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Akwe:konAkwe: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 community ways to experience the spirit of American Indian culture and traditions. In 1998, Akwe:kon was the first Cornell residential hall to win the James A. Perkins Prize for Interracial Understanding and Harmony for making the most significant contribution to furthering the ideal of university community while respecting the values of racial diversity. 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 the only American Indian residential program house built on a university campus in the country. 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. © American Indian Program - Cornell University |
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