First Peoples' Gathering House

Status: In construction
Project Location: Across from Strand Hall at Burnaby campus
Budget: $28 million
Project Gross: 15,000-sq. ft.
Prime Consultant: Urban Arts Architecture Inc.
General Contractor: Scott Construction
Expected Completion Date: Q4 2024

The project commenced in 2019 and throughout the initial programming and design phases, the University engaged with Indigenous Students, Faculty and Staff. Consultations have also been held with xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm (Kwikwetlem) nations where the Burnaby campus resides.

The First Peoples’ Gathering House on the SFU Burnaby Campus will be a gathering place where Indigenous students, staff and faculty can come together to practice, learn and share in their cultural traditions. The Gathering House includes:

• A large ceremonial hall to welcome up to 300 attendees
• Purpose-driven spaces such as : an Elders' room, dressing room, wellness room and a classroom
• Multi-generational Indigenous Peoples' lounge for smaller gatherings
• Food service kitchen to provide catering options