Student Life and Support Services
First Nations House
First Nations House houses the Office of Aboriginal Student Services (OASSP) and
the Native Students' Association. The Office provides culturally supportive student
services and programs to Aboriginal students at the University of Toronto. Leadership,
spiritual growth and academic excellence is the motto of First Nations House.
First Nations House provides a home for Aboriginal people on campus, a place to
interface with the Native community in Toronto, and a place where the University
community can learn about Native people. An open, caring and safe environment
is promoted and maintained and all are welcome. A weekly social on most Fridays
of term is combined with information sessions from a variety of organizations
intended to provide students with information regarding their future careers.
Programs and services include recruitment, academic counselling and admissions,
personal counselling, academic tutoring, computers, and financial aid and planning
services. First Nations House also has a library with a large collection of Aboriginal
specific books as well as the texts for the core ABS courses. Some of the courses
in the Aboriginal Studies Program are held at First Nations House.
First Nations House is located on the third floor of the North Borden Building
at 563 Spadina Avenue; phone 416-978-8227. We can also be reached via email
at fnh.info@utoronto.ca or visit our
website First Nations House .
Native Students' Association (NSA)
The Native Students' Association has an office and a lounge at First Nations House
where students can relax, work on an essay, enjoy a cup of coffee, and develop
new friendships. It is a place where students can meet and provide support and
information to one another. The NSA organizes social get-togethers and various
cultural and recreational events throughout the year. Special events and Aboriginal
Awareness Week at U of T are the NSA's mandate. For more information on the NSA
or to join, you may reach us via email at NSA call us at 416-978-1042 or drop by First Nations House.
Elder-in-Residence
An essential aspect of the Native community at the University of Toronto are
our Elders: Grafton Antone and Lee Maracle. They are available
for personal consultation, conversation and guidance at First Nations House.Contact
First Nations House for their hours of availability.
Financial Support
A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available to all students of the University
of Toronto. For scholarships and bursaries directed to Aboriginal students, contact
Shannon Simpson at 416 978-1290 or by email at shannon.simpson@utoronto.ca.
Other Relevant Information
The University of Toronto offers a multitude of other organizations, clubs, facilities
and services for the full-range of students. Contact your individual college,
department, or U of T Student
Resources for more information.
Toronto has the largest concentration of Aboriginal peoples in Canada which
allows for endless opportunities for students in the Aboriginal Studies program.
Students have access to a large variety of organizations and cultural events
in which to expand their knowledge and pursue their interests beyond campus.
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is
located only a few blocks from First Nations House on Spadina Road.