First Peoples House

The First Peoples House (FPH) is a social, cultural and academic centre for Indigenous students at UVic and serves as a safe and welcoming place that encourages the building of community. We encourage you to come in and be part of creating a supportive space for Indigenous students on campus.
The First Peoples House is a home-away-from-home for Indigenous students and provides a safe space for learning, sharing and community building. Acknowledging the teachings from these territories, one must enter the House with a good mind and good heart.
Although it displays art, the First Peoples House is not an actual art gallery or museum. Visitors are always welcome, but please walk quietly and with respect for the staff and students working and studying in the building.
When entering the First Peoples House, do so with respect for the ancestors – the original caretakers of this land – and for each other by upholding the following teachings:
(lək̓ʷəŋən – top / SENĆOŦEN – bottom)
héʔəkʷ al tθə čəléŋən ɫtə
HÁEQ ȽTE OL TŦE ĆELÁṈEN ȽTE
Remember our ancestors/birthright
čéynəuəl
ĆȺNEUEL OL
Work together
nués ən əyʔ šqʷéləkʷəns
ÁMEḴT TŦEN ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN
Bring in your good feelings
lét sxʷélə ə tθə məkʷ əné səʔ sčéys
TU LÁTES MEQ EN SĆȺ SE
Be prepared for all work to come