The University of Ottawa is located within the traditional territory of the Algonquin Nation. The creation of the Indigenous Resource Centre in 1997 (then called the Aboriginal Resource Centre) marked the beginning of a new relationship between the University of Ottawa and the Indigenous community. The Indigenous Resource Centre works closely with all University faculties and services to develop initiatives that support and benefit First Nations, Inuit and Métis students.

We provide services that support your classroom, career and personal needs in a manner consistent with Indigenous culture and values. We also promote strong working relationships with government agencies, as well as with Indigenous communities and organizations, to enrich your student experience. As supported by the University of Ottawa’s Strategic Plan, Transformation 2030, our priority is to enhance our recruitment efforts of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, and provide the necessary support to ensure their success at the University of Ottawa.

Students who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis can register with us in person to access our resources and services. This way we can add you to our mailing list to receive special announcements of events, job postings, reminders of scholarship deadlines and many other opportunities. While we welcome walk-ins, appointments can be made either in person, by phone or email.

In 2018, Kitigan Zibi’s Elders Circle gifted the Indigenous Resource Centre with a new name, Mashkawazìwogamig, meaning Place of Strength.

As of the summer of 2021, the IRC is now located at 145 Séraphin Marion. This new space provides more space and resources than ever before. We look forward to meeting you and encourage you to register with us!

When you register with the Indigenous Resource Centre, you have access to the following resources:

• Academic guidance and counselling to discuss university life, personal matters, your studies, schedule or living arrangements, among other things
• Peer help support, tutorial accommodation and service referrals to help you adjust to university life, meet your peers, find the resources you need on and off campus, and benefit from support services with regards to writing papers, study skills or career development
• Student mentoring to benefit from the experience of upper-year Indigenous students who work as student guides to help you find the resources you need to reach your goals
• Social and cultural events to participate in, events such as the Annual Indigenous Student Gala, student lunches and workshops on campus
• Employment services to be kept informed of all student job postings throughout your university studies
• Legal referral services such as free legal advice and representation and notarial services through the University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic
• Use of study stations, a computer lab, a fax machine, a telephone and a printer for academic purposes
• Individual or group meetings with an elder or traditional knowledge keeper to discuss physical, mental and spiritual wellness
• Indigenous Student Orientation Day to help ease your transition to the uOttawa campus and community

For any questions about registration or services offered by the Mashkawazìwogamig Indigenous Resource Centre, you can email [email protected].