The House
Located on Sharp Avenue just west of College Hall, “The House” is the gathering spot for Native students. The unassuming home has served as the hub since 2009, and in 2020, it was rededicated as the sčintxʷ Native American Cultural Center. sčintxʷ translates as “Indian House” in Spokane-Coeur d’Alene Salish, a dialect of the language of the interior Northwest tribes. At its dedication, Spokane Tribal Elder Pat Moses told a small in-person gathering and online audience that the house sits on sacred ground. “When you walk in here, you should feel Indian. You should feel the ancestry, the elders, the spirit and power of Mother Earth.”
Photo by Isabella Stout
Events and Learning
The Office of Tribal Relations cosponsors a number of opportunities to hear from and visit with a variety of experts on matters of importance to the Native American community and to allies. Here are a few examples:
- Nick Estes – Moving Forward Together Towards Climate Justice
- Andrea Brower – “Seeds of Occupation, Seeds of Possibility”
- Jeannine Hill Fletcher and Samuel Torres – Re-Thinking Ourselves in a Time of Truth and Healing
- Nick Estes and Ali Michael (pictured above) – Smudging the Settler Lens: Re-Envisioning Allyship Between Native and Non-Native People
Social Gatherings
Throughout the academic year, students can expect a variety of events to get to know one another. These include movie nights, game nights, potlucks and more.
Orientation, Welcome Weekend & Commencement
Parents and families of Native students can gather at The House around major events such as orientation, welcome weekend and commencement.
Native American Community Graduation
Since 1996, a community-wide graduation celebration has honored local Native students graduating from high school, college and trade schools. These ceremonies feature traditional blessings, music and gifts to the graduates. Gonzaga has been proud to host many of these celebrations on campus.