Endowed fund supports a ‘home away from home’ for FNMI students
Kalyna Hennig Epp - 28 June 2022
Dorothy Sutton hugs Transition Year Program administrator Lisa Ladouceur at Faculty of Native Studies’ Tea and Bannock.
In a recent survey of Indigenous students studying at the University of Alberta, having a community of support was identified as an important factor to success. That is why places like First Peoples’ House — a student service centre for First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) students studying at the U of A — are essential. For many FNMI students, First Peoples’ House is their safe space on campus; their home away from home. First Peoples’ House offers programs and services to help Indigenous students achieve academic success and personal growth, made possible with the generosity and support of folks like Dorothy and Darrel Sutton. Through their endowment, they are helping First Peoples’ House reduce barriers to post-secondary education and create a community of support for Indigenous students studying at the U of A. From a student’s perspective, Dorothy’s generosity means the world to them.
Jessie Letendre
When Dorothy Sutton, ‘72 BEd, attended the University of Alberta, her father drove her to and from campus every day. He worked across the street from the Education building, where she was studying for a Bachelor of Education.
Despite these supports, attending university was a big learning curve in her life.
“University was a culture shock for me,” says Sutton. “It’s a big adjustment. I can't imagine moving far away from home, supporting myself and also studying at the same time.”
That’s one of the reasons she generously created the Dorothy & Darrel Sutton First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Support Endowment to support First Peoples’ House (FPH), a student service centre at the U of A designed to help FNMI students achieve academic success and personal growth.
Below: Dorothy Sutton with her husband Darrel.
Photo supplied.
“When you walk into First Peoples’ House, it’s so welcoming,” says Sutton. “I see them interact with the students and make each person feel special. It's the students’ home away from home, their gathering place – and I feel good to help in any way I can.”
Over the years, Sutton has gifted FPH with a total of $500,000, including the endowment fund which directly supports Indigenous students’ living costs, a full-time Learning Specialist at FPH and activities like a field trip to the Indigenous Peoples' Experience, Wellness Week and 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways.
But even the smallest donation can make a big difference, she says.
“One fellow needed a car to visit home, but he couldn't afford the parking when he was on campus during the week,” says Sutton. “Funds from the Student Living Allowance covered that for him and let him stay connected with his family.”
For other students, it helps with accommodations and allows them to spend more time on their studies rather than working part time jobs to cover cost of living. The endowment also gives students access to programs that enrich their university experience, like art therapy, Powwow practice, yoga, financial management classes, mentorship and more.
“The best part of the giving experience is meeting the students, meeting the elders, meeting the administration and being included,” says Sutton. “First Peoples’ House uses the funds as if it’s coming out of their own pocket book. My heart is so warmed by their care.”
The Dorothy & Darrel Sutton FNMI Support Endowment will continue to grow in perpetuity, with a portion given each year to FPH, ensuring that the Suttons’ generosity will be felt by Indigenous students at the U of A for generations to come.