FNUniv planning to add National Gathering Place for Recognition

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) has already been mentioned as one of the most “eye-catching” campus buildings in Canada – now a large addition is being planned.

The National Gathering Place for Recognition includes a water feature, a gathering and events area, stained glass, and a short wall encompassing everything. 

Mark Dockstater is the president of the FNUniv and he said the wall would include all the names of everyone in Canada who attended residential schools.

“So that people can come and remember, they can celebrate, they can mourn, and they can do all the things that they need to do so there’s a spot in Canada where their names aren’t forgotten.”

Dockstater said the FNUniv was built in response to residential schools to allow first nations to people to control their own education. He said part of that going forward is to recognize those who went to residential schools.

Dockstater said it will be a place where people can recognize the past, but also look to a bright future.

On Monday, the FNUniv announced a campaign to raise the $15 million for the project.