ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

First Peoples’ House is a student service centre for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. We are the heart of the Indigenous 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

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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.  

Elders & Knowledge Keepers First Peoples' House Staff Transition Year Program Staff Assistant Dean

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Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers

The First Peoples' House would like to acknowledge our beautiful Elders and incredible traditional knowledge keepers that we are so honoured to have in our circle that support not only the staff but more importantly to our students.

Meet the Elders of First Peoples' House

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First Peoples' House Staff

tansi! My name is Lacee Wuttunee and I am a proud nehiyaw and nakota woman from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory. Prior to taking on my role as onîkânîw (leader) of First Peoples' House at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, my career in social work was dedicated to advocacy and to creating wellness within the FNMI community. As a former university student, I am aware of the barriers and challenges that are unique to FNMI students and I am humbled to be able to use my knowledge and lived experience to help other students succeed in their educational endeavors. When I am not on campus, I can be found hiking the river valley or at the dog park with my son and our golden retriever.

Delilah Mah is of Saulteaux and Cree descent; her ancestral roots connected to Treaty No.4 territory. She is a member of Keeseekoose First Nation. Delilah received her Bachelor of Education Degree from the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) specializing in Community Economic Development (CED) through Cape Breton University. Today, she has reached a full circle moment as her educational journey was initially grounded within the Transition Year Program. She is humbled and grateful to be back on campus acting as the okiskinohamâkew (educator) for the First Peoples’ House, Transition Year Program.

Delilah has always had a passion for creating space, building community and framing connections founded upon supporting one another. Coupled with a vision to make a difference while being mindful of economic reconciliation. Delilah has always valued the importance of giving back to the community. She is the co-chair of the First Nations Women's Economic Security Council with the Government of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. You can find Delilah behind the scenes in the community, connecting and collaborating with others.

Hi, my name is Kayla Dion. I am proudly from Kehewin Cree Nation. I grew up in Laurel, Maryland USA for most of my life. I have one beautiful daughter, her name is Luna Skye!

I am currently the oskâpêwiskwew at the First Peoples' House. I will be able to help you with any scanning, faxing and printing needs or if you just want to stop in and chat! Anything you need just come in to see me and I will guide you to the person you need to see! You will always be treated like family here in First Peoples' House so don't be shy!

I love getting to meet new people. Helping others is my passion and I can't wait to help you all succeed in any way I can!

Tansi! My name is Sharyn Cree 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.

My name is Suzanne Butler and I am the Transition Year Program Associate Director at First Peoples' House. I am 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 at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

I really believe that students will be more successful in post-secondary if they are open to engaging with the campus community and willing to explore the support and services available to them. I am proud of the work we do at FPH and encourage all First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to proudly self-declare their status when they apply.

I think that the Decima Robinson Support Centre for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, and the Resource Librarians have a huge impact on reducing frustration and confusion when it comes to problem-solving and research….they are really under-utilised supports that can have a really positive impact on academic success.

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!

 

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Assistant Dean, First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Students