First Nation Long House

Location:

1985 West Mall

Date:

1991-1992

Architect:

Larry McFarland Architects Ltd.

Cost:

$4.2 million

Sources of funds:

Includes $1 million from Jack Bell and $1 million from Bill Bellman

Building users:

First Nations Law, First Nations Library, First Nations Health Care, N.I.T.E.P., Plant Operations

Architectural features:

This low-lying structure was inspired by the style of the traditional Coast Salish longhouse, which was adopted out of respect for the Musqueam people who have historically been based on Point Grey peninsula.

Construction Type:

Heavy timber, wood frame

Notes:

This Centre has 4 major components: a resource centre, the Great Hall, the Longhouse, and the Spirit Renewal Hall, all of which are intended to serve the growing numbers of native students at UBC.
The entire structure is sited according to the compass points north and south, a measure significant to native cosmology

Sources:

Fine Arts Pamphlet Files (Vancouver Courier November 9, 1994; Vancouver Sun May 25, 1993; Vancouver Courier's Neighbourhood News Oct 10, 1990); UBC Buildings (Campus Planning)

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