30 Years of First Nations House

In 2023, First Nations House (FNH) celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of being a cornerstone for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at the University of Toronto. The celebration dinner, held at Hart House, brought together more than 130 staff, students, alumni and community members who have contributed to FNH’s legacy.

First Nations House has been more than just a support center; it has been a home away from home for many students. One student shared,

“I would like to say chi miigwech for having Elders-in-Residence and Knowledge Keepers at FNH and the medicines! These very important cultural teachers and teachings, I find, are so important to me as an urban Anishinaabe kwe who is reconnecting to my culture while living away from my homelands and attending university. Chi miigwech FNH! I am very grateful we have a culturally relevant space on campus!”

During the FNH 30-year celebration, the Eagle Staff that was brought to FNH by Director Michael White, was present and posted near the podium. To many Indigenous Nations on Turtle Island, to receive an Eagle Feather is a great honour. The Eagle flies the highest in the sky, and according to many teachings the Eagle is the winged one which is responsible for carrying our prayers up to Gitche Manitou (Creator, or Great Spirit). Eagle Feathers are gifted to individuals or groups for their community service or to honour a great accomplishment.

Michael consulted with a student, Giselle Del Valle, to bead with colours chosen for each former director of FNH. Giselle then dressed the feathers with beaded peyote stitch designs which are affixed to the shaft of the Eagle Feather. The intention was to attach these Eagle Feathers on the FNH Eagle Staff. An Eagle Staff may be seen as akin to a flag, an Eagle Staff represents a nation, people or a group. The Eagle Staff is made of a long wood staff or pole, is adorned with antlers at the top and then eagle feathers affixed to materials that may bear animal dodem or clan symbols or logos affiliated with the nation, people or group the staff represents.  

During the event, Michael introduced former directors of FNH to speak and then an Eagle Feather was affixed to the Eagle Staff to represent all the former directors.

The celebration was a testament to the enduring importance of FNH. It has provided a welcoming and supportive environment, as one attendee expressed,

“FNH is a welcoming space that feels the opposite of the institutional feeling of campus in general.” The evening was filled with gratitude and hope for the future, with many echoing the sentiment, “Please expand/grow and keep doing what you are doing!”

As FNH looks to the future, it remains committed to being a place where Indigenous students can find community, support and a sense of belonging. The 30th anniversary celebration was not just a look back at the past, but a celebration of the vibrant community that continues to thrive at First Nations House.