History

Making UVic programs more accessible to First Nations people was a goal of the university's 1996 Strategic Plan. In 1997, the Faculty of Human and Social Development established a First Peoples House as a priority with a goal to "create an environment and space on the UVic campus that is welcoming and supportive of Aboriginal students—that respects their beliefs and values."

The following year, consultation began with representatives from the First Nations community and in 1999 a fundraising officer for the project was appointed. More consultation was conducted and in 2000 a UVic First Peoples House Task Force was established, reporting to the President.

In early 2001, after site visits to facilities on other campuses, the Task Force submitted preliminary recommendations on site, design and use to the President. Further consultation with First Nations representatives was conducted before seeking comments on the recommendations from the UVic community.

Construction on First Peoples House began in April 2008 and was completed in August 2009. The official opening of First Peoples House took place on January 25, 2010.