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
Tea and Craft
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
1:00 - 5:00pm
MN 6128, 6th floor
Maanjiwe Nendamowinan,
Register here
The UTM Indigenous Centre invites you to join us for tea and crafting. This is a time we gather and use our hands to create something for ourselves. There will be beading, sewing and other crafting supplies available to you.
Light refreshments and snacks available.
Please note, the UTM Indigenous Centre will send a confirmation email to confirm your registration.
If you require accommodation(s) to attend this in-person event, please email faith.desmoulin@utoronto.ca
Indigenous Student Graduation 2026
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
4:00 - 7:00pm
Hart House Music Room
7 Hart House Circle
St. George Campus
This event celebrates Indigenous students from all 3 U of T campus' who are finishing their degrees in 2026. This event is hosted by First Nations House-Indigenous Student Services. The celebration takes place on Wednesday May 6th 4-7pm at Hart House in the Music Room.
If you are an Indigenous student (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) and finishing your degree in 2026 please register to attend this event.
This event includes students in Undergraduate, Masters, PHD and Second entry.
Please contact June Viglatzis Coordinator of Academic supports at First Nations House academicsupports.fnh@utoronto.ca
Indigenous Learning Series at UTM
Thursday's in May
May 7, 14, 21, and 28
1:00pm - 4:00pm
In Person: Maanjiwe nendamowinan,
MN3230 (CDRS)
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 Thursdays this May.
Register: LMS Learning System
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 staff, faculty, librarians, and 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.
The series will be offered May 7, 14, 21, and 28, from 1-4 pm in Maanjiwe nendamowinan. Due to the nature of this series, the modules must be taken in the order as each module builds upon the previous one.
Please find the session titles below, with course ID as listed in the LMS Learning System, to assist with registration. Please note there are 40 spaces available.
- Reconciliation: Walking the Path of Indigenous Allyship – HRE-1019 – May 7, 1-4 pm
- Speaking Our Truths: The Journey Towards Reconciliation Part 1 – HRE-1021 - May 14, 1-4 pm
- Speaking Our Truths: The Journey Towards Reconciliation Part 2 – HRE-1021b – May 21, 1-4 pm
- Reflecting on Indigenous Land Acknowledgments – HRE-1020 – May 28, 1-4 pm
Light refreshments will be provided. If you require an accommodation to join this session, please contact UTM's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office at edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
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