People
Lois Macdonald — Program Elder
Lois Macdonald holds the role of Program Elder with Wellbeing Waterloo Region and is from Missanbie Cree First Nation. The Elder position carries the responsibility to ensure the WWR community remembers that we all have a shared responsibility where everyone is welcome and can belong.
Indigenous Working Group
In collaboration with Indigenous leaders, the Indigenous Working Group implements training, education, and tools to the working groups of WWR on Indigenous culture, history, and the impacts of colonization, while providing opportunities for reflection on how to work towards reconciliation.
Documents Repository
Indigenous Community Consultations
September, 2018
The purpose of the Indigenous Community Consultations report is to provide an overview of the issues and calls to action identified through the one-to-one meetings with Indigenous leaders and allies.
Indigenous Community Consultations Report (PDF report)
Land Acknowledgement and Smudging Protocols
July, 2019
This document is one of Wellbeing Waterloo Region’s developing resources and tools to support education on acknowledging the land upon which we conduct ourselves with our community partners.
DRAFT – Land Acknowledgement and Smudging Protocols (PDF)
Traditional Medicines
July, 2019
This document outlines some of the many traditional medicines used in Indigenous cultures, which may vary from Nation to Nation. Traditional medicine can integrate mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well being.
DRAFT – Traditional Medicines Information (PDF)
Smudging Ceremonies
This document outlines the smudging ceremony that is used by some Indigenous people as a way to cleanse energies from spaces including the mind, body and environment. It is also away to connect to creation. This practice was one among many that were made illegal by the Indian Act (the clause has been removed, but the legislation stands).
Coming soon.
Events and Initiatives
View posts tagged “indigenous” in our Events Blog for celebration and event highlights from WWR and our partners.
For a comprehensive picture of what’s going on with Indigenous issues in our community, check out our calendar and/or bi-weekly newsletter