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Akwe:kon

Akwe:kon (pronounced uh-gway-go), established at Cornell in 1991 to celebrate American Indian culture and heritage, was the nation’s first university residence hall of its kind.  In the Mohawk language, Akwe:kon means “all of us,” reflecting the spirit of inclusiveness the house offers to students and the broader community.

Akwe:kon’s 35 residents represent diverse cultures and backgrounds; roughly half are Native American.  Whatever their cultural background or tribal nationality, residents share an interes in past and contemporary Native issues and the importance of community and extended family.

Throughout the year, Akwe:kon – in conjunction with Cornell’s American Indian Program –sponsors activities and programs like the regional Pow Wow and the weeklong Native American Festival, featuring music, art, and dances by participants representing tribes from throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Events are open to the public, and enable the whole Cornell community to experience the spirit of Native cultures and traditions.

Akwe:kon’s distinctive building and landscape were designed with extensive input from Native people, incorporating symbols that reflect the theme of communal spirit.

Community features:

• 35 residents
• Located on North Campus, near Robert Purcell Community Center
• Single and double rooms
• A community multipurpose room, a TV room, a library, two study lounges, a kitchen, and a computer room

For more information about Akwe:kon, call (607) 255-0652 or email akwe:kon@cornell.edu.

For more information about the American Indian Program, call (607) 255-6587, email aipoffice@cornell.edu or visit http://www.aip.cornell.edu.