Indigenous Initiatives
The University of Alberta is home to a diverse and welcoming community of over 1,300 Indigenous students across the country—with Edmonton having the second-largest Indigenous community of any city in Canada. We celebrate and honour Indigenous connections, including the lands on which our university is located today.
Honouring National Indigenous History Month
Each June, Canadians celebrate the history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples as part of both National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). Inspired by the efforts of The National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations), the month and day coincide with the Summer Solstice, which is a traditional time of celebration for many Indigenous communities. National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day are a time to walk together as we reflect, engage, celebrate and learn.
Upcoming Events
National Indigenous Peoples Day with Lance Cardinal
June 19, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Faculty of Education and Augustana Campus welcome children and educators onto our campus to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and, Métis peoples with Lance Cardinal. Please join us as we engage in Reconciliation in a welcoming and affirming space.
Learning from the Land: An Alumni Series
Various dates throughout the summer
This event series comprises traditional plant walks, river walks and Blackfoot medicine wheel teachings taking place at various locations throughout Alberta. Land-based learning recognizes the deep physical, mental and spiritual connection to the land that is part of Indigenous cultures. Join our vibrant alumni community as we learn from the land around us and understand our connection to it.
Braiding Past, Present and Future
University of Alberta
Indigenous Strategic Plan
See the plan Watch the launch
Celebrating National Indigenous History Month 2024
Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming and Research) Dr. Florence Glanfield honours the heart work led by Indigenous colleagues and allies, past and present.
TRC Report to Community
Since 2015, the University of Alberta has responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action with an emphasis on capacity building and foundational change.
Indigenous Honoraria Educational Video
To support a deeper understanding of the honoraria process, the Indigenous Honoraria Educational Video — featuring James Knibb-Lamouche, U of A alumnus, former research director at the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre, and now Executive Director of ⴰⵔⵔⴰⵎⴰⵜ Ărramăt — was created as a supplemental resource to contribute to understanding Indigenous gifting practices and increase cultural competency at the U of A.
Affirming and Acknowledging Indigenous Ceremonial Practices
Affirming that ceremony can be conducted without disruption or interference anywhere on campus, including, but not limited to, outdoor spaces, classrooms, lecture halls, gathering spaces, and residences, this resource provides guidelines and information on the lighting of ceremonial medicines at the U of A, information on safety and signage, a FAQ, and a list of frequently used ceremonial spaces.
INDIGENOUS PROGRAMMING & RESEARCH
The Office of the Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming & Research) facilitates institutional collaboration and communication to support the development and implementation of programs, services and initiatives related to Indigenous engagement. The office is also working to enable transformative institutional practices that respect and honour Indigenous knowledges across the University of Alberta.
Indigenous Student Services
First Peoples’ House
NORTH CAMPUS
Standing true to our beliefs as First Peoples and guided by our cultural teachings, the First Peoples’ House provides an environment of empowerment for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) learners to achieve personal and academic growth.
Wahkohtowin Lodge
AUGUSTANA CAMPUS
A gathering place for everyone on Augustana campus, the Wahkohtowin Lodge offers opportunities for Indigenous students to access a range of services as well as gather with each other, with Elders and with Indigenous community members.
I-STEAM Pathways
NORTH CAMPUS
Enabling First Nations, Métis or Inuit undergraduate students to gain research experience in environmental fields including science, environmental engineering, environmental law and policy.
Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement
NORTH CAMPUS
Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE) offers the opportunity for Indigenous graduate students to engage with their peers, faculty and researchers, and facilitated their development both on- and off-campus.
Free Online Course: Indigenous Canada
We have the responsibility to educate and the opportunity to uplift the next several generations, which is why all are welcome to join Dr. Paul Gareau, Dr. Savage Bear, Alannah Mandamin-Shawanda, and Isaac Twinn, as they lead learners through an exploration of Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. It’s free, it’s online, and there’s a space waiting for you.
INDIGENOUS-FOCUSED LEARNING
We are the only university in Canada with a Faculty of Native Studies. Both within this faculty and beyond, the University of Alberta offers Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike education focused on the complexity of Indigenous issues and thought.
SITUATED KNOWLEDGES: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND PLACE (SKIPP)
One of the University of Alberta’s signature research and teaching areas, SKIPP was created to highlight Indigenous scholarship, create a strong community of Indigenous scholars, and allow other scholars to come into that space to learn and connect. Indigenous scholarship is defined as teaching, research, community engagement, research creation, and activities, locally and globally.
Recognition and Reconciliation
At the U of A, we know that we have the responsibility to educate and the opportunity to uplift the next generation as part of the movement to unravel systemic racism. At the same time as we celebrate the vibrant First Nations, Inuit, and Metis lives lived, it's also a time to reflect on the intergenerational effects of colonialism. You can learn more, including calls to action, and can access supports by visiting the following Canadian and international resources:
- Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
- Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Resources for Everyone
Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization (SILR)
SILR seeks to build capacity for community-led Indigenous language revitalization in Canada. Their work seeks to provide support for community-led Indigenous language revitalization efforts through the coming generations — a future where Indigenous languages are healthy and vibrant, and are spoken in homes, schools, workplaces, and on the land.
Presenting Our Presence
Presenting Our Presence (POP) is a monthly vodcast and podcast that amplifies the voices and visibility of the Indigenous knowledge-holders, learners and change-makers who enliven the University of Alberta community. POP’s Indigenous-led protocols and ethics centre knowledge holders' sovereignty as stewards of their own stories.
Turtle Spirit Pathway Award for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students
The Turtle Spirit Pathway Award for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students assists Indigenous students who are entering the U of A and who have demonstrated financial challenges and barriers to attending university.
Start your application.