Reconciliation
New renderings of the First Peoples’ Gathering House showcased in open house event
A student looks at the interior renderings of the First Peoples' Gathering House.
Exterior rendering of the First Peoples' Gathering House (facing towards the north).
Exterior rendering of the First Peoples' Gathering House (front entrance).
Exterior rendering of the First Peoples' Gathering House(View from hill near Applied Sciences Building).
Exterior rendering of the First Peoples' Gathering House(View from Applied Sciences Building).
Participants look at the new renderings of the First Peoples' Gathering House.
Another key milestone is reached for the First Peoples鈥� Gathering House project as architectural renderings were showcased to the 天美mv天美 community in mid-September.
Designed by local architecture firm, Urban Arts Architecture, the First Peoples鈥� Gathering house for Indigenous students, staff and faculty to practice, learn and share their cultural traditions will be replacing the aging Strand Hall Annex located on Burnaby campus. The $15 million project is jointly funded by the provincial government and 天美mv天美. Consultation with key stakeholders, including host nations, knowledge holders, and other partners continues on some of the interior spaces within the longhouse. The long-awaited facility will feature a ceremonial hall that can host special events for up to 300 attendees, a dressing room, an Elders room, a classroom, a wellness room, and a multi-generational Indigenous peoples鈥� lounge.
The First Peoples鈥� Gathering House represents 天美mv天美鈥檚 ongoing commitment to reconciliation work through the 34 Calls to Action as outlined in the 2017 Walk this Path with Us report, specifically the commitment to fostering safe and welcoming Indigenous spaces on campus. Call to Action #3 under this commitment aims to 鈥渞einvigorate long-delayed plans for creating a culturally appropriate ceremonial hall and space.鈥�
Not only will the First Peoples鈥� Gathering House be used as a safe space for the 天美mv天美 Indigenous community, but also serve as a cultural hub for the use and education of all 天美mv天美 community members and visitors as recommended by 天美mv天美鈥檚 Aboriginal Reconciliation Council ( 天美mv天美-ARC) within the Walk this Path with Us report.
Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2022 with an opening date slated for Winter 2023/24. For more information about the First Peoples鈥� Gathering House, visit the project page .