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
Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces: Through the Lens of Mino-Bimaadizwin (The Good Life) with Stephanie Hashie – Day 2
Friday, June 12, 2026
1:00pm - 3:00pm
In Person: Maanjiwe nendamowinan,
MN3230 (CDRS)
Register here
Hosted by:
UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
Through interactive story-telling the speaker will bring you through the cultural lens of an Anishnawbe person who has been born and raised in an urban environment detached from their traditional homelands and culture.
Through a series of reconnection and relationship building they have created a vibrant and dynamic understanding of what it means to live Mino-Bimaadizwin an Indigenous concept translating into "The Good Life".
Display Your Pride
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm
In Person: Maanjiwe nendamowinan,
MN6104 (Gathering Space)
Hosted by:
UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
No registration required.
Community BBQ
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
12:00pm - 3:00pm
In Person: UTM Tipi & Teaching Lodge
Hosted by:
UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives
UTM OII is hosting a community BBQ at the Tipi and Teaching Lodge. Join us for an opportunity to connect with community members, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the summer season together.
Open to Indigenous staff, faculty, librarians, and students.
If you require accommodations to attend this event in-person, please email Sadie May
National Indigenous Peoples Day Tri-Campus Luncheon
Friday, June 19, 2026
12:00pm - 2:00pm
In Person: Massey College Courtyard
4 Devonshire Place
Hosted by:
UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives
UTSC Office of Indigenous Initiatives
First Nations House
Open to Indigenous staff, faculty, librarians, and students.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
In Person: UTM Mississauga Campus
City of Mississauga Indigenous Peoples Day
Sunday, June 21, 2026
12:00pm - 9:30pm
In Person: Celebration Square, Mississauga
Learn more
Enjoy the Miichi Sagiig Anishinaabe United Pow Wow, hosted in collaboration with the Mississauga Nation. From noon to 5pm, everyone is welcome to join and enjoy traditional Indigenous songs and dance!
Drop-in Beading Sessions
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
1:00pm - 5:00pm
In Person: Maanjiwe nendamowinan,
MN6104 (Gathering Space)
Light refreshments will be provided.
If you require accommodations to attend this event in-person, please email Faith Desmoulin
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