# Build a cultural space for Indigenous students
**Source**: https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/initiatives/build-a-cultural-space-for-indigenous-students/
**Parent**: https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/initiatives/
Featured Initiative
# Build a cultural space for Indigenous students
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## Indigenous House at U of T Scarborough will help foster a sense of belonging and connection with rich programming and gathering spaces.
Historically, Indigenous Peoples of Canada have been underrepresented in higher education, and they remain so today. Crucial work is needed to dismantle systemic barriers to participation and to create the culturally appropriate spaces that Indigenous stakeholders and community members have indicated are vital for Indigenous learners and faculty to feel safe and welcome on university campuses.
> Indigenous House will honour the lands, cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems of the peoples on whose traditional territory our campus is located.
>
> Wisdom Tettey,\
> Vice-President and Principal,\
> U of T Scarborough
Canada’s 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (TRC) and the University of Toronto’s 2017 response report, Wecheehetowin, included calls to create such environments. Indigenous House at the University of Toronto Scarborough was designed in consultation with Indigenous stakeholders and will feature traditional Indigenous architecture, landscape, and materials with cultural relevance. Nature—the guiding principle behind Indigenous Ways of Knowing—will be central to all design elements in the 10,000 square-foot space.
## Support Indigenous House
[Give now](https://engage.utoronto.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate#/fund/1745)
With space for Elders and Knowledge Keepers on site, rich programming, and culturally appropriate gathering spaces, Indigenous House will help foster a sense of belonging and connection. By supporting Indigenous House, you can help create a welcoming environment for Indigenous learners and join us in an important step toward eradicating barriers in higher education.
## Support Indigenous House
[Give now](https://engage.utoronto.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate#/fund/1745)
Explore related campaign priorities: [Build inclusive cities & societies](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/news-and-stories/theme-category/build-inclusive-cities-societies/) [Spark creativity + culture](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/news-and-stories/theme-category/spark-creativity-culture/) [Support student success](https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/news-and-stories/theme-category/support-student-success/)
To learn more about how you can support Indigenous House and improve Indigenous representation and participation on our campuses, please contact the Executive Director of Development & Alumni Relations at the University of Toronto Scarborough.
[Contact](mailto:lisa.lemon@utoronto.ca)
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