It’s been a decade in the making, but the University is just a month away from having a new and improved Many Nations Longhouse. The building, which is four times larger than its predecessor and is located behind the Knight Law Center, is a place for students and community members to socialize and work on American Indian crafts, including bead work and drum making.
“It’s a place where different Native American student groups have held regular meetings, but it can be reserved and used by all non-tribe groups as well,” Gordon Bettles, the steward for the Many Nations Longhouse, said.
Construction began on the building in March and is set to be completed by Dec. 5.
The previous longhouse had been donated to the American Indian students in the 1970s, according to Bettles. The building was a World War II army barracks.
“The old longhouse windows were drafty, it was hard to warm in the winter and it was losing practicability,” Bettles said. “President Myles Brand made a commitment to rebuild the longhouse.”
Bettles said that when University President Dave Frohnmayer took over he followed through with the commitment, which began fundraising 11 years ago.
It was under Frohnmayer’s Native American Initiative that the University began working with nine American Indian tribes in Oregon and developed a committee to raise funds, according to Bettles.
Executive Assistant President Dave Hubin said fundraising was done by groups of American Indians and University leaders.
“The process of fundraising and building the longhouse has taken over a decade,” Hubin said. “There were major contributions from Dave Frohnmayer that he made available at his disposal and the UO student body voted unanimously to direct $350,000 toward the project.”
Hubin added that many people also contributed time, many writing grants. In addition, different Oregon tribes contributed money that helped in raising the $1.2 million needed. The Coquille Indian Tribe donated timber to the project and the Confederate Tribes of the Warm Springs donated certified wood. There were a number of unmentioned tribes that donated money and time as well.
The main focus of the longhouse has been to incorporate traditions and values of several American Indian tribes.
“The design was decided because we wanted to incorporate many cultures of tribes from North and South America,” Bettles said. “The longhouse is more then a facility, it’s a place for students to learn about other tribes and cultures.”
Bettles said that although they have much in common, each tribe has something unique to bring.
“That’s unique to a community and a building that represents true diversity,” Beetles said.
There are a lot of new additions to the much-improved longhouse. It will hold restaurant-quality equipment, such as a commercial freezer, refrigerator and dishwasher.
Bettles said most powwows held on campus attract nearly 200 people, and a commercial dishwasher helps clean up after large gatherings. He added that there will also be a food preparation table, cabinets and a pantry.
In addition to the kitchen, there will be a large fireplace, changing rooms, restrooms, an office and a large maple floor similar to what is found in a gymnasiums, Bettles said.
“Not having to deal with a non-tribal walking surface was desired, so we have a wooden floor,” Bettles said.
The outdoors will be well landscaped. There will be a number of indigenous plants surrounding the building and on the roof, Bettles said. However, he added that because they have to be planted seasonally the landscaping process won’t be complete until the spring. In addition there will be a roasting pit and dancing circle outside and, to ensure privacy, the building will be surrounded by trees, Bettles said.
Academic Advisor James Florendo said he hopes the longhouse will benefit all students.
“It’s a place to show support for Native students and provide a space for them to experience things with their families when they come here,” Florendo said.
He added that they’ve been hoping for this new building since the old longhouse was condemned more than 20 years ago.
“They promised to rebuild it, but it got to the point where we thought it would never happen,” Florendo said.
The grand opening of the Many Nations Longhouse is set for Jan. 11.
“I anticipate that all nine tribes and others will participate,” Bettles said.
He added that most functions held in the longhouse are free as long as they don’t conflict with tribal protocol; for example, drinking and smoking are not allowed.
“The longhouse gives a lot of support to students,” Bettles said. “It’s a safe haven in the hustle and bustle of University life.”

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