Spiritual and Cultural Support

Stay connected and grounded with your cultural teachings while you are at the U of A. Connect with Elders, access our Ceremonial Room, and attend events that will ground you in your cultural roots.
Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers

There are many Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers that students can meet with through the First Peoples' House.

Elder Protocol and Guidelines

Ceremonial Room

In an effort to respect indigenous traditions and meet the needs of all staff and students at the University, a Smudge and Meditation room is available for students to access anytime during office hours.

Medicines (sage, sweetgrass, tobacco) are on-hand for students to use. The room has a specialized fan/air system.

The University of Alberta Annual Round Dance brings together children, friends, families, youth and Elders of our community to share stories, catch up on news, break bannock, and share some tea. It is a time to honour traditions and memories of our ancestors.
Convocation Honouring Ceremony

In the Spring of 1996, Chancellor Lou Hyndman agreed to the First Peoples' House (formerly Aboriginal Students Services Centre) request to have an Elder on stage during convocation to recognize and honour each First Nation, Métis, and Inuit graduate, along with the opportunity to wear traditional regalia when they cross the stage.

We congratulate and want to acknowledge the dedication and accomplishments of our First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students on their academic accomplishments by offering each Aboriginal graduating student to be part of an Honouring Ceremony. In preparation for the Honoring Ceremony for our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit graduates, we would like for each of our graduates to come into the First Peoples' House (2-400 SUB) or contact us at fph@ualberta.ca to complete the required Aboriginal Convocation Honoring Ceremony Form.

Tobacco and Prayer Flags

Tobacco and prayer flags are available for purchase.

  • Flags are 2 meters each and are available in blue, green, red, orange, yellow, and white. The cost is $5 per flag.
  • The cost of tobacco is $20 per pouch.
Contact Us

Location:
2-400 Students' Union Building
8900 - 114 Street, U of A
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2J7

Phone: 780-492-5677
Fax: 780-492-1674
Email: fph@ualberta.ca

Hours (Sept. - April)
8:30 AM - 12 PM, 1 - 4:30 PM

Hours (May - Aug.)
8 AM. - 12 PM, 1 - 4 PM

Closed weekends, holidays and during Winter Closure.