Department of American Indian Studies

On Thursday, the UW opened a modern interpretation of a Coast Salish longhouse on the Seattle campus, fulfilling a 40-year-old request by Native Americans to create a space that would allow students to connect with culture and family.

The Elders, who belong to Native American and Alaska Native tribes from Washington and Alaska, will each spend a week on campus during winter quarter, joining in classes and sharing knowledge.

In an op-ed piece, Stephanie Fryberg, associate professor of American Indian studies and psychology, writes about the impact of the Marysville-Pilchuck High School shooting on students and families, as well as on local tribal communities and Marysville.

Herald columnist Julie Muhlstein looks at Columbus' history. Christopher Teuton, chair of American Indian studies, is quoted.

Last month, elders and members from 30-plus Washington state tribes, Native American students, and faculty gathered with university officials to break ground on a $3 million modern cedar longhouse on the UW campus.

The University of Washington broke ground Friday on a $6 million longhouse to support Native-American students and provide a place for indigenous activities and celebrations.

The "Intellectual House," will serve as a learning and gathering place for Native American students, faculty and staff, as well as the UW and surrounding community. It will feature a "village concept" that includes two primary buildings and a central outdoor gathering space.

A Native American vest donated to Goodwill was passed on by sharp-eyed staff to the University of Washington's Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, where it is now in the museum's permanent collection.

First introduced as a center in 1970, American Indian Studies is now an Arts and Sciences department.

Though the Native Voices program, students create film documentaries involving Indigenous research.

American Indian Studies offers a course on the history and significance of pow wow, which includes working on one of the University's two annual pow wow events. 

Considering a change to your schedule? April 5th is the last day to add courses without registration transaction fees or faculty permission, and we have you covered!

The following courses are open to all students, fulfill Areas of Inquiry requirements, and, at last check, have seats available.

Welcome, New Huskies 2026! The College of Arts & Sciences invites admitted students and their families to discover majors, programs, and campus life during UW Admitted Student Day on Saturday, April 4, as well as through online information sessions and other opportunities to connect.