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Cornell University

Akwe:kon

Exterior photo of Akwe:kon Program House surrounded by green trees on a sunny day

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. 


Faculty Involvement

Akwe:kon has several Faculty and Community Fellows that provide students with opportunities to explore and cultivate their academic, intellectual, and cultural interests. You will find them attending events in your building, dining with students, and leading on and off campus trips to lectures, plays, films, concerts, and regional points of interest.


Helpful Information and Important Links

Below are resources and guidelines to support your residential experience at Cornell University. Please review the tabs below and bookmark these pages to apply for housing, browse through meal plan options, find mail and package information, and explore the Akwe:kon community page in CampusGroups.

Akwe:kon Contact Information 

Akwe:kon, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

For more information about Akwe:kon, call (607) 255-0652 or email akwe:kon@cornell.edu. Learn more information about the American Indian Program by calling (607) 255-6587 or emailing aipoffice@cornell.edu.

Mail and Packages

Visit the Service Center website for student mail and package information.

Dining Options

How to Apply for Residency 

Rising junior and rising senior students may select to live in a program house as part of the fall Housing Selection process while rising sophomores can select during their General Room Selection process in the spring. New students can indicate their preference to live in a program house on their New Student Housing Application.