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 Grief Circle - Sihtoskâtowin (“Supporting Each other” - in Cree)
Bi-weekly, Thursdays (November 6, November 20, December 4, December 18, 2025)
3:00 - 5:00 PM
First Nations House (Event space, First floor)
Register below:
November 20, 2025
December 4, 2025
December 18, 2025
Note: students can register for any combination of the 4 offerings of these sessions at this link.
Facilitated through Health & Wellness’ Indigenous Counselling Services and hosted at First Nations House, this circle offers space to explore grief in its many forms - whether from personal loss, cultural disconnection, or life transitions. Rooted in care and community, students are invited to share, reflect, or simply be present in a supportive space.
Benefits:
Gentle, culturally rooted space to honour and process grief
Connect with others experiencing loss or life transition
Receive support through teachings, community, and ceremony
Facilitated by: Folashade Kortee (Indigenous Wellness Counsellor & Coordinator), Elder Andrew Wesley
Learning Our Truths
November 21, 2025
12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
UTM William G. Davis Building, DV3129
This workshop will explore the historical narrative about 2Spirit people on Turtle Island breaking down traditional stories and highlighting the importance of understanding that 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks were and always will be a part of our circles. Learners will explore allyship building knowledge and skills on how to create safer spaces and inclusivity for 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks while also spotlighting some incredible people from the community who are bridging gaps in services and promoting queer love. Folks will walk away from this workshop with a more thorough understanding of what it is to build inclusive community and how instrumental it is to empower and educate folks on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ history, current policy and legislation that is impacting that community and how we can address this through true allyship in meaningful way.
Systemic Injustice Viewing and Discussion
November 29, 2025
8:00 P.M. to 10:45 P.M.
UTM William G. Davis Building,
Join us for an eye-opening event where we will be screening the documentary Systemic Injustice followed by a discussion with the film director. This event aims to raise awareness about the culture of Indigenous racism and can spark meaningful conversations. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and contribute to the dialogue.
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