth Annual Campus (Re)Conciliations: Indigenous Issues in Higher Education Conference on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in Alumni Hall, Victoria College Building (91 Charles Street West).
The theme this year is Truth and Reconciliation Committee Recommendations Ten Years Out: Where are we now on Canadian Campuses?
Speakers this year will include Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President, First Nations University of Canada and Jean Becker, AVP Indigenous Relations, University of Waterloo.
Since 2017, this innovative gathering has brought together scholars, educators, artists, activists, students, and community members to consider indigenous experiences and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission within the academic landscape.
Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and presentations and enjoy food and challenging conversations together.
Register at the following link (you can join for the whole day or just part of it!): https://forms.office.com/r/Bpm70nPtCz
Indigenous Education Week: Drum Social with Bear Creek
February 22, 2025
2:00pm-4:00pm
AC Dance Studio
Join us for a Drum Social with Bear Creek, MC'd by Gordon Sands, open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community! Relax, unwind, and connect at this community building event. Light fare will be provided and spot dance prizes to be given. Do some arts and crafts with Hart House Get Crafty!
Fill out this form to register.
This event is part of Indigenous Education Week and brought to you by an organizing committee made up of First Nations House, Sport & Rec, and Indigenous community members. Thank you to all the volunteers, staff and guests who make this event possible.
- Invited drums only.
- No honorariums provided for dancers.
- No sacred fire.
- Indoor shoes required.
Looking for more Indigenous-centric events? Check out Indigenous Education Week events from First Nations House and celebrate Indigenous identity, culture, research, community, education and much more at University of Toronto.
Resources
Smudging on Campus
Consult UTM's smudging policy when planning an event where smudging may take place.
Land Acknowledgements
Learn more about the intentionality behind the University of Toronto's land acknowledgement and how to thoughtfully integrate it into planned activities.
Orange Shirt Day
Resources to help the UTM community honour the children who went to residential schools. The event takes place every year on September 30.
"Without truth, justice, and healing, there can be no genuine reconciliation. Reconciliation is not about closing a sad chapter of Canada’s past, but about opening new healing pathways of reconciliation that are forged in truth and justice."
—Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, Volume 6: Reconciliation, page 7