UofA First Peoples' House

Yesterday was a huge day for First Peoples’ House staff ~ The Elder said who was meant to be there was there on that very warm July 6, 2026 morning. The sun was finally out in full force and so was the love. This was one more milestone closer to our ceremonial opening to welcome in our UA FNMI students.
This day was exhaustion and exhilaration at the same time. It was a bit of sadness and a whole lot of joy at the same time. It was a release and a calling in at the same time.

We said goodbye to a place we once loved and lived for over 30 years in Student union building 2-400 an address we knew so well a place we called home but the reality was we could never truly welcome all of our students in a meaningful and caring way. That was the release.

The calling in happened with Elder Poitras prayers, Drummers Terris, Lyle & Jay Roy and being wrapped and honored by the colleagues and staff who have journeyed with us, and work alongside us on a daily basis they showed up to walk with us in a force of love.
What a powerful way to transition us into a new realm.
This was the calling in, we are calling in our loved ones, the ones who blazed the trails before us, our relatives who sacrificed so much and for the here and now the FPH staff and students - now we can’t wait till we can call you in - our FPH student community .... in a ceremonial way (more details will reach your inbox soon) 🧡🧡

Congratulations to 78-year-old Loretta (Wuttunee) Jobin for receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies!

Loretta is from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation and first started her degree here with FNS 30 years ago. She was just about finished her degree — all she had left were the exams for her last three courses — when her mother suddenly got very sick. Tending to her mother, Loretta was unable to write her final exams to finish her degree. Her mother died shortly after that, and she never wrote those exams.

Today, Loretta would have been supported through her difficult time. She would have been given an exam deferral and would have been supported until she could return to school and graduate. She essentially finished her degree, but because these systems didn't support Indigenous students the way they should have, she wasn't able to complete it.

The success of our students is paramount for us — our faculty takes great pride in ensuring our students have everything they need to succeed. Loretta earned this degree. We are righting a wrong and sending a message to our students that our faculty is here to support them and help them thrive.

Loretta says she "hasn't stopped smiling" since she found out she would be graduating and that it was one of the most important days of her life.

We are so proud of Loretta and honoured to have her cross the stage with her degree, like she deserved to 30 years ago.

🧡

More than a building, the new First Peoples’ House is a place of truth, healing and belonging. In this reflection, Shana Dion shares the significance of its opening this summer and the powerful symbolism of a doorway created to welcome generations of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/the-quad/2026/06/more-than-a-building.html

As we prepare to welcome our students back this fall, we’re taking the time to ensure every detail is ready. We are getting closer and it will be worth the wait! 🩷

The new FPH has been built with so much love, prayer, and purpose 🧡 We can’t wait for our students to walk through the doors and make it home. Every detail was created with YOU in mind and we are beyond excited to welcome each and every student into the new space this fall! ✨

FPH staff are packing and preparing for the office relocation. We can’t wait to welcome you! ✨❤️

❤️ It is vital that we uphold all of the families and communities who carry the magnitude of weight of their loved ones who are missing and for the magnitude of grief of losing loved ones in such a violent way.
May 5, in all about raising awareness of this day, wear red, inform yourself about MMIWG .

May 5th which is the National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the epidemic of Missing and Murdered First Nation, Métis and Inuit Women and Girls, who face disproportionately high rates of violence and murder. Advocacy and awareness days like May 5th are so essential in amplifying the voices of the voiceless and encourages greater accountability from each and every one of us.