First Peoples House
Territory acknowledgement
We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
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 FPH 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 FPH 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.
History
In adopting its 2007 strategic plan A Vision for the Future - Building on Strength, the University of Victoria pledged to "build on our commitment to our unique relationship with Canada's First Peoples." An important step in achieving this objective was the construction of a First Peoples House (FPH). During the summer of 2001, UVic President Dr. David Turpin consulted with Coast and Straits Salish Chiefs and Saanich Elders about how to "create a welcoming and inviting environment" for Indigenous students at UVic. Collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous UVic staff, students and faculty, Coast and Straits Salish Chiefs and leaders, Elders and community members continued throughout the project.
Designed by Alfred Waugh, the FPH opened on January 25, 2010 and quickly lived up to its intended purpose becoming a "home away from home" for many Indigenous students.
The FPH design reflects traditional and modern values of the Coast and Straits Salish peoples, as well as influences from the Interior Salish. Art and artefacts from the Salish peoples and neighbouring Indigenous cultures adorn its foyer and corridors. The building's exterior is clad in western red cedar planks resembling those of pre-contact longhouses. A timber canopy covered in wild grasses and low-maintenance indigenous plant life shelters the House's two entrances.
The FPH has already been recognized for its innovative, sustainable and community-oriented design, having received multiple awards at both the local and international level.
Policies & procedures
The First Peoples House is a unique building on the university's campus. As a result, several specific policies and procedures have been created to guide the use and governance of the building. Depending on the topic area, a number of more general university policies and procedures may also apply to users of the First Peoples House.
Use of space in the First Peoples House is subject to policies and guidelines. The First Peoples House Policy and Procedures Manual is a working document, and will be posted when it is available.
Teachings
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:
Héʔəkʷ ʔə cə čəléŋən ɫtə
HÁEQ TE OL TŦE ĆELÁṈEN TE
Remember our ancestors and birthright
Nəc̓əmaat kʷəns čeʔi
ĆȺNEUEL OL
Work together
Nəw̓es šxʷ cən ʔay̓ šqʷeləqʷən
ÁMEḴT TŦEN ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN
Bring in your good heart and mind
Leʔt šxʷ helə ʔə cə mak̓ʷ sčeʔi səʔ
S,HOI EI MEQ EN ENA SE SĆȺ
Be prepared for the work to come
Lək̓ʷəŋən – top
SENĆOŦEN – middle
English - bottom
Bookings
The usage of all First Peoples House rooms must meet the objectives of Indigenous education and/or Indigenous cultural resurgence. First priority is always given to UVic courses, and then to other university and external bookings.
Tours
Booking a tour
Are you a prospective Indigenous student? We encourage you to visit the First Peoples House (FPH) and take a tour. Tours are relatively informal, take approximately 20 minutes, and are provided based on staff availability.
- school groups, youth groups, etc. interested in tours as part of a campus visit, please contact one of the Indigenous Student Recruitment Officers
Hosting a tour
UVic faculty, staff, students and community members who are Indigenous and an active part of the House community are also welcome to host visits and tours. Please note the following:
- if you would like to provide a tour, please book the Ceremonial Hall by emailing the First Peoples House Building and Operations Coordinator
- before taking your tour, please review the First Peoples House polices and procedures
Contact
Carly Cunningham, First Peoples House Building and Operations Coordinator
250-853-3601