Indigenous students enjoy gathering at 113 Euclid Ave., home of the Native Student Program. (Photo by Angela Ryan)
The newly transformed Indigenous space at 113 Euclid goes beyond acknowledging the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, says Bailey Tlachac, program coordinator of the Native Student Program. The space, which will be celebrated during a grand opening Nov. 6, signifies many things for Indigenous community members.
Bailey Tlachac (Photo by Angela Ryan)
“The space also recognizes the sovereignty of tribal nations. Throughout history, our tribal sovereignty has been encroached upon and ignored by local, state and federal policies. This space allows us to express our sovereignty and advocate for our Indigenous students on campus,” Tlachac says.
“It communicates that Native students, faculty and staff are valued members of the Syracuse University community. 113 Euclid serves as a culturally affirming gathering place where our Indigenous students can find community and support,” she says. “Overall, 113 Euclid sends a message that Indigenous voices and perspectives matter at Syracuse University.”
As part of the kickoff celebration for Native Heritage Month, the campus community is invited to the grand opening of 113 Euclid Ave. on Monday, Nov. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. If you plan on attending, please complete the RSVP form.
Brandon Lazore working on the 113 Euclid Ave. “Creation Story ” mural 2023. (Photo by Ross Knight)
The celebration will begin with an opening thanksgiving address followed by welcome remarks from University and Haudenosaunee leadership and include the history and vision for 113 Euclid Ave. After the ceremony, attendees can tour the space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided.
The space at 113 Euclid Ave. serves as a “home away from home” for Native students and a gathering place for those who are interested in exploring Native American culture and history. A student-led design represents the Haudenosaunee Confederacy alongside Turtle Island tribal communities. This includes exposed pine beams representing the Roots of Peace along with the four directional colors of the Medicine Wheel. Additional highlights of the renovated space include the following:
Construction at 113 Euclid. (Photo by Ross Knight)
113 Euclid has been home to the Native Student Program since 2006, but with limited space. With this renovation, the program’s space is going from three rooms, two offices and a student lounge, to the entire first floor and the majority of the second floor of 113 Euclid Ave. Renovations to the building by the University’s Campus Planning, Design and Construction team included a remodeled kitchen, elevator installation, accessible ramp and new sidewalk, updated fire alarm and sprinkler systems, new flooring and paint throughout the building, new doors and hardware, furniture upgrades, audio visual upgrades in conference rooms, and exterior refurbishment, paint and lighting.
“My favorite part of 113 Euclid is the mural that Brandon Lazore painted for us. The students had an amazing idea to have the Haudenosaunee creation story depicted on the walls. Brandon took that information and created a beautiful mural wrapping around the front staircase,” says Tlachac.
To learn more about the Native Student Program, email coordinator Bailey Tlachac or call 315.443.0258.
“Creation Story” mural by Brandon Lazore. (Photo by Angela Ryan)
