University of Waterloo
Indigenous Relations Office

Bringing truth and reconciliation to a post-secondary institution

The Indigenous Relations Office at the University of Waterloo is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations and calls to action to build stronger relationships with the Indigenous Community. The suite is part of the Indigenous Strategic Plan and will support the UW Indigenous Relations team. An identified objective of the project is to create a welcoming and flexible environment for Indigenous staff, students and guests while honouring Indigenous presence and history in the region. Indigenous Peoples from a multitude of nations have inhabited the area for generations, including Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and the Neutral Peoples and the project will honour and represent their presence and culture through the development of design elements that celebrate local history and traditions.

For the engagement process led by BMI and the Indigenous Design Studio, the stakeholders included a core group at the University. The approach to developing design motifs in our projects is to look at culturally important Indigenous ideas and stories. Project iconography is developed through discussions with groups and research into local history and traditions. Iterative designs were presented to the client group for a feedback. Initial input suggests the exploration of themes including the white pine; symbolism of the traditional clans; and symbolism of the Grand River and the themes of the Carolinian forest.

The design meetings are intended to share design knowledge and vision with the client group. The Indigenous Design Studio and Brook McIlroy is also currently advocating for the sourcing of local material/Indigenous-owned companies for providing products and services.