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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

Events

Employ the following storytelling tools and techniques in your event to reinforce the university's mission and values and help event participants connect with the university.

All events

  • Use Ontario Tech University in all your references to the university when promoting, and during an event. If you're repeating the name more than once, in subsequent references, refer to the university as Ontario Tech. Don't use acronyms such as OTU, as acronyms are not part of the official brand (nor is the retired UOIT acronym). 
    • For more information, see the Help us tell our story section on our Brand FAQ page.
  • Ensure your event aligns with the university's key messages/priorities. Try to find a way to work that messaging into your event.
  • Need an evite? Fill out our Project Initiation form. We'll create an evite for you that includes all of the event details, contact/registration information, and correct university branding. If you choose to use Eventbrite instead, make sure you use the university's current logo, and the correct university name across the entire Eventbrite page.
  • Need a poster? Visit the university's eStore and check out our branded templates for a consistent, branded look.
  • Ensure your event aligns with the university's key messages/priorities. Try to find a way to work that messaging into your event.
  • Acknowledge the traditional territory on which your event is taking place. Whether in-person or virtual, this is an important step in reconciliation. Ontario Tech is proud to acknowledge the lands and people of the Missussaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Visit the Student Life website to learn more about land acknowledgements, and check out the speaking engagements section of the event planning guidelines page on the Brand Central website for tips on how to include this in your events.
  • Check out the templates section of Brand Central for links to more templates you may be able to use for your event (e.g. Agenda, PowerPoint, etc.).

In-person events

  • Wear your Ontario Tech University-branded name badge and give out business cards with updated branding on them. If you don't have these, don't create your own; order them on the university's stationery eStore. 
  • We maintain an inventory of commonly used event materials (e g. tablecloths, backgrounds) that feature the university's current brand. Complete our borrow request form to secure materials for your next event. Please don't use any materials with the old branding, or create your own materials. If you can’t find what you're looking for, contact events@ontariotechu.ca or complete our Project Initiation Form.
  • When ordering branded merchandise to give away to event participants, or to thank your guest speaker, ensure you are following our logo guidelines. We have different logo variations based on the color of the product you are imprinting. Review popular items that have previously been sourced, and visit our promotional products page to see a list of vetted vendors who offer good quality and value, and have already tested our colors and confirmed they can adhere to our brand standards. Don't create your own promotional items. Reach out to events@ontariotechu.ca for help or suggestions.

Virtual events

  • Present a polished, professional look by following these speaker tips for virtual presentations, or share with the guest speakers at your event.
  • Use one of the Ontario Tech virtual backgrounds available on Brandfolder to visually identify yourself as a member of the Ontario Tech community for your next external Zoom meeting or event.
  • When planning virtual events, prepare welcome and closing static slides to welcome attendees and thank them for participating in your online event.
For more tips, see our full collection of events-related tools, resources and guidelines.