Photograph of a long building with a cone-shaped roof in the center from the front of the building.

Akwe:kon

The first residential program house in the nation founded to celebrate North American Indigenous cultures.

A unique sense of community

Akwe:kon (pronounced "ah-GWAY'-gohn") is the first university residence hall in the country purposely built to celebrate North American Indigenous heritage. In the Mohawk language, Akwe:kon means "all of us." The spirit of this Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) word is reflected in the inclusiveness that Akwe:kon offers to its residents and the wider community.

Akwe:kon's presence on campus goes beyond the beauty of its architecture, acting as a center for activities and events that emphasize the philosophies, values and traditions of many Indigenous cultures.

Explore Akwe:kon

Photograph of a woman wearing a patterned jacket addressing a seated audience from behind.
Programming & events

At Akwe:kon, we host many programs and activities throughout the year. Most of our programs are student initiated and led, with planning assistance from faculty and staff. Akwe:kon offers off-campus programs and events, such as visits to Indigenous communities in the region to supplement our on-campus programming. Our programming is always evolving based on student interest. Explore the wide array of events offered each year at Akwe:kon!

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Engagement & community outreach

We are committed to provide opportunities for our community members to display and gain leadership experience, as well as teach students the importance of reciprocity.

A comfortable sitting space in the Akwe:kon resident hall director and resident assistance lounge.
House resources

Along with community engagement and programming on campus, Akwe:kon offers a number of resources for live-in students as well as to its community of out-of-house members.

Interested in living at Akwe:kon?

Any student at Cornell can apply to live at Akwe:kon. All first-year students are required to live on North Campus, and Akwe:kon is a great option to jump-start your connection to the Cornell community. Interested students are encouraged to learn more about Akwe:kon, including the history of the program house.

Apply to live at Akwe:kon.
Photography of a gray colored building with a large circular design on the side and triangular shaped roof.

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