About the House of Knowledge

The University of Washington and the region's tribes are leading an effort to build the House of Knowledge, a longhouse-style facility, at the University's Seattle campus.  The mission of the HOK “to provide a multi-service learning and gathering space for Native American students, faculty and staff, and others of various cultures and communities to come together in a supporting and welcoming educational environment to share their knowledge and their cultures with one another.” 

A primary purpose of the House of Knowledge is to increase Native American students’ success at UW, preparing them for leadership roles in their tribal communities and the region.  While the UW has made promising gains in recruiting Native American students, retention and graduation rates for Native American students fall short of those of other student groups, both at UW and at colleges across the country.  The House of Knowledge will support students’ ability to remain involved in their home tribes and communities through its social and academic programs and its symbolic design.  We envision that tribal elders and community members will gather together at the House of Knowledge for dialogue, storytelling, and sharing knowledge with our students.

Total project cost is $12-15 million.  Funding for the project will be provided through the UW, individual gifts, organizations and communities, corporations and foundations, and government organizations.  Construction is planned to begin in 2011, with completion in 2012, and opening slated for early 2013.  The selected site is located on the Northeast section of the campus, between the Quad and MacMahon. 

For further information, please contact David Iyall:iyall@u.washington.edu