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
Teachings with Clay Shirt
Friday, September 11, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
FNH Student Lounge 563 Spadina Cres., 3rd floor
Topic: Connecting the Seven Grandfather Teachings to Mental Health and Wellness.
All U of T students, staff, faculty, & librarians are welcome to attend.
Indigenous Community BBQ
Monday, September 14, 2026
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
UTM Tipi and Lodge
Register here
Join us at our Tipi and Lodge on Presidents Road for our Indigenous Student Welcome BBQ. Come grab some food, meet other Indigenous students, and get to know the Indigenous Centre and the community here at UTM.
If you require accommodation(s) for this event, please email Sadie May, Indigenous Student Support Specialist sadie.may@utoronto.ca
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
If you require accommodation(s) for this event, please email Sadie May, Indigenous Student Support Specialist sadie.may@utoronto.ca
FNH Open House
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Borden Building North, (563 Spadina Cres.)
Join us at First Nations House and meet our staff and learn about our programming and supports for Indigenous Students at U of T. Lunch will be provided.
This event is for new and returning Indigenous Students (First Nation, Métis and Inuit).
SAGE Open House for Indigenous graduate students and second-entry students
Thursday, September 17, 2026
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm,
Borden Building North, (563 Spadina Cres.)
Join us for the SAGE Indigenous Graduate Student Orientation. This special event is dedicated to welcoming Indigenous graduate students and second-entry students into the university community. Connect with fellow students and supportive staff and discover the range of resources available to support academic and personal growth. The evening will include an informative presentation on SAGE’s programming for the upcoming year.
Anishinaabek Star Teachings with William Morin
September 19-20, 2026
10 am,
Hart House Farm
Indigenous students come and join us for this overnight, 2-day workshop at Hart House Farm. Meals and transportation provided.
This program of interactive workshops will introduce participants to a survey of Anishinaabek Traditional teachings: Clan Teachings, Woodland Art, Sharing Circles / Story Weaving, Sacred Pipe, and Ojibway Star Constellations.
Pick up on September 19
St. George: 10 a.m.
UTM: 11 a.m.
Departure from Hart House Farm on September 20, at 2 p.m.
Spots are limited! Please note this event is for Indigenous students.
Monday, September 21, 2026
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
If you require accommodation(s) for this event, please email Sadie May, Indigenous Student Support Specialist sadie.may@utoronto.ca
Indigenous Students Lunch & Learn Awards and Navigating the system
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Borden Building North, 3rd Floor (563 Spadina Cres.)
Register on Folio
Indigenous students are invited to a Lunch and Learn session on how to apply for Indigenous 2026-2027 in-course awards and how to navigate other resources at U of T. Please bring your laptop for this session.
This session is for Indigenous students (First Nation, Métis and Inuit). For more information about the session, please contact academicsupports.fnh@utoronto.ca
Grassy Narrows River Run
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Borden Building North (563 Spadina Cres.)
We will be walking with Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that we are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom! Grassy Narrows secured a historic ban on logging on their territory for the next 10 years and important promises to clean their river and build a Mercury Care Home.
11 a.m.: Meet at First Nations House, 563 Spadina Cres.
11:20 a.m.: Walk/transit to Grassy Narrows Meetup point
12 p.m.: Grassy Narrows River Run
Full Moon Fire – Biinaakwe Giizis (Falling Leaves Moon)
Friday, September 25, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm,
Earth Sciences Courtyard (33 Willcocks St.)
Register on Folio
Join us at First Nations House for our monthly Full Moon Fire: Biinaakwe Giizis (Falling Leaves Moon)
This event prioritizes Indigenous students from Turtle Island (First Nations, Métis, Inuit).
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