Indigenous Initiatives

About Us

Indigenous Initiatives at UTSC, in partnership with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, highlight and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing by fostering campus and community partnerships and creating an atmosphere which welcomes respectful dialogues that disrupt common narratives.

We are committed to incorporating Indigenous knowledge in the activities of the campus and its communities by working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, curating events, facilitating workshops for the wider UTSC community. Here you will find an overview of the initiatives, services, and resources offered across the campus.

Truth and Reconciliation Report (TRC)

The TRC Steering Committee’s Report, Answering the Call Wecheehetowin, is the University’s response to the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Steering Committee, comprised of co-chairs, assessors, Elders, students and faculty, had a mandate to focus on concrete actions. The Call to Action encompass a variety of short and long-term directives. Some actions are role-based, others are context-driven or address curriculum issues or research. They are intended to provide strong direction and to facilitate positive change.

U of T’s 34 Calls to Action

Please click here to see U of T’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. 

Indigenous Tuition Initiative

The University of Toronto has created a new Indigenous Tuition Initiative to foster and strengthen relationships between U of T and Indigenous communities in Ontario, across Canada, and in the United States.  

This initiative includes three programs: 

The U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant covers the cost of tuition in eligible undergraduate and graduate programs for students from the nine identified First Nations communities 

Indigenous students from the rest of Canada may be eligible for domestic Ontario tuition fee 

Native American/Alaska Native students from the continental U.S.A. may be eligible for domestic Ontario tuition fee 

Learn more about the Indigenous Tuition Initiative here.  

Indigenous Payees Guidelines

The Payments to Indigenous Payees Guidelines document provides a set of resources that are collectively aimed at reducing barriers to payment processes and honoraria for Indigenous partners who work with the University of Toronto. These resources incorporate current Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax rules and regulations, the University of Toronto’s Guide to Financial Management, and Payroll and Benefits guidelines and policies.

Smudging Notification Process

Indigenous ceremonial practices—including but not limited to smudging, ceremonial fires, lighting the qulliq, and pipe ceremonies—are welcome across University of Toronto campuses. Access to ceremonial elements is an important part of many Indigenous Peoples’ way of life. 

Smudging and other Indigenous ceremonial practices involving fire or smoke at U of T 

UTSC Smudging Ceremony Guidelines