McGill University will dramatically expand housing options for Indigenous students, increasing dedicated units from just seven to 47 across the Downtown and Macdonald campuses.
The initiative will see 42 units created at the Royal Victoria College (RVC) Tower downtown, along with five additional spaces at Mac. The move marks a nearly 600-per-cent increase in designated housing and is expected to roll out in time for the 2026-27 academic year.
University leaders say the initiative addresses inequities tied to the current model, where only a small number of Indigenous students have access to housing at First Peoples’ House, despite a growing Indigenous student population on campus.
“This is about expanding housing options for Indigenous students in a way that is more equitable and accessible across the University,” said Associate Provost (Indigenous Initiatives) Celeste Pedri-Spade. “We have a growing Indigenous student community, and this allows us to better support our students while creating more opportunities for connection and belonging.”
Indigenous students will have access to the new units through the University’s standard housing application process, with eligibility open to those who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis and are enrolled full-time. To support affordability, students will be provided guidance and hands-on support from the Scholarships and Student Aid Office when applying for financial aid, including needs-based bursaries to help offset housing and meal plan costs
Expanding access and improving safety
Currently, First Peoples’ House serves simultaneously as a residence, office, and community hub, creating operational challenges and uneven access to supports. The new plan allows more students to benefit from dedicated housing while improving overall living conditions.
“Students moving into RVC Tower will have access to 24-7 residence staff, secure card-entry systems and residence life programming – supports that are not consistently available under the current model,” said Brittanny Janvier, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “It’s not just about more rooms, it’s about creating a safer, more supportive environment for students.”
The move to RVC will also foster interaction between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, while still maintaining culturally supportive spaces and programming.
The new residences will also provide access to dining halls through meal plans. The University will collaborate on Indigenous food programming, incorporating traditional ingredients and suppliers into campus dining.
Mathieu Laperle, Senior Director of Student Housing and Hospitality Services, said the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Indigenous presence and belonging on campus.
“We are proud to expand student housing for Indigenous students. This first initiative supports McGill’s commitment to equity and inclusion,” he said. “Future projects will include developing thematic Indigenous dining experiences for all residence students.”
Reimagining First Peoples’ House
First Peoples’ House will remain open during the transition as a community hub before undergoing renovations. The plan is to convert the building to Indigenous graduate student housing by 2028.
Janvier said the renovations will modernize a space that has seen little change in nearly three decades, while potentially increasing its capacity.
“There’s an opportunity to reconfigure the space and create more units for graduate students,” she said. “We want to make better use of the building and respond to current needs.”
At the same time, McGill is working to identify a new, larger location for an Indigenous community and gathering hub. The goal is to create a space capable of hosting ceremonies, events and larger gatherings.
Pedri-Spade said the project reflects a broader evolution in how McGill supports Indigenous students.
“First Peoples’ House has been the ‘home away from home’ for many Indigenous students over the years, but we’ve outgrown that space,” she said. “We’re moving toward a more open, accessible model of community building, with spaces that meet the needs of students today.”
Aligning with reconciliation commitments
The housing expansion aligns with McGill’s 52 Calls to Action, which commit the University to advancing reconciliation and improving conditions for Indigenous students.
The initiative also aims to eliminate disparities in access to housing and services, ensuring more students benefit from financial aid, residence supports and culturally relevant programming.
Interim Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Anthony Mittermaier described the plan as a “critical step” in fulfilling those commitments.
“This initiative reflects a broader institutional responsibility to create environments where Indigenous students can thrive,” he said. “By expanding access, improving safety and investing in community spaces, we are taking meaningful action toward a more equitable campus.”
For Pedri-Spade, the changes are ultimately about fairness and belonging.
“We are giving Indigenous students access to housing, to community and to the supports they need,” she said. “We are building something that works not just for a few, but for many.”