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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

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Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Indigenous Education and Cultural Services is located in the Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre at 151 Athol St. East at the downtown Oshawa campus location. The Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An additional Indigenous space, Mukwa’s Den, is in Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 217 at the north Oshawa campus location. These spaces offer a home away from home for our Indigenous students and space for students to connect with Indigenous culture and resources.

Support from the Indigenous Cultural Advisor is available virtually or by phone.  Book an appointment by emailing indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.

Events and Workshops

Events and Workshops

Find out about upcoming Indigenous events and workshops.
Community events and programming

Community events and programming

There are a number of initiatives, programs and opportunities that are open to members of the public, and First Nation, Métis and
Inuit community members.
Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

Read the Land Acknowledgement statement and learn about the best practices around its use.
Resources and Information

Resources and Information

Access helpful information about Indigenous culture and the university's advisory circle.
Self-Identification

Self-Identification

Learn about how one can self-identify as a member of the Indigenous community.

Our Visual Identity

The visual identity was created in consultation the Traditional Knowledge Keeper, the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle and members of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, including the artist himself, Luke Swinson.

The bear holds significance to most Indigenous cultures as the protector and symbol of bravery from the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

We acknowledge the bravery and courage of Indigenous students, as many have left home for the first time, often coming from remote communities that have historically had negative experiences with the education system.

As such, we work to support these students through this unique challenge, and to protect traditional Indigenous ways of knowing, cultures and histories through familiar symbols, such as the bear.

The image also incorporates a person portaging a canoe, which is also featured on the university’s coat of arms. The portage image is based on the word “Oshawa,” which is an Ojibwe word that loosely translates to the English word “portage.”