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Our Programs and Services | Related programs and services
Our Programs and Services
Aboriginal Peer Support
If you are a new student coming to study at McGill, we can set you up with an Aboriginal Peer who will welcome you and help get you familiar with the campus and Montreal. All Aboriginal students interested in getting involved and becoming a peer mentor for a new student this fall term, please call us at (514) 398-3217 or email the firstpeopleshouse [at] mcgill [dot] ca (First Peoples House).
Academic Referrals
All Aboriginal students needing guidance on course selection, course load, academic goals, or anything else related to academics should make an appointment with Aboriginal Community Outreach Coordinator, kakwiranoron [dot] cook [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Kakwiranó:ron Cook). Together, with academic advisors, we will help your specific needs.
Computer Facilities
The House is equipped with three computers and wireless internet. Students can use these freely to check their email, access the Internet, etc. A 3 in 1 printer, fax, and scan machine is also available for student use.
Elder Visits
For many Native people, staying connected to the community and traditions are important facets of their personal lives. With this in mind, we try to invite Elders from various communities to visit the House and interact with students and staff.
Four Directions Frosh: Aboriginal Student Orientation
Four Directions Frosh is a culturally geared orientation designed specifically for incoming Aboriginal students. It is organized by the First Peoples’ House, the Aboriginal Community Outreach Coordinator and McGill students. Four Directions will introduce students to what Montréal has to offer while creating links between students and the wider urban Aboriginal community.
Guest Lecturers
Interested in Native issues or the work of Native academics? The House collaborates with different groups on and off campus to host a series of guest speakers throughout the year. Sign up for our listserv, check Facebook or the events page to get updates.
Housing
Housing is available at First Peoples' House for all Aboriginal students regardless of age. Self-identification is all that is required on the Residence Application Form and priority will be given to the Aboriginal student requesting housing at First Peoples' House. If you would like more information please call the Residences and Student Housing at (514) 398-6368 or email housing [dot] residences [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Residence Admissions Office).
Pow Wow
Our Annual Pow Wow is one of the largest events that we host. It usually takes place the third week in September. There is Aboriginal music and dancing, arts and crafts, Aboriginal organization's information kiosks and lacrosse demonstrations. We invite the Montreal urban Aboriginal community, McGill community as well as Aboriginal youth from around the Greater Montreal area. It is a full day of events and a chance to share and celebrate our culture.
Resource Collection
We are continuously updating our document and resource collection that all students are free to use. Our library consists over 300 books, we subscribe to the Eastern Door, Kahnawake’s weekly newspaper. We have magazines, journals, and a various program brochures. We also have a collection of films on DVD and VHS. Students may sign out resources by using their McGill ID card. If we don't have the resources or information you need, we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Soup and Bannock Lunches
Food nourishes but also brings people together. We serve a delicious soup and bannock lunch every Wednesday and Thursday. Bring a friend! If you have a soup recipe you would like us to try out, please firstpeopleshouse [at] mcgill [dot] ca (send us an email).
Related programs and services
Aboriginal Law Association
The Aboriginal Law Association of McGill University, whose membership includes both Native and non-Native law students, seeks to raise awareness of Aboriginal issues within the student population and among the public at large. For more information please contact the ala [dot] law [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Aboriginal Law Association).
Aboriginal Health Interest Group
The Vision: Healthy and vibrant Indigenous nations, communities, families and individuals supported by an abundance of well-informed Indigenous and non-Indigenous health care practitioners working together. Action through advocacy, lobbying, awareness and education, at McGill and beyond! Check out the Google Group for more information!
Indigenous Studies Seminar Series
The Indigenous Studies Seminar Series is a collaborative venture between DIALOG (the Aboriginal Research and Knowledge Network) and McGill University’s Department of History and First Peoples' House. Their goal is to stimulate discussion and collaboration between scholars, students, community members, and others interested in Indigenous issues in an informal and collegial environment. For more information check out their facebook page!
KANATA – McGill’s Indigenous Studies Community
KANATA is a McGill-based student support community that explores, shares, and provides learning opportunities for anyone interested in Indigenous Studies and highlights information on the various organizations, events, and ongoing initiatives that are of interest to the indigenous community. For more information, visit their website.