By: Eden Chipperfield, News Writer
On April 22, 2023, Burnaby’s acting mayor, Sav Dhaliwal, announced $5-million of funding for constructing the First Peoples’ Gathering House at SFU Burnaby.
The construction and funding of the First Peoples’ Gathering House at SFU is part of the city of Burnaby’s commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation. “As a city, we are committed to working with Indigenous peoples, particularly with the First Nations on whose territory the City of Burnaby is now located, to build positive and meaningful relationships,” commented Mayor Mike Hurley.
The Peak interviewed Raven King Stierle from the SFU First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Association (FNMISA) regarding the construction and purpose of the First Peoples’ gathering house.
“The [First Peoples’ Gathering House] shows that SFU is making efforts towards reconciliation and that they recognize the responsibility they have to provide Indigenous students, faculty, and community members with a safe environment for us to thrive in,” Stierle explained. “It’s a relationship, and they’re [SFU] showing us that they’re invested in a relationship with us.”
On Orange Shirt Day in 2020, SFU held a ground awakening ceremony for the First Peoples’ Gathering House. At the time, treasurer Kali Stierle told The Peak, “There was no proper outreach to hearing Indigenous student voices and [ . . . ] a lack of representation at their meetings of Indigenous students [ . . . ] They need to be hearing what is proper protocol within the Host Nations, especially when it comes to creating a ceremonial space.”
Ouri Scott is the lead designer of the First Peoples’ Gathering House project. Scott is noted as one of the first Indigenous women architects who focuses on incorporating Indigenous design and culture in their work within BC. “The intent for this building is to create a ceremonial space on campus, and there are so many design elements that make it that,” commented Stierle. “We’ll be able to smudge and hold the ceremony inside. There’s space for carvers to create their art, space for dancing and drumming.”
SFU president Joy Johnson commented on SFU’s commitment to reconciliation: “Reconciliation is a shared responsibility. I am grateful for every partner and collaborator helping us build a safe and welcoming cultural space for Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and community members.” The project is part of SFU’s Truth and Reconciliation commitment report, Walk This Path with Us.
“It was a journey to where we are, to get where we are, to get the relationship to where it is now. The FNMISA was open about how we felt consultation was going earlier in the project, and we advocated for our voices to be heard,” Stierle explains. “SFU has been receptive, and we’re happy that they are making an effort and showing they’re open to doing the work needed.”
The original conception of building the First Peoples’ Gathering House was through discussions with Indigenous Elders and Local Nation Knowledge Keepers. SFU News noted these discussions worked to recognize Indigenous students’ journeys, cultures, and experiences with higher education. The building is designed in the Coast Salish tradition. It will include a ceremonial entry, a Great Hall for holding significant events of up to 300 people, an Elders room, a classroom, and more facilities.
Matt Kieltyka, assistant director and external communications at SFU, provided a statement on behalf of the university regarding the First People’s Gathering House. “The host Nations have a deep, long, and connected history with the mountain campus but historically there have been few dedicated spaces across SFU’s campuses for Indigenous peoples to gather, study, and connect with one another. These spaces provide a sense of belonging, where Indigenous students can thrive, feel safe and welcome. For newcomers/settlers, they foster a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples and culture, provide a dedicated place to attend campus-wide cultural events, and elevate the shared journey of Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization.”
The Peak asked Stierle what SFU students and staff can further do to educate themselves on the purpose of the Gathering House. “Read the SFU report Walk This Path with Us Report to understand why this space is being built on campus. Read the TRC Commission Calls to Action. Understand why we need this space, and what this is a response to: the ongoing colonization of Indigenous Peoples by Canada,” noted Stierle.
