EDI-R UWaterloo

The Office of Indigenous Relations is thrilled to welcome Kevin George to the team as the Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator! Kevin is Potawatomi and Cree and a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation with close connection to his second community of Fort McMurray 468 First Nation.

As the Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator, Kevin will support and advance the work of the Office of Indigenous Relations with a focus on communications, website and social media management, event coordination, and overseeing the development and implementation of special projects and initiatives.

Welcome Kevin!
https://loom.ly/r4gRrj0

The Office of Indigenous Relations welcomes new team member | Office of Indigenous Relations Welcoming Kevin George, Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator to the team

Today is the first day of Ujima Black History Month at ! Join us in celebrating Black history on campus and in the broader community for the month of February and beyond.

Any time is the right time for celebration and actions.

Explore the Ujima website for upcoming events, stories, and resources https://uwaterloo.ca/black-history-month/

Wishing a joyous and warm Kwanzaa to all those who celebrate!

We have found great local resources and events to support a joyous Kwanzaa 2021 with friends and family:

The Family & Children Services (FACS) of the Waterloo Region have put together the “Kwanzaa, a Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture” webpage that features fact/information sheets on the traditions and principles of Kwanzaa. Learn more here: https://loom.ly/1Nz1LyA

The Waterloo Public Library has provided a take and make craft kit where you can make your own paper kinara and light a "candle" each day to celebrate Kwanzaa. Learn more here: https://loom.ly/RtDJx3w

In honour of Kwanzaa, on December 26th at 7pm, for the 15th year, the Apollo Theater will bring families and communities together for a global celebration of culture, tradition, ritual, and community with Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, and host Imhotep Gary Byrd! Register (donate what you can) here: https://www.apollotheaters.org/event/kwanzaa-celebration-2021/

❤️ 🖤 💚 About Kwanzaa:

Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate family, faith, culture and heritage. The celebration is modeled after first harvest celebrations in Africa.

There are 7 Principles and 7 Primary Symbols that emphasize a unique set of values and ideals during the 7 days of Kwanzaa.

7 Principles of Kwanzaa:
1. Umoja (unity)
2. Kujichagulia (self-determination)
3. Ujima (collective responsibility)
4. Ujamaa (Cooperation)
5. Nia (purpose)
6. Kuumba (creativity)
7. Imani (faith)