First Nations Centre Spaces

Due to COVID-19, some spaces may have more limited access than usual.

The First Nations Centre (7-109) is located in the Agora building, behind the Geoffery R. Weller Library. Our spaces include:

Reception area

This location is the entrance into the main area of the FNC, where the Student Services Representative’s desk is located. It is also where the in-house printer is located as well as the general use stapler, hole-punch, pencil sharpener, scissors, etc. for use by both students and staff.

Staff offices

The office of the Student Services Representative is located in the reception area of the First Nations Centre (7-109).

Offices of the Aboriginal Student Life Navigator (7-112) and the Aboriginal Connections Coordinator (7-111) are located adjacent to the Reception Area.

Our Elder in Residence's office (7-104) is found by going through the FNC Computer Lab.

The office of the Manager; Aboriginal Student Engagement (7-103A) is found further down the hall across from The Gathering Place. 

Elders Room

Our most commonly visited space, the Elders Room is a casual space for students to gather, study, talk, eat, socialize, etc. This room is often used for FNC events such as Elder in Residence gatherings, Métis Elders crafting, smudging and talking circles. With multiple couches, chairs and tables, plants, artwork, and a fireplace, the Elders Room is a cozy, comfortable, and inviting space.

This space, like many of the areas within the FNC is available 24/7 for students who request and fill out the necessary paperwork with our Student Services Representative.

Kitchenette

There is a fridge/freezer, sink, microwave, electric kettle and full range of dishes that both students and staff can access. As this is a shared common space, there is the shared acknowledgment that everyone who uses the kitchenette keeps it clean and tidy for everyone's benefit. All dishes must be washed, dried, and put away after each use.

Computer lab

The FNC computer lab has eight desktop workstations and two workstations for laptops. This is where our weekly tutoring sessions are held. The FNC library is also hosted in the Computer Lab, containing a wide variety of resource books on a range of subjects that students can borrow.

Puzzle Zone

In the hall toward the Gathering Place, below the FNC logo, you’ll find a space with puzzles and colouring supplies. Chill out for a few moments or a few hours. Feel welcome to work on a puzzle that’s already been started or start a new one. Once a puzzle is completed, it will be left for a few days and then switched out. There are always new puzzle boxes so check back when you feel interested. These types of activities can help give your thoughts and ideas time to reflect and come together.

Smudging and Meditation Room

Though smudging can be done throughout the entire First Nations Centre this room is available during regular office hours (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm) for those who wish to practice with some privacy. The room is well stocked with traditional medicines and also contains a resource manual and stereo with guided meditations and ambient background noise.

Nuninusdzut-a: We are thinking in this place

Located at the end of the hall by The Gathering Place, this is our quiet study space; a space of absolute silence for students to study and work. There are 5 solo cubicle spaces as well as multiple tables and couches/chairs to work from. Students are able to use this space at any time. 

Lhuhuhwhezdel: The Gathering Place

Across from the quiet study space is the Gathering Place. This space is a culturally relevant space that is big enough to host large events (up to 80 people) such as our monthly potlucks, drum making workshops, Moosehide Campaign Day, Elder in Residence gatherings and our annual Christmas feast. The Gathering Place is a FNC events priority space, however the room is booked through Conference and Event Services at UNBC.

The Gathering Place kitchen

The kitchen is run and cared for by the First Nations Centre. The kitchen is typically used for potlucks and other food related events hosted by the FNC. Groups are able to access the kitchen for their Gathering Place event, however we ask that they check with the Student Services Representative to go over safety and cleaning protocols. The kitchen is fully equipped with appliances, dishes, cooking supplies, etc.

Wabooz Garden

Accessible through the Elders Room, Wabooz Garden is a beautiful spot to gather and talk, study, share a meal or have a smudge. Many of the plants have been selected due to their cultural significance and healing properties.The Wabooz Garden is a natural environment where Northern BC wildlife flourishes. At any given time of the year you can witness various birds, squirrels and other rodents, and deer grazing or fawning in this picturesque green space. Wabooz means “rabbit” in Anishinaabemowin and the garden was named after former First Nations Studies Chair Perry Shawana. The Wabooz Garden was developed as a class project by UNBC Professor Annie Booth and is now managed by the First Nations Centre.