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.
![Tee Duke at a Remembrance Day event](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2023-09/Consultations%20no%20gradient.jpg.webp?itok=BC_C8zQ2)
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
![Tipi against cloudy sky with bearded man closing adjusting the canvas](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2023-09/Placekeeping%20Photoshop%20no%20gradiant.jpg.webp?itok=VyVeYHFi)
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
![Powwow dancer](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2023-09/Powwow%20Photoshop%20flat%20copy_0.jpg.webp?itok=HNKpTQTf)
All Nations Powwow
Every year OII connects with neighbouring First Nations to organize a Powwow at UTM's campus.
![Two people meeting inside MCFN office](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2023-09/Cultural%20Competency%20Photoshop%20copy_0.jpg.webp?itok=1n7ep3WV)
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.
![Two men drumming on the same drum](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2023-09/Presentations%20and%20Collaborations.jpg.webp?itok=cA_2Rbes)
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
![Jessica Tabak](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2023-09/Indigenous%20Support%20Specialist.jpg.webp?itok=KplEGSbd)
Indigenous Student Support Specialist
Indigenous students can book a one-on-one session with our support specialist.
Book with the Indigenous Support Specialist
![A line of dancers in colourful powwow regalia](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2023-09/Events_0.jpg.webp?itok=8vqT1e6l)
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
![Manjiwee Nendamowinan and the erection of a tipi](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2023-09/Instagram.jpg.webp?itok=Y94FCCXl)
Our centre very active on Instagram and would love for you to follow us!
Go to UTM_Indigenous Instagram
Upcoming Events
![save the date](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2024-06/Image.jpeg.webp?itok=c_ZpzToG)
SAVE THE DATE: You’re invited to the second annual All-Nations Powwow at UTM!
Saturday, September 28, 2024
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m
University of Toronto Mississauga North Field (in front of Maanjiwe nendamowinan)
3359 Mississauga Road Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6
Artwork by Ocean Cherneski, commissioned for All-Nations Powwow 2024.
More details: click here
![Moccasin Making with Marissa](/indigenous/sites/files/indigenous/styles/full_width_m/public/2024-06/Moccasin%20Making%20Workshop%20with%20Marissa.jpg.webp?itok=ZbrARMbB)
Moccasin Making with Marissa Groulx
UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives invites you to a moccasin making workshop with Marissa Groulx. This workshop will be a three-day workshop learning the basics of making moccasins.
When:
July 16 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM July 23 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM July 30 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Where:
UTM CDRS MN3230 Large Collaborative Space
Register early as spots are limited.
Light refreshments and snacks provided.
Please note, the UTM Indigenous Centre will send a confirmation email to confirm your registration.
If you require accommodation(s) to attend this in-person event, please email faith.desmoulin@utoronto.ca
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