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Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity

Intellectual House 10th Anniversary

Celebrating ten years of Intellectual House

Since opening the Gathering Hall in 2015, wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ has become a space of significance and healing, hosting countless community events, graduations, and celebrations. Over the past decade, it has become a home where students, staff, and faculty feel welcome on the University of Washington Seattle campus.

This sense of belonging is made possible by the dedication of wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ staff and the broader community, who have worked to create an environment where Native students feel safe, supported, valued, and connected to resources that empower their academic and personal growth. Built on decades of advocacy by Native students, staff, faculty, and community members, wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ continues to thrive as a place of cultural connection, holistic support, and success.

Join us in celebrating ten years of this journey and the incredible community that made it possible. While we continue working toward the full vision of Phase 2, we honor where we’ve been and look forward to what’s ahead.

By the numbers

61

Student workers

690+

Native grads celebrated

1,554

Total events

816

American Indian/Alaska Native-focused events

Major events over the years

Six presidential addresses

President Ana Mari Cauce speaks from behind a lectern

Each year the UW president addresses the university community regarding contemporary topics. The Intellectual House has hosted six presidential addresses since its opening.

Nine tribal leadership summits

Two people chat at an exhibit table

Beginning in 2008, the University of Washington has invited representatives from federally recognized tribes to meet with the UW president, tribal liaison and vice presidents to discuss how the university and tribes can work together. The Intellectual House has hosted all nine Tribal Leadership Summits.

10 graduation ceremonies

Two people talk at a table inside the Intellectual House

For years, AI/AN graduates of the University of Washington have been celebrated by Native Staff and Faculty at a graduation community dinner. Since opening, we have hosted 10 of these graduations.

Timeline

Image of ECC in 1970 rendering (Old ECC Seattle Times 1970)

After construction of Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center and the occupation of Ft. Lawton, and amidst the Fish Wars, Native Students begin pushing for creation of space for American Indian/Alaska Native students to gather and practice. This process was cut short. The University cited the ECC as enough for the American Indian community. During a Tribal Leadership Summit in 2010 President Emmert referenced this movement when he pledged matching funds for Phase 1.

First report from the Native American Advisory Board (NAAB)

To the Office of Vice President for Minority Affairs

University of Washington—Seattle

Thursday, December 4, 2003                                                                      Longhouse Topic

Identify Challenges What’s Working Strategies/Goals Time-frame
  • Lack of communication
  • Burke Museum also proposing a longhouse
  • Focus of the facility (service, purpose, office space, multipurpose, etc.)
  • Area/space/land for construction (not too remote—should be central)
  • Consider the name/title of the  facility
  • $$ Funding, Dept. of Transportation, UW IDC (?)  (Development?)
  • Partnership: some type of alliance
  • Establish inter-tribal organization to support Indian Preference
  • University of British Columbia House of Learning example (Teacher education, community, library, student lounge, kitchen, Great room, events, etc.)
  • The Evergreen State College (TESC) Vision (Board of Regents involved with tribal communities/document of  1975, partnerships with tribes)
  • TESC leveraged need to state legislature for classroom space based upon increased enrollment
  • TESC has agreement with local tribes for use, i.e. no alcohol, use of conference center, kitchen, display cases)
  • TESC has kept Native students in the Student Union Building, however, the students have priority with Tribes to use the facility (policies).
  • TESC Longhouse improved relationship with Tribes, increased Native student enrollment & Native faculty, the facility is in high demand state-wide and for regional group use
  • Portland State University had Native student participation
  • Communication with Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians (ATNI) is good.
  • Consult with Tribes  on their goals for a facility & resources
  • Review the UW  Master Plan (for land use)
  • Build alliances of stakeholders with a common vision and commitment
  • Identify a staff to develop the plan
  • Identify a Task Force/Subcommittee
  • Support American Indian Studies & the Native Voices programs, faculty & degree program to be an integral part of the facility
  • Could the  Sovereignty Library be part of this longhouse?
  • Set up Alliance within next Quarter with OMA, AIS, &  Native Alumni Association
  • Develop DRAFT plan for  input from tribal communities, i.e. ATNI
  • Seek student  input/participation within Quarter
  • Assess development of  project with School of Architecture within a year
  • Assess process & policies to designate a lead staff to assume leadership role within a year.
Present: Dr. Charlotte Cote (Chair), Patricia Whitefoot, Ken LaFontaine, Fernando Morado, Julian Argel
Four people are seated at a conference table.

Dr. Edwards-Lange joins campaign as Vice President of Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity.

Wireframe of Phase 2 plans

In a meeting with the Elders’ Committee, Vi Hilbert (Upper Skagit) gifts the project its name and the “ wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ” name begins being used. The Planning Committee decides to split project into 2 phases in response to the costs of construction increasing. This allowed for the construction of the space to be completed in portions.

Exterior photo of Intellectual House under construction

Contractors begin clearing the N6 parking lot to make way for the building. In August of 2014, the Elders Committee and Planning Committee take part in a ceremony blessing the house posts.

Group photo inside the Intellectual House during the Grand Opening Ceremony

“A building, a longstanding dream, and a community came alive on the University of Washington campus Thursday afternoon, as wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House (pronounced “wah-sheb-altuh”) opened its doors for the first time in the mild Seattle sunshine.” Mohammed Kloub, The Daily. 3/13/2015

A collection photos of people on video chat.

wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House team pivots as the University lurches to a halt. Services for students are offered with methods of gathering and sharing knowledge in an unyielding effort to maintain that sense of belonging.

Intellectual House 10th Anniversary log

We continue to adapt and evolve, taking on some of the mission of what Phase 2 is envisioned to be while operating phase 1. On March 12th, 2025 we celebrate the anniversary of Phase 1 opening its doors to the community.

Fundraising goal graphic in purple and gold.

We continue to raise funds for Phase 2, wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House’s student-facing second half. This space will include space for students to study, recover, celebrate, coordinate, and find advice. It will have a Native Art Lab, dedicated study space, lounge space and space for the staff that support them through their journey.

Help us reach our more than 50 year goal to bring wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House to the native community at the University of Washington.

Make a contribution to Phase 2 of the Intellectual House