The Native American Longhouse has been a part of the Oregon State campus since 1971. According to the OSU website, “The NAL (Native American Longhouse) Eena Haws was formed out of collaborative activism between the Native students of OSU and the Black Student Union”. Eena Haws means ‘Beaver House’.

This was the first cultural resource center on the OSU campus, which sparked many others, such as the APCC (Asian and Pacific Cultural Center) and the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center.

According to Tamara Lash, an Oregon State senior who has previously worked for the NAL and has a great deal of experience with our cultural centers at Oregon State, “The mission of the NAL is to create an inclusive space for indigenous students to come and be in community with one another. The NAL also strives to create a more equitable campus through educational events and supportive programming for Native students”.

Lash discussed having an incredible experience during her time working for the NAL and claims the staff and people involved with NAL are not only supportive, but empowering as well.

NAL has a voice on campus in many ways, but one of their biggest events throughout the school year is their annual Salmon Bake that happens during spring term. At the event, they cook salmon and welcome anyone in the Corvallis community to join. NAL collaborates with the Native American Student Association to bring the community together. This event is free and a great way to learn more about Native American culture.

Lash also said, “I believe that creating a diverse campus is in the hands of the administration at Oregon State University and that is something that cannot rest on the shoulders of the NAL as a whole”.

Other cultural centers on campus are contributing to ensure that each culture has a voice within our campus and our community. One of the purposes of the cultural centers is to heighten awareness about the systems of oppression. As a community, Oregon State students can only grow and learn from having a diverse community. It is crucial that all cultures have a voice and are respected among our campus.

Photography by Haining (Will) Wu