Akwe:kon

Akwe:kon (pronounced uh-GWAY-go) opened its doors in 1991, making it one of the nation's first university residence halls established to celebrate American Indian culture and heritage. 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 interest 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 and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) – 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 

• Open to first-year, transfer, and upper-level students 
• 35 residents 
• Located on North Campus, near Robert Purcell Community Center 
• Single and double rooms 
• Bedrooms contain, for each occupant: an extra-long twin bed, a closet and a bureau (or wardrobe/bureau combination), a desk and desk chair, a desk lamp, a wastebasket, and floor carpeting 
• A community multipurpose room
• A TV room
• A library
•  Two study lounges
• A kitchen complete with a microwave, dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, and cabinets for food storage
• A computer room 
• Wireless Internet access 

Akwe:kon rooms do not have air conditioning.