Appointment of Professor Stephanie Waterman as Academic Advisor on Indigenous Curriculum and Education (PDAD&C #49) 

From: Cheryl Regehr, Vice-President & Provost 
Date: July 24, 2022
Re: Appointment of Professor Stephanie Waterman as Academic Advisor on Indigenous Curriculum and Education (PDAD&C #49) 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Stephanie Waterman as Academic Advisor on Indigenous Curriculum and Education.  

Professor Stephanie Waterman, Onondaga, Turtle Clan, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education in the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and coordinates the Student Development/Student Services in Higher Education program. Her research interests are First Nations/Native American college experiences, First Nations/Native American Student Affairs units, the role staff play in student retention, Indigenous methodologies, college transition, and critical race theories.  

Professor Waterman will advise on ways to improve our Indigenous curriculum and education for students. Working collaboratively with the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs and Innovations in Undergraduate Education; the Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education; and the academic divisions, Professor Waterman will examine and develop ways to improve Indigenous teaching and learning at the University, with a focus on academic curricula and new collaborative teaching opportunities. Professor Waterman and a project manager will also provide advice to faculty and course instructors seeking to include Indigenous experiences and knowledge in their teaching. They will also oversee an institutional resource bank for Indigenous content and teaching materials, working closely with the University of Toronto Libraries and colleagues across the University. 

In undertaking this initiative, Professor Waterman will work closely with Shannon Simpson, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, and with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Susan Hill for taking on this inaugural role, and for all the care and thoughtful guidance she provided over the past three years.  

I am confident that Professor Waterman’s expertise on Indigenous curricula, education, and scholarship will be key to furthering the University of Toronto’s commitment to the calls to action laid out in Answering the Call: Wecheehetowin – the University’s response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  

Please join me in welcoming Professor Waterman in her special advisory role.