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

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

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

All Nations Powwow

Every year OII connects with neighbouring First Nations to organize a Powwow at UTM's campus.

Learn more about UTM's Powwow


Two people meeting inside MCFN office

Media Inquiries

Our office looks forward to sharing more about our mandates and initiatives.

Email the OII

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

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 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

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

Instagram

Our centre very active on Instagram and would love for you to follow us!

Go to UTM_Indigenous Instagram


Upcoming Events

 

Literature Matters

The 2024 Avie Bennett Literature Matters Lecture: Eden Robinson & Joshua Whitehead

EDEN ROBINSON (Haisla / Heiltsuk): Fictional Homes:  Being in Community and Community Representation

JOSHUA WHITEHEAD  (Oji-Cree): On Indigenous Joy and Futurisms: The Affects of our Literatures

Followed by a dialogue with each other hosted by:

Smaro Kamboureli
Avie Bennett Chair in Canadian Literature, Department of English, University of Toronto

PLEASE REGISTER HERE

 

 

 

 


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