First Nations House of Learning

The First Nations House of Learning (FNHL) is based in the First Nations Longhouse. Its mandate is to make the University’s vast resources more accessible to Indigenous people and to improve its ability to meet their needs. It does this by organizing and maintaining Longhouse student services and spaces; overseeing public and academic programming at the Longhouse; leading and supporting strategic planning and communications on UBC Indigenous engagement initiatives; and, by providing a point of contact for Indigenous communities. It also engages with the public, media, and UBC personnel on a host of Indigenous-related matters.

Notable Past and Present Initiatives

  • Coordinate the development of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan
  • Hosting weekly lunches for Indigenous students
  • Hosting biannual Indigenous Graduation Celebrations
  • Partnering with UBC Collegia on the development of šxʷta:təχʷəm Collegium
  • Coordinated the development of the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
  • Advised on the development of CTLT Indigenous Initiatives, the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, and the Indigenous Research Support Initiative
  • Advised on the installation of the Musqueam Post, Reconciliation Pole, and Looplex X Canoe
  • Partnered with UBC Brand on the Indigenous Peoples: Language Guideline

Student Services

FNHL offers the following student services, in collaboration with other UBC units:

  • Biannual Indigenous graduation celebration event
  • Wellness events
  • Student meals
  • Tutoring sessions (based on demand)
  • Resource referrals
  • Accredited counsellors
  • Student health nurse (weekly)
  • Student financial advisor (weekly)

For more information on FNHL student services, contact:

FNHL Reception
Email: fnhl.reception@ubc.ca

Public Information

In addition to administering the UBC Indigenous Portal, FNHL also manages the following channels:

Events

Throughout the year, FNHL partners with various UBC departments, faculty, staff, and units to offer all kinds of events to Indigenous students, staff and faculty, the broader university community, and sometimes the general public. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Major Conferences
  • Public Lectures
  • Cultural Events
  • Book Releases
  • Graduation Events
  • Community meals

Events are generally held in the Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall.

Former Directors

Please take a few minutes to watch these short videos of former FNHL Directors speaking on the subject of the Longhouse’s 30th anniversary.

Verna Kirkness, 1984-1993


Watch the longer video (23:54)

Jo-ann  Archibald, 1993-2001


Watch the longer video (11:48)

Richard Vedan, 2001-2009


Watch the longer video (10:36)

Linc Kesler, 2009-2018


Watch the longer video (22:30)

Margaret Moss, 2018-2023


Watch the video on this page