Many Nations Longhouse

Many Nations Longhouse History

"In the late 1960's and early 1970's, the Native American students approached the University of Oregon administration to develop a place where Native American students could help each other successfully survive the university experience. The students envisioned a place that would allow them to practice their cultures traditions and values.

At this time, the students officially formed the student group Native American Student Union (NASU) under the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO). The University of Oregon administration gifted a retired World War II army barracks to serve as the first University of Oregon Longhouse to them.

On January 24, 2002, NASU and the Longhouse Users Committee wrote and approved the original rules and protocols of the Longhouse. These rules and protocols include the Longhouse User Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding. During the Spring of 2002, the World War II army barracks was decommissioned and torn down in order to make way for a new Longhouse.

On January 7, 2005, the University of Oregon Many Nations Longhouse Grand Opening was held to celebrate the completion of its construction. Elders from the confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla and Burns Paiute Tribe blessed this structure. Members of the Klamath Tribes also participated in this event. The Longhouse was blessed as a sacred place built on sacred ground.

NASU, The Native American Law Student Association, Native American faculty and staff, and the local Native American community, (including members of the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon --- Th Coos, Coquille, Grand Ronde, Klamath, Siletz, Siuslaw, Umatilla, Umpqua, and Warm Springs) continue to participate in events that are held at the longhouse on a year-round basis." -Written by Katie Staton

2015 Longhouse Staff
Steward: Gordon Bettles
Graduate Teaching Fellow: Meghan Sigvanna Topkok
Assistant Stewards: Cholena Wright

Longhouse Code of Conduct:
-Compliance with applicable University and Longhouse rules and state and local law is required.
-Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted; intoxicated individuals are not permitted in the Longhouse.
-Smoking is prohibited in accordance with OAR 571-050-0005
-The use of controlled substances is prohibited
-The Longhouse is a place of respectful interaction and contemplation. The use of foul language is prohibited.