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.

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Puppy Play Day at UOIT

January 8, 2015

Ranger, a Pointer/Hound dog, met with UOIT students and helped relieve exam stress during Puppy Play Day 2014.

Exam time can be stressful. To help University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) students take a break from intense studying in December, the Social Science and Humanities Student Society (SSHSS) co-ordinated a Puppy Play Day. The event, held in collaboration with The Animal Guardian Society (TAGS), allowed students to meet with canine friends and relieve some exam stress. This was the first year the event was held at UOIT’s downtown Oshawa location.

TAGS, a Durham Region-based animal rescue organization, brought in three dogs for students to meet and play with:

Edgar, a Dachshund/Yorkshire Terrier mix
Ranger, a Pointer/Hound dog
Zero, a Terrier/Jack Russell mix

“The exam period can be a tough time when students experience a lot of stress and anxiety,” said Cherlene Cheung, President, SSHSS. “We wanted to offer students a place where they could relax, enjoy time with the puppies, and be encouraged.”

“One of the keys to mental health is to stay engaged with others who foster positive experiences – whether that’s with friends, family or pets,” said Marose Bellehumeur, Mental Health Advisor, Student Mental Health Services, UOIT, who was on hand to talk to any students who might be experiencing exam stress. “Simply petting or walking your dog can do wonders to reduce stress. You can also develop a good support network by connecting with other pet owners or volunteering your time at an animal shelter.”

Several academic advisors and professors also attended. The event was strongly supported by several Faculty of Social Science and Humanities members, including:

Dr. Andrea Braithwaite, Senior Lecturer
Dr. Jen Rinaldi, Assistant Professor
Dale Shin, Sessional Instructor

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UOIT students find puppy love - TAGS visits the university’s north Oshawa location in 2013.

Gallery

Edgar, a Dachshund/Yorkshire Terrier mix, visited UOIT during Puppy Play Day 2014.

UOIT students interacted with Zero, a Terrier/Jack Russel mix, during Puppy Play Day 2014.

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