Indigenous Student Orientation Events
Welcome
Find everything you need to know about what's planned for your UBC Orientations experience on this page. Check back regularly, as event details are subject to change leading up to the events. Please note that if a last-minute schedule change is required on the day of, you will be updated via email or through your Orientation Leader.
In addition to these great events, your orientation to UBC will be comprised of a wide range of events being hosted from across the University. Learn more about these events here.
Your Schedule
Friday, Aug 29, 2025
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Friday Funday Indigenous Student BBQ
Friday, August 29 5:00 pm - 7:00 pmWrap up your Jump Start experience with good vibes and good eats at our Welcome BBQ, hosted by your šxʷta:təχʷəm Advisors! All incoming Indigenous students are invited to join us for fun activities, community connections, and a chance to continue building relationships as the new term begins. Food is limited, so come early to grab a plate! We’ll be gathering in Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall at the First Nations House of Learning. Everyone who attends will also be entered into a random prize draw. Come hungry, leave connected!
Tuesday, Sep 2, 2025 - Imagine UBC, wear your faculty colour
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Open House
Tuesday, September 2 9:00 am - 4:00 pmStop by the First Nations Longhouse for a tour and an introduction to Indigenous student resources with the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library.
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Imagine Day
Tuesday, September 2 10:00 am - 5:00 pmBe sure to participate in the campus-wide Imagine Day programming! Stop by the Longhouse during any downtime to learn more about our services and student spaces.
Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025
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Community Resource Fair
Wednesday, September 3 10:00 am - 2:00 pmJoin us at Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall to have a chance to meet many of the faces, programs, resources, and places at UBC working to support you in finding your community.
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Beading Social Circle 1
Wednesday, September 3 2:30 pm - 4:30 pmJoin us in fostering community connection and kinship at the Beading Circle Social, led by CTLT Indigenous Initiatives staff, Janelle and Hannah. All beaders are invited to join, all skill levels accepted! Bring your skills or your desire to learn to the first of many beading circles hosted at the Longhouse. Supplies will be provided.
Thursday, Sep 4, 2025
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Open House
Thursday, September 4 9:00 am - 4:00 pmStop by the First Nations Longhouse for a tour and an introduction to Indigenous student resources with the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library.
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Plant-a-Friend
Thursday, September 4 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmDid you just move into a new room on or off campus, or did your roommate let all your plants die over the summer? Join FNHL student staff for “Plant-a-Friend”: paint and decorate pots for bright green succulents and tropical plants to brighten up your study spaces.
Friday, Sep 5, 2025
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Open House
Friday, September 5 9:00 am - 4:00 pmStop by the First Nations Longhouse for a tour and an introduction to Indigenous student resources with the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7xwa Library.
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Crafternoon Tea with SVPRO
Friday, September 5 1:00 pm - 4:00 pmJoin Gloria Cardinal, Indigenous Support Specialist with the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office as she shares different traditional crafts. Supplies, refreshments, and snacks will be provided. Drop-in anytime during the afternoon.
Monday, Sep 8, 2025
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Colouring Contest
Monday, September 8De-stress and drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and fill out a colouring page. Hang yours up on our wall and get entered into a draw for some self-care swag! Winners will be posted Sept 30 on Instagram (@ubcindigenouscollegium). Good luck!
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Yoga and Meditation with Dr. Rosalin Miles
Monday, September 8 10:30 am - 11:20 amJoin Dr. Rosalin Miles, MHK 1998, for a peaceful morning of yoga and guided meditation on the Longhouse Sty-Wet-Tan Deck. This gentle session is open to all levels and designed to help you ground, stretch, and reconnect. Yoga mats and blocks will be provided—just bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
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Tea and Bannock
Monday, September 8 11:30 am - 1:30 pmDo you love Bannock? Take some time during your busy week to enjoy some tea and bannock and meet some of the Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness Team!
Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025
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Colouring Contest
Tuesday, September 9De-stress and drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and fill out a colouring page. Hang yours up on our wall and get entered into a draw for some self-care swag! Winners will be posted Sept 30 on Instagram (@ubcindigenouscollegium). Good luck!
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FNHL Welcome BBQ and Community Resource Fair
Tuesday, September 9 12:00 pm - 2:00 pmHosted by the First Nations House of Learning and Xwi7Xwa Library, the Welcome BBQ is an exciting opportunity for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty to gather and connect over great food, as we all journey back to the First Nations Longhouse. Be sure to visit the many campus resources that will have booths set up outside the Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall.
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Paint Your Future
Tuesday, September 9 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmCome take a break and get creative with our šxʷta:təχʷəm Advisors and paint some art and picture frames! Keep your art to help remind you what you want to create this year!
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2025
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Colouring Contest
Wednesday, September 10De-stress and drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and fill out a colouring page. Hang yours up on our wall and get entered into a draw for some self-care swag! Winners will be posted Sept 30 on Instagram (@ubcindigenouscollegium). Good luck!
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First-Year Lunch and Check-in
Wednesday, September 10 11:30 am - 1:00 pmJoin us for lunch at the Longhouse to meet other first-year students, peer advisors, and support staff. There will be exciting door prizes from the UBC Bookstore!
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Beading Social Circle 2
Wednesday, September 10 2:30 pm - 4:30 pmJoin us in fostering community connection and kinship at the Beading Circle Social, led by CTLT Indigenous Initiatives staff, Janelle and Hannah. All beaders are invited to join, all skill levels accepted! Bring your skills or your desire to learn to the first of many beading circles hosted at the Longhouse. Supplies will be provided.
Thursday, Sep 11, 2025
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Colouring Contest
Thursday, September 11De-stress and drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and fill out a colouring page. Hang yours up on our wall and get entered into a draw for some self-care swag! Winners will be posted Sept 30 on Instagram (@ubcindigenouscollegium). Good luck!
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Pancakes and Waffles
Thursday, September 11 9:30 am - 12:30 pmJoin us at the Longhouse for some visiting time and enjoy these two breakfast classics to fuel your day. Meet other students, have some laughs, and start your day in a good way.
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Cedar Heart Weaving
Thursday, September 11 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmJoin Rita Point-Kompst, Musqueam Cedar Weaver to weave a cedar-woven heart. Participants will write a message setting intentions for the year, and weave and enclose it in their "heart". Space limited and RSVP required - RSVP link.
Friday, Sep 12, 2025
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Colouring Contest
Friday, September 12De-stress and drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and fill out a colouring page. Hang yours up on our wall and get entered into a draw for some self-care swag! Winners will be posted Sept 30 on Instagram (@ubcindigenouscollegium). Good luck!
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Financial Wellness Lunch
Friday, September 12 11:30 am - 1:00 pmJoin the Indigenous Student Support Team with Enrolment Services to learn about strategies for financial wellness during your studies. Lunch will be served. Door prizes for attendees! ESAs will be available before and after to chat individually with students.
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Squeaky Clean Semester
Friday, September 12 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmStart your semester fresh by joining our Advisors and making some handmade melt-and-pour soap! We'll have a variety of molds to choose from, so if you want to learn a new skill come join us in šxʷta:təχʷəm Wednesday September 10, 1-3pm! Join while supplies last.
Monday, Sep 15, 2025
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UBC Bucket List Bingo
Monday, September 15Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week to create your own UBC themed Bucket List Bingo. Set your goals, make your plans, and cross out your Bingo card by the end of the school year! Bring your filled out card to an advisor to be entered in a draw.
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Graduate Student Welcome and Lunch
Monday, September 15 12:00 pm - 2:00 pmPlease join us at the Longhouse to meet other Indigenous graduate students, and learn more about the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studiues.
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025
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UBC Bucket List Bingo
Tuesday, September 16Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week to create your own UBC themed Bucket List Bingo. Set your goals, make your plans, and cross out your Bingo card by the end of the school year! Bring your filled out card to an advisor to be entered in a draw.
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First Indigenous Student Lunch
Tuesday, September 16 12:00 pm - 2:00 pmJoin us for the lunch at the longhouse and meet the CAs.
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Mini Crafts: Fish Rack and Hide Stretcher Replicas
Tuesday, September 16 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmMake your own mini replica Fish Drying rack or Hide Stretching Rack! Connect with traditional food harvesting with this cute mini craft, join Advisors in šxʷta:təχʷəm while supplies last!
Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025
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UBC Bucket List Bingo
Wednesday, September 17Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week to create your own UBC themed Bucket List Bingo. Set your goals, make your plans, and cross out your Bingo card by the end of the school year! Bring your filled out card to an advisor to be entered in a draw.
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Yogurt Parfait In A Jar
Wednesday, September 17 11:00 am - 1:00 pmJoin šxʷta:təχʷəm advisors in making your own yummy Yogurt Parfait Jar! Chat with peers as you learn how to make this quick and healthy breakfast for the upcoming school year. Join while supplies last.
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Beading Social Circle 3
Wednesday, September 17 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmJoin us in fostering community connection and kinship at the Beading Circle Social, led by CTLT Indigenous Initiatives staff, Janelle and Hannah. All beaders are invited to join, all skill levels accepted! Bring your skills or your desire to learn to the first of many beading circles hosted at the Longhouse. Supplies will be provided.
Thursday, Sep 18, 2025
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UBC Bucket List Bingo
Thursday, September 18Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week to create your own UBC themed Bucket List Bingo. Set your goals, make your plans, and cross out your Bingo card by the end of the school year! Bring your filled out card to an advisor to be entered in a draw.
Friday, Sep 19, 2025
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UBC Bucket List Bingo
Friday, September 19Stop by šxʷta:təχʷəm during the week to create your own UBC themed Bucket List Bingo. Set your goals, make your plans, and cross out your Bingo card by the end of the school year! Bring your filled out card to an advisor to be entered in a draw.
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Homecoming Football Game
Friday, September 19 6:00 pm - 12:00 amMeet at šxʷta:təχʷəm to head over with other indigenous students as a group to watch the homecoming thunderbirds football game
Monday, Sep 22, 2025
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Self Representation Portrait
Monday, September 22Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and create a self representation portrait any time during the week starting September 22nd! Come get creative and destress by creating a self-representation with mixed medias.
Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025
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Self Representation Portrait
Tuesday, September 23Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and create a self representation portrait any time during the week starting September 22nd! Come get creative and destress by creating a self-representation with mixed medias.
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Carry Your Inspo for the year
Tuesday, September 23 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmCome to šxʷta:təχʷəm to paint a "Tote bag of Inspiriation for the Year" from 10-12. Drop in and enjoy some coffee and tea while you paint, join while supplies last!
Wednesday, Sep 24, 2025
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Self Representation Portrait
Wednesday, September 24Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and create a self representation portrait any time during the week starting September 22nd! Come get creative and destress by creating a self-representation with mixed medias.
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Beading Social Circle 4
Wednesday, September 24 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmJoin us in fostering community connection and kinship at the Beading Circle Social, led by CTLT Indigenous Initiatives staff, Janelle and Hannah. All beaders are invited to join, all skill levels accepted! Bring your skills or your desire to learn to the first of many beading circles hosted at the Longhouse. Supplies will be provided.
Thursday, Sep 25, 2025
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Self Representation Portrait
Thursday, September 25Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and create a self representation portrait any time during the week starting September 22nd! Come get creative and destress by creating a self-representation with mixed medias.
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Outdoor Lawn Games
Thursday, September 25 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmJoin us for some fun outdoor games in front of the Longhouse. Come play games and meet new friends. Students who particpate eill be entered into a draw to receive a UBC gym membership for the semester.
Friday, Sep 26, 2025
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Self Representation Portrait
Friday, September 26Drop by šxʷta:təχʷəm and create a self representation portrait any time during the week starting September 22nd! Come get creative and destress by creating a self-representation with mixed medias.
Things to note
Getting to campus: There are a number of different ways of commuting to UBC. Learn about your transportation options.
Time Zone: The schedule is displayed in Pacific Daylight Time.
In case it rains: If it's raining on the morning of Imagine UBC you will still be meeting your Orientation Group in the same location.
Things to bring: Water bottle, snacks, walking shoes, a rain jacket (just in case), a backpack, pen and paper.
If you have a smartphone: No need to print this page out. You can access this mobile-enabled page on your smartphone. Learn how to connect to UBC's campus-wide secure wireless network.
Accessibility
We’re committed to making UBC a welcoming and accessible place for everyone. Here are some key resources that can support your experience on campus:
- Getting Around Campus: Use the Wayfinding Map to find accessible paths, entrances, and building features.
- Gender-Inclusive Washrooms: Learn about the locations of gender-neutral bathroom spaces across campus.
- Disability Access & Ongoing Support: The Centre for Accessibility provides long-term and ongoing accommodations for students with permanent disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping remove barriers to your full participation at UBC. Connect with them if you are requiring formal disability accommodations.
- Questions about Accessibility at UBC? Check out our FAQ.
Need to contact us?
If you have any accessibility requests during Jump Start or for any Jump Start related questions, please email us at orientations.jumpstart@ubc.ca.
For all other questions please email us at orientations.info@ubc.ca.
Event Photography
Please be aware that photography and some videography will be taking place during Imagine UBC. Official university photographers will make every effort to respect student privacy. You should indicate to photographers if you do not consent to being photographed.
University-wide events & activities
UBC Recreation Free Week
From September 8 - 14, 2025, UBC Recreation's Free Week will feature a variety of opportunities for you to try different classes, activities and sports. Open to all students, programs and events happen in various UBC Recreation facilities across campus. No experience is required and all abilities are welcome. You won't want to miss out!
Homecoming
On UBC's Vancouver campus, Homecoming is a celebrated tradition to kick-off the academic year and it's our biggest annual school spirit event. This year, join us from September 15 - 21, 2025, for a weekend of celebration, reconnection & cheering on your UBC Thunderbirds.
Events & activities in your faculty
A great way to help you get orientated to life in your Faculty is by attending an Undergraduate Society event. Your Undergraduate Society is the student government located in your faculty. Events they host vary between faculties, but they are all designed to help you have fun, meet people and find your place in your Faculty community. Learn more about your faculty/school's specific programming:
