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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

UOIT hosts Big Drum Social

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Faculty, staff and students at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) were joined by hundreds community members during the Big Drum Social: Sharing Our Stories event held at the university’s downtown campus location on February 9.

“We are thrilled with the interest and turnout for this event,” said Laura Thibeault, Aboriginal Counsellor. “The Big Drum Social is a wonderful way to bring together the community to share stories, celebrate Aboriginal culture and enjoy one of many UOIT 10th-anniversary activities.”

Hosted by the university’s Aboriginal Resource Centre and the Durham Region’s Aboriginal Advisory Circle, attendees enjoyed traditional drumming, singing, dancing and storytelling, as well as craft activities for children and youth. Participants also had the opportunity to sample traditional foods, visit a variety of craft vendors and gather information about community and agency support for Aboriginal people in Durham Region.


About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.