FIRST PEOPLES' GATHERING HOUSE MONTHLY UPDATE
June 13, 2022
DESIGN UPDATE
The project has received review preliminary comments from the City of Burnaby regarding the building permit application. The comments are being incorporated into the design updates. This is a big step closer towards the release of the building permit.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Planning continues behind the scenes as the project ramps up to the start of construction. For example, the project team is looking at ways to build on the land responsibly such as implementing erosion sediment control measures to minimize environmental and ecological impacts during construction.
While looking forward to the future at the site of the new First Peoples’ Gathering House, a Ground Awakening Ceremony was held at the start of design for the new building in 2020. Preliminary conversations continue to be underway on planning for another ceremony, before construction begins, in summer 2022.
COMMITTEE UPDATE
Engaging Host Nations has been a priority on the project. Further to the virtual workshops held in October 2020, March 2021 and September 2021 bringing together Elders and Knowledge Keepers from the four Host Nations, SFU hosted an in-person event to welcome host nation representatives on campus in April to show our deep appreciation and to seek guidance on several matters related to reconciliation at SFU, such as host post wood carving and other public art opportunities.