Construction begins on the First Peoples’ Gathering House

SFU is one step closer to creating a new safe and welcoming space to celebrate Indigenous knowledge and culture as construction begins on the First Peoples’ Gathering House.

Located on Burnaby Campus, on the traditional unceded territories of the: xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) nations, just across Strand Hall, the 15,000-sq. ft facility is designed as a shared gathering space that reflects Indigenous identities for learning and working. 

In 2020, a special ground awakening ceremony was held to recognize the past with a view of looking ahead, by way of the First Peoples’ Gathering House.

The project represents SFU’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and addresses call to action #3 of the Walk this Path with Us Report: “to reinvigorate long-delayed plans for creating a culturally appropriate ceremonial hall and space.” The legacy of the First Peoples’ Gathering House extends beyond current students, staff and visitors to provide a cultural hub for future generations at SFU.

Fencing for the First Peoples’ Gathering House will be installed this week to begin construction mobilization over the spring. Scott Construction will start with installing fencing around the perimeter. If walking from Transit Exchange (by Cornerstone) westward towards the Academic Quadrangle (AQ), please watch for workers directing pedestrian flow and any related route signage as construction proceeds. Progress updates and impacts to the SFU community will continue to be shared throughout the duration of the project. Sign up for monthly updates here.

For more information about the First Peoples’ Gathering House, visit the project page here.