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.
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
Inspiring Futures: Career Pathways with Indigenous Employers
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
5:00pm to 6:30pm
Event Space (1st Floor), First Nations House, 563 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 2J7
Snacks and refreshments will be provided
Employer participants
More details on CLNx
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
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