Learning Lingít helped UBC student to discover her history
When the Tlingit community adopted UBC student Éedaa Heather Burge, she was brought in from the cold. Studying the language in Juneau, Alaska, that could be taken literally, but the Lingít phrase for adoption ‘A tóot ajeewatán’ means to take someone’s hand and bring them inside. Her adoptive mother and teacher, Elder G̱uneiwtí Marsha Hotch, […]
UBC’s Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot appointed United Nations representative on rights of Indigenous Peoples
Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot is no stranger to firsts. The UBC professor was not only the first person in her family to attend university but she was also the first to go on to earn her master’s degree and PhD before eventually becoming a faculty member. Today, Dr. Lightfoot continued the tradition when she was named […]
First Nations House of Learning welcomes installation of Chancellor Point at historic ceremony
At a historic ceremony this week, President Santa Ono officially installed the Honourable Steven Point (xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl) as UBC’s 19th Chancellor. For the first time, the installation ceremony, like other events held during this time of COVID-19 precautions, was a virtual affair. Watch: UBC Chancellor’s Installation Ceremony 2020 In another first, the President […]
First Nations House of Learning Statement on Louis Riel Day
Today, November 16, 2020, is the 135th anniversary of the execution of famed Métis leader, Louis Riel. Thus, it is a day for sombre contemplation of the person, but more so the struggle he led to have Métis land rights, culture and autonomy formally recognized during Canada’s era of westward expansion. Notably, on two occasions, […]
New Indigenous Strategic Plan establishes UBC’s role in upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples
UBC marks a significant milestone in its commitment to truth and reconciliation with the launch of a new Indigenous Strategic Plan. Moreover, it is the first university in North America to commit to taking a human rights-based approach to its Indigenous strategic framework.
Indigenous Graduation Celebration Spring 2020
On Saturday, June 27, 2020, the First Nations House of Learning hosted a virtual graduation celebration to honour and recognize the educational achievements of participating Indigenous graduates. This year’s virtual offering replaced the usual in-person event held at the First Nations Longhouse, which wasn’t held due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Similar to […]
Language revitalization as a site for reconciliation
Language revitalization could serve as a site for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the town of Kapuskasing. That’s according to Language Sciences affiliate member, UBC Interdisciplinary Studies alumna and University of Western Ontario doctoral student Ricki-Lynn Achilles, who is working with Terrence Sutherland, Kapuskasing Friendship Centre cultural resource coordinator, to run a language […]
Online book celebrating UBC Indigenous honorary degree recipients released
In honour of this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st and in anticipation of the upcoming virtual Indigenous graduation celebration on June 27th, the First Nations House of Learning is pleased to release The Honour of One is the Honour of All, a virtual sourcebook produced in tribute to the Indigenous individuals who […]
Musqueam art installation on campus
Ten cast bronze pieces created by Musqueam artist Brent Sparrow, collectively known as ʔəlqsən (Point Grey), were recently installed on concrete pillars lining the walkway separating the UBC Bus Exchange from the new MacInnes Field. ʔəlqsən is the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word for ‘point of land’, “Point Grey” is the English designation for a major point of […]
UBC welcomes Bernard C. Perley as new Director of the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies
Dr. Bernard C. Perley is an Indigenous anthropologist and leading scholar in the field of language revitalization. The University of British Columbia welcomes Dr. Bernard C. Perley as the new Director of the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies (CIS) in the Faculty of Arts. An Indigenous anthropologist and leading scholar in the field of language […]