Interested in applying for residency? Visit Program Houses for application instructions.

Akwe:kon, (pronounced ''a-gway'-go'') is the first university residence of its kind in the country purposely built to celebrate American Indian heritage. In the Mohawk language, Akwe:kon means ''all of us.'' The spirit of this Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) word is reflected in the inclusiveness that Akwe:kon offers to its residents and the community. Students from all backgrounds live in the house and experience a range of activities that reflect the philosophies and heritage of many Native cultures of North America and emphasize American Indian values, ideas, and traditions.

Roughly half of Akwe:kon's 35 residents are of American Indian heritage, with the other half consisting of a diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds. Residents of Akwe:kon, no matter what cultural background or nation, share a common interest in past and contemporary American Indian issues and the importance of community and extended family. Akwe:kon residents become a close-knit group, much like the extended families so valued throughout Native cultures. They are united by the desire to build a better future through awareness, leadership, and education.

Situated on Cornell's north campus, Akwe:kon's distinctive building and landscape were designed with extensive input from Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people, incorporating symbols that reflect the theme of communal spirit. Akwe:kon's presence on campus goes beyond the beauty of its structure, and includes activities and events that provide its residents and the entire Cornell and Ithaca community ways to experience the spirit of American Indian culture and traditions.

Akwe:kon functions as a student community center. Residents, in conjunction with faculty, staff, graduate students, and Cornell's American Indian Program plan activities that include the acclaimed Akwe:kon Film Series, faculty dinners, field trips, student organizational meetings, and other programmatic events and activities.

Akwe:kon is a testament to the balance of tradition and spirituality amidst a high-tech world of research, education, and technology. Strong affiliation with both worlds results in a well-rounded education and a memorable living and learning experience for students.

Application and Room Selection Information for 2006-07 (sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students):

Member benefits include: Participation in Akwe:kon's programs at the resident's rate (if fee), access to facility, computer rom, library, Faculty Fellow programs, and more!

Akwe:kon Features:

• First Year, Transfer and Upperclass Students Facility
• Features: Community Room Multipurpose Room (MPR) complete with a couch and chairs, meeting table with chairs, wall mounted 19" TV/VCR, media center with American Indian newspapers & magazines Library complete with two study tables and a growing collection of American Indian resources Two study lounges Laundry facility with microwave and hot water dispenser Kitchen complete with a microwave, dishwasher, full range with oven, refrigerator, and spacious cabinet space Computer lab complete with four PC computers and a laser printer RedRover wireless internet connection available TV lounge with a 27" TV/DVD/VCR and CUTV cable Elevator
• Occupancy: 35 residents, which includes 3 live-in Community Assistant (CA) student staff members
• Typical room sizes:
  

• Single: 10 ft. x 10 ft.
• Double: 12 ft. x 14 ft.
  

• Typical room contents (per person): Extra long twin bed, Mattress pad, Desk, Chair, Desktop lamp and bookcase, Telephone, Dresser, Wardrobe Armoire, Recycling & Waste baskets, Curtains, Ethernet port

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT:

AKWE:KON
tel: 607.255.0652
fax: 607.254.5227
akwekon@cornell.edu

AMERICAN INDIAN PROGRAM
tel: 607.255.6587
fax: 607.255.6246
aipoffice@cornell.edu
http://www.aip.cornell.edu