About - First Peoples' House
When students enter First Peoples’ House, they are greeted with the nehiyaw word tawâw, which means “welcome, there is room for you.” It is a deep and intentional way to welcome one another and to know that you belong.
First Peoples’ House is much more than a student service centre for First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students at the University of Alberta. We are the heart of the FNMI student community on campus. We offer programs and services that are designed to help students achieve academic success and personal growth.
In short, we empower our students to become better versions of themselves. We are honoured to be a part of your academic journey.
Learn more about First Peoples' House
Meet our team
The team at First Peoples' House is here to support you throughout your academic journey. Connect with us for any questions at fph@ualberta.ca.
Assistant Dean
Shana Dion
Assistant Dean, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Students
kahkiyaw niwâhkômâkanak. shana dion, nitisiyihkâson. niya nêhiyaw iskwêw. Kehewin Cree nation ohci niya māka niwīkin amiskwaciwâskahikan.
nohtawiy, George Dion ekwa nikâwiy Arlene Dion ekwa nikosis Delton. I introduce myself in nêhiyawêwin because it grounds me in who I am, where I come from, and who I am accountable to.
I am a proud Alumni from the University of Alberta, with a Bachelor of Native Studies degree (1999), Indigenous Sport and Recreation Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (2019) , and a Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sports and Recreation (2024).
My career path has always been centred in a place of service in particular on mental health and wellness in First Nations communities.
I hold the motto that anything is possible and nothing just happens.
I will leave you with this;
Make small talk — big talk — long talk — fun talk.
Wake up with gratitude for your mobility - then go out and honor it!
Sit with tea in utter awkward silence. Tea makes the world slow down. I like that.
Tell the ones you love that you love them to no end — unapologetically.
I hope you laugh each day until tears flow from down your cheeks onto your laps.
Greet each other with a hug like it is your last time together and like it's the first time you met. It's a teaching.
Staff
Delilah Mah
onîkânîw
delilahm@ualberta.ca
Delilah Mah is of Saulteaux and Cree descent; her ancestral roots are connected to Treaty No.4 territory. She is a member of Keeseekoose First Nation. Delilah received her Bachelor of Education from the Faculty of Education, UA and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cape Breton University. She has reached a full-circle moment, as her educational journey was grounded in the Transition Year Program.
She is humbled and grateful to be back on campus, serving as the onîkânîw (leader) for First Peoples House (FPH) and Student Success and Experience (SSE). Delilah has always had a passion for creating space, building community, and framing connections grounded in supporting one another. This passion is coupled with a vision to make a difference while being mindful of economic reconciliation. Delilah has always valued giving back to the community. You can find Delilah behind the scenes in the community, connecting and collaborating with others.
Kaylem Mockford
kise yôtin
mockford@ualberta.ca
Hey there! My name is Kaylem and I am the kise yôtin at First peoples' House! I am Denesuline (Chipewyan) and my family is from Black Lake First Nation. I am a recent graduate from the University of Alberta faculty of Education.
I have experience teaching in First Nations communities as well as here in the city and understand the importance of representation and community for Indigenous students in educational settings.
In my spare time, I like working on cars, playing soccer and working out. I look forward to meeting you!
Kayla Dion
oskâpêwiskwew
kdion@ualberta.ca
My name is Kayla Dion and I am proudly from Kehewin Cree Nation. I grew up in Maryland for most of my life. I love going to the gym and travelling making memories with my beautiful daughter Luna.
I am the oskâpêwiskwew at the First Peoples' House which means helper woman. I can get you connected to any of the resources that we offer, including fitness programming.
I love getting to meet new people. Helping others is my passion and I can't wait to help you on your journey in any way I can.
Sharyn Senz
oskâpêw
cree1@ualberta.ca
Tansi! My name is Sharyn Senz and I am a proud nehiyaw iskwew (Cree woman) from Fort Mcmurray #468 First Nation. In 2022, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with distinction and have been working in the post-secondary field ever since. I have a passion for seeing Indigenous learners succeed and I am honoured to be a small part of their academic journey while on campus! As the Oskapew (student helper) I am here to assist FNMI students in navigating the post-secondary environment. If I can't provide direct assistance, I’m happy to connect students with additional resources both on campus and within the community.
Suzanne Butler
Transition Year Program, Associate Director
stbutler@ualberta.ca
My name is Suzanne Butler and I am the Transition Year Program Associate Director at First Peoples' House. I am a settler to Treaty 6 with Ukrainian and British ancestry from just west of Edmonton and grew up very close to the Enoch Cree Nation. I attended school on reserve for a significant portion of my education, and really wanted to be able to do more to bridge both western and Indigenous learning because I felt that the current education system was not inclusive enough of First Nations, Métis and Inuit history and culture. I decided to pursue a teaching degree, and completed my BEd (Secondary) and later my MEd and MLIS at the University of Alberta. It has been my privilege to work with students in the Transition year program and witness their growth and success for the past 20 years!
My favourite thing about living in Edmonton is you really get to experience all four seasons each year, and the campus has a mood that reflects each season. My favourite is spring because students know they will be done studying soon, and the river valley magically turns green in the course of only a few days…it's truly beautiful to witness!
Elders and Knowledge Keepers
George Desjarlais
Cultural Advisor
George Desjarlais of the Frog Lake Cree Nation is the youngest of 10 children of Alma and Albert Desjarlais. Currently living in Enoch Cree Nation with his wife and children. A father to 7 daughters and 1 son and a large extended family.
Growing up in northern Alberta on the East Prairie Metis Settlement is where the family spent alot of time on the land hunting, fishing and gathering berries and traditional plant medicines. Ceremony, farming, ranching and traveling were other activities the family enjoyed. The plains Cree star and night sky teachings have been a huge part of George's life and sharing, preserving and passing down the knowledge are a very integral part of his life.
Heather Poitras
Elder
Elder Heather Poitras, from the Sawridge First Nation located in Treaty 8, has spent most of her life in Treaty 6 territory. As an elected Sawridge Elder Commissioner, she humbly provides guidance to her Council and community. Following Matriarch teachings, she is holistic in her approach and always sees the bigger picture. Proud of both her First Nation and Métis culture, she strives to ensure that her people, the original people of this country, are included in every aspect of society. Recently retired, having over 30 years of service with the federal government, she dedicated her career to Indigenous awareness and culture. Elder Heather continues to create awareness of Canada’s true history, helping with the healing process and improving relationships.