Uncharted: Finding Indigenous community feat. Robin Jones-Stadelbauer (BA '12)

UWaterloo Alumni Podcasts

Universities are not just schools. They're also communities, and today's guest understands that deeply.

Robin Jones-Stadelbauer (BA '12, BA '22) decided to study social development because she wanted to work with Indigenous communities, like the one she'd grown up in.

But her time as a student was difficult. She felt disconnected and isolated from the her Indigenous culture. Eventually, she decided to take a break and moved home.
Later, Robin returned to Waterloo as a staff member, and then began taking classes on top of her full-time job. Slowly, two courses per term, she finished her degree. And today, just like she'd hoped, she works with Indigenous folks … at the University of Waterloo. Robin joins the podcast to share her career journey and tell us about the work happening in the Indigenous Relations Office, including the new Indigenous Alumni Group.
Mentioned in this episode

Office of Indigenous Relations: Learn more about the work happening on- and off-campus to advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Events and Workshops: Browse upcoming events from the Office of Indigenous Relations
Waterloo Commitment Ceremony: Read about the 2022 ceremony where the University of Waterloo committed to decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliation
Waterloo welcomes an Eagle Staff: Read about the 2023 ceremony where the University of Waterloo introduced an Eagle Staff as a beacon of reconciliation
Engagement and knowledge building: Discover resources and information for allyship
Indigenous Alumni Facebook group: Connect with other Indigenous alumni in your UWaterloo community
Alumni Groups: Find a group of Waterloo alumni who live in your location, or share similar backgrounds and interests

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1. Navigating Indigenous Identity and Career Paths (00:00:03)

2. Experiences of Cultural Isolation in University (00:10:16)

3. Caring for the Spirit (00:26:26)

4. Building and Supporting Indigenous Community (00:30:56)

5. Upcoming Indigenous Community Events and Celebrations (00:45:30)

6. Connecting With Waterloo's Alumni Groups (00:55:55)