Members of the Many Nations Longhouse and University officials met Monday with prominent Native American-style architect Johnpaul Jones to try and work out a compromise over the proposed design of the East Campus Residence Hall project.
Dave Hubin, senior assistant to the University president, said a solution was not reached but called the meeting a “very constructive day of sharing and understanding.”
“We hope that within a couple of weeks we hear back with some commentary from Johnpaul Jones,” Hubin said. “As he left yesterday, he was looking to put pencil to paper so that we understand how to honor the indigenous peoples’ need for light at the solstice. We want to be respectful and learn how to honor and teach, for traditions to interact.”
After Native American community members complained in November that the proposed design would interfere with their traditional ceremonies that involve the morning sunlight, the design was tabled and moved to the University administration and the nine federated Indian tribes of Oregon to be resolved.
Jones has extensive experience with designing Native American museums and cultural centers, specifically in urban areas.
A meeting of the Campus Planning Committee to once again review the schematic designs and East Campus Open Space Framework has been tentatively scheduled for Dec. 7, but it will most likely not occur without resolution to the dispute.
 
[email protected]