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
Indigenous Learning Series: Student sessions
Monday's in November
November 2, 16, 23, and 30
In Person:
Spiegel Hall and Collaborative Research Commons
Registration details coming soon.
Hosted by:
UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
We invite you to join the Indigenous Learning Series in-person at UTM on Monday's this November.
The Indigenous Learning Series, offered by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto, provides a comprehensive set of workshops designed to deepen the understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and worldviews. The series is open to U of T students.
Through culture-based activities, reflective exercises and engaging discussions, participants will explore the complexities of Indigenous issues, the true history of settler colonialism in Canada, and the ongoing processes required for meaningful allyship and reconciliation. Those who complete all four workshops are eligible for a certificate.
If you require an accommodation to join this session, please contact UTM's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office at edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Graphic Scores and Soundpainting with Olivia Shortt
November 14 & 15, 2026
Venue:
Hart House Farm
15911 Creditview Road,
Caledon, ON L7C 3G9
View Map
Join us for a two-day immersive experience with the 2026 Hart House Farm Artist-in-Residence Olivia Shortt!
Free and open to all U of T students. Transportation, food, and accommodation at the Hart House Farm will be provided. No prior art experience is required.
Participants will create graphic scores using collage materials such as magazines, text, and recycled paper while exploring soundpainting—an improvisational performance language that uses hand gestures to direct vocal and musical soundscapes.
Learning Outcomes
By participating in the workshop, you will:
Explore relationships between landscape, sound, and visual representation;
Develop an understanding of graphic scores as alternative forms of musical notation;
Learn introductory soundpainting techniques for collaborative improvisation;
Strengthen creative collaboration and listening skills; and
Experience site-responsive artistic practice through hands-on creation and performance.
Learn more about the Hart House Farm or email our farm team for more information.
2026 Linguistics Grad School Application Support Program for Black and Indigenous Students
A Project by the Racial Justice Working Group and the Linguistics Graduate Course Union/Equity Committee from the Department of Linguistics at the University of Toronto
We are currently accepting applications! To offer support to aspiring undergraduate students from members of these underrepresented groups, the Linguistics Grad School Application Support Program aims to assist Black and Indigenous undergraduate students with their academic requirement applications to Linguistics graduate programs in North America. Volunteer graduate students from the Department of Linguistics at the University of Toronto will provide one round of feedback on an applicant’s CV and statement of purpose (capacity limited).
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