Creating inclusive and empowering environments for Indigenous students in post-secondary institutions is essential for both individual success and community well-being. Culturally specific support systems help foster a strong sense of belonging, uphold Indigenous knowledge and values, and provide guidance through academic and personal journeys. At the University of Waterloo, several dedicated programs, services, and spaces are available to support Indigenous students, offering connection, cultural grounding, and academic encouragement. 

Indigenous Spaces on Campus 

🧭 Explore Indigenous Spaces 

The University of Waterloo is home to several dedicated Indigenous spaces that honour Indigenous worldviews and create welcoming environments for students to gather, reflect, and engage. These spaces are not only physically welcoming—they are symbolically powerful. They provide students with a tangible connection to culture, ceremony, and community. Whether participating in a traditional fire, engaging in cultural programming, or simply finding a quiet place to reflect, these areas support emotional, spiritual, and cultural well-being. 

The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) is proud to support Indigenization, reconciliation, and decolonization on campus. You can learn more about WUSA’s commitment to Indigenization at Toward Truth and Reconciliation: WUSA’s First Indigenization Action Plan. This plan reflects our dedication to honouring Indigenous knowledge and perspectives by embedding them in our operations as well as enhancing representation, and building partnerships to foster reconciliation, equity, and inclusion within WUSA and the University community. As we continue this journey, we acknowledge the ongoing need for learning, (un)learning, and accountability. 

Indigenous Student Services 

🌿 Visit Indigenous Student Services 

Indigenous Student Services, led by the Office of Indigenous Relations, offers culturally grounded guidance and advocacy for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. Services include one-on-one support, academic and financial advising, cultural events, Elder and Knowledge Keeper visits, and mentorship opportunities. 

These offerings matter because they centre Indigenous perspectives and provide support tailored to each student’s unique experience. From navigating academic stress to exploring cultural identity, students receive support in ways that are meaningful, respectful, and empowering. 

Indigenous Residence Community at United College 

🏠 Join the Indigenous Residence Community 

The Indigenous Residence Community (IRC) at United College offers Indigenous students a culturally supportive living-learning environment. Students live together in a dedicated residence space and have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, ceremonies, and community-building events throughout the academic year, like soup and bannock lunches. 

This program is especially valuable because it combines the benefits of on-campus housing with cultural affirmation and peer connection. Living among other Indigenous students fosters a deep sense of kinship and community, making the transition to university life more manageable and enriching. 

Canadian Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (caISES) 

🔬 Learn about caISES 

The Canadian Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (caISES) at Waterloo is part of a broader network promoting Indigenous excellence in STEM. It provides a space for Indigenous students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to connect, collaborate, and advance their professional growth. 

This community is crucial for representation and encouragement in disciplines where Indigenous voices have historically been underrepresented. By participating in caISES, students gain mentorship, access to conferences, and peer support—all of which can be key factors in academic success and professional development. 

Additional Student Resources from the Office of Indigenous Relations 

📚 Explore All Resources 

The Office of Indigenous Relations maintains a rich directory of student supports, including scholarships, bursaries, mental health services, and access to cultural programs. These resources are curated specifically for Indigenous students and updated regularly to ensure relevance and accessibility. 

By offering centralized, Indigenous-led guidance, the Office ensures that students can access what they need—whether that’s financial assistance, wellness programming, or academic help—in a space that respects and understands Indigenous identity and experience. 

Building a Supportive, Indigenized Campus Community 

From welcoming spaces and peer communities to mentorship and academic resources, each program listed above helps create an environment where Indigenous students can thrive. These services not only promote academic achievement but also nurture cultural identity, belonging, and leadership. 

WUSA echoes this commitment through our Indigenization Action Plan, which outlines steps to support Indigenous students, voices, and knowledge in all aspects of student life.  

We also encourage all students to engage with the Office of Indigenous Relations and sign up for their monthly newsletter to stay informed and connected. 

Alexandra Minard 

Communications Assistant