First Peoples' House

Welcome to First Peoples' House

Kia Ora, Me'taleyn, Tansi, Ai'i, Wachiya, Auneen, Shé:kon, Kwé, Kwey, Boojhoo, Oki, Hello, Bonjour!

Owen Egan

Like most "Houses" across Canada, the First Peoples' House attempts to provide a sense of community and a voice to Aboriginal students that have left their home communities in order to pursue their education.

It is our hope that the education that Aboriginal students receive here at McGill will benefit the communities which they are from. An anthropologist, whose name escapes me, once said, "The mark of a truly sophisticated civilization is its ability to adapt to change." These words reflect the resilience of Aboriginal people since European contact to the present. Education is one of many keys to our survival into the new millennium. Aboriginal students who have graduated from McGill would attest to this fact. Dedication and perseverance have enabled them to attain their goals and perhaps the realization that "they will emerge with their hands held forward to grasp the place in society that is rightfully theirs" (the late Chief Dan George).

However, in order to keep our sense of identity within a large postsecondary institution, we must not forget our roots, our language, customs, traditions and teachings of our ancestors. We must remain true to those teachings and respect one another's differences. As Aboriginal people emerge from the darkness of oppression, we look to the future that we hope is full of light and freedom to control our own destinies. An academic education based on contemporary teachings, combined with our own ancestral knowledge, will allow us to "emerge with our hands held forward" into a promising future.

Owen Egan

As our Elders tell us, "We are always learning till the day we die!"

We welcome all indigenous students including Métis, the Inuit, & Native (both "status" & "non-status"), Maori and Aborigines.

Skén:nen - In Peace and Friendship

Waneek Horn-Miller

Coordinator
3505 Peel Street
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 1W7

Tel.: 514-398-3217
Fax: 514-398-8169
Email

Join our Facebook group: First Peoples' House

Join our First Peoples' House Listserv: First Peoples' House Listserv

Owen Egan

Community Outreach Coordinator/ Career Advisor

The First Peoples’ House is proud to announce that Ms. Paige Isaac is our new Community Outreach Coordinator/ Career Advisor.

The Community Outreach Coordinator/ Career Advisor of the First Peoples’ House collaborates with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to promote the pursuit of higher education through outreach events, activities and workshops.

The Coordinator is available to discuss a range of issues from program selection, admission requirements, career options, and Montreal life, ensuring you make a seamless transition to the university community.

For more information, contact Paige Isaac at (514) 398-3217 or email Paige Isaac

The Golden Key Scholar Awards

Congratulations, Paumalu!

In recognition for his outstanding academic achievement, the First Peoples’ House is proud to announce that Paumalu Cassiday is a recipient of a Golden Key Scholar Award.

Golden Key International Honour Society is an international, nonprofit organization with 270 collegiate chapters at major colleges and universities in Canada, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Australia, Malaysia and the United States. Leaders in higher education, business and public service are members of Golden Key and support the Society.

Each year, invitations are extended to students in the top 15% of their Faculty offering them the opportunity to join Golden Key.