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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at SFU: September 2025 in Review
SFU continues to work towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment on all our campuses. Here is a snapshot of significant progress in EDI at SFU this month.
Achieving a culture of Inclusive Excellence
SFU is committed to creating a community where everyone feels welcome, safe, respected and valued. Achieving this means we continue working together to support academic quality, inclusion and the well-being of every individual in our community. Autumn brings a great opportunity to remind everyone at SFU the importance of maintaining this commitment by treating each other with kindness, supporting open and thoughtful discussion, and helping make this a place where everyone can be themselves. Find out how we make that happen and how you can contribute.
First Peoples’ Gathering House opens its doors
The First Peoples' Gathering House, located at the Burnaby campus, hosted an open house for SFU and surrounding communities on September 12, 2025. As part of SFU’s commitment to Uphold Truth and Reconciliation, the Gathering House is a place where ceremonial events, cultural learning, celebration, workshops and classes will be held for the Indigenous and campus-wide communities. The First Peoples’ Gathering House will support the decolonization and Indigenization of courses and programs, fostering teaching and learning environments that respect diverse Indigenous knowledge systems and world views. Learn more about the First Peoples’ Gathering House.
RESPECT program launches its first Learning Circle
The RESPECT program is designed to teach cultural safety and anti-racism for all employees at SFU with a focus on the implications of such skills for engaging with Indigenous faculty, staff and students and engaging in reconciliation as an institution more generally. RESPECT was developed in response to SFU's ARC report, Walk This Path With Us, Call #7: Develop intervention programs teaching cultural safety and anti-racism for all employees at SFU.
The program held its first Learning Circle in the First Peoples’ Gathering House on September 25 with a full cohort of 30 participants of staff and faculty from all areas across SFU. The Learning Circles run for 10-weeks and is co-designed with involvement from local land-based nations and SFU community members with an intention to develop a deep connection between individual, community and the environment.
Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at SFU
To commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, The SFU Surrey Campus Administration, Office of Indigenous Peoples, Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee held its annual Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park on September 29. To kick start the day, participants were encouraged to walk in unity and reflection. The walk started with drumming from the SFU Surrey leading to Holland Park. Learn more about this annual event and other SFU events that honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Renovations begin at the Black Student Centre
Renovations for the Black Student Centre (BSC) in the Maggie Benson Centre officially began on September 17, 2025. The BSC aims to cultivate a safe and thriving environment for Black-identifying undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds and identities at the university. The Centre will become a source of support, community and connection for SFU’s diverse Black community.
The renovation project will update three connected areas: the first will provide spaces for social drop-ins, community engagement events, and cultural gatherings; the second will offer scheduled student and wellness activities; and the third will be dedicated to confidential, one-on-one student support services. The renovations are expected to be completed by January 2026, with a formal launch of the updated space scheduled for February 2026 during Black History Month.
SFU representatives meet inside the Black Student Centre, currently undergoing renovations. From left to right: Daniel Sherrif, Associate Director, Black Student Centre, Ian Kalumba, External Relations Officer, student of Caribbean and African Ancestry, Tricia-Kay Williams, Counsellor for Black Students, and Lyndsey Mark, SFU Facilities.
BSC kickstarts programming to welcome Black students
Although the physical space for the Black Student Centre (BSC) is forthcoming, its programming has already begun. Several BSC initiatives are already making a vibrant impression on the campus community. At SFUReady, the BSC team created an inviting atmosphere for meaningful conversations about support services tailored to Black-identifying students. The excitement continued at September Fest, where the BSC collaborated with SFU Athletics and Recreation to launch the university's inaugural Afrobeats dance class, celebrating Black culture through dynamic artistic dance expression. The BSC also partnered with SFU Residence and Housing to host a lively student mixer, offering a safe space for Black students to meet and share their experiences. The Community Kitchen Series, a collaboration between several campus groups, brings students together over nourishing meals rooted in African and Caribbean traditions, fostering community, belonging, and cultural pride. Aligned with SFU’s Equity Compass, the Community Kitchen not only addresses food insecurity but also promotes understanding and inclusion, making a meaningful impact on student well-being and campus life. Learn more about this initiative.
These initiatives not only highlight the BSC's commitment to inclusion but also energize the campus with a rich sense of community and cultural pride.
EDI-related supports are available
SFU is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Important work is being undertaken by our Equity Office to ensure that SFU is a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty and staff. Please see our list of identity-based supports and reach out if you need help. For all other supports, please visit our community supports page.