On Friday, the University of Wyoming hosted the grand opening of the new Native American Education Research and Cultural Center located in the building that used to be the University of Wyoming Honor’s Program on the corner of 10th Street and Ivinson Avenue.
“That tent was packed! I was fortunate to get a seat. I thought the opening was really beautiful. The drums, prayers and speeches all were heartfelt and meaningful,” UW Painting Professor Patrick Kikut said. “I felt that it was a special celebration all for native people, all of us at UW and the entire state of Wyoming. The weather held up and it was a very positive experience. I felt a deep sense of pride and I imagine that feeling was felt by most who attended the opening.”
UW police officers closed down Ivinson Avenue to vehicles from 9th Street to 11th Street so attendees could move freely from the grand opening to the covered reception on the lawn south of Old Main and to reduce traffic noise during the presentation.
A large tent seating over 100 people was set up on 10th Street opened to one side toward the front steps of the Native American Center.
Wyoming’s Senator Mike Enzi, Representative Liz Cheney and Governor Matt Mead were all in attendance, seated at the front of the tent and took turns speaking. Senator John Barrasso was not in attendance.
Stanford Devinney, began the ceremony by saying a prayer in the Shoshone language. Devinney delivered the blessing while small urns of cedar smoldered and purified the proceedings.
“This program and building offer a place to call home away from home and a place for people to gather where they feel familiar to one another and the environment,” Steering Committee member and foundational assistant, John Nutter, said. “It’s difficult to leave one society or culture and transition into something new. Here, all students have a chance to feel welcome, be instilled with a drive to succeed and earn an exceptional education.”
The Native American Education Research and Cultural Center provides not only cultural and support services, but is also focused on the excellence of the University of Wyoming’s Native American Studies degree program and ongoing research associated with Plains Indian tribes.
“One thing I believe everyone needs to understand is that this center and the faculty are not part of any special funding,” Director James Trosper said. “These positions and the expansion of the program to this facility were already funded before the university made its cuts and hiring freezes. My staff and I are doing everything possible to fill the gaps and do whatever work needs to be done.”
Trosper said even he helped move furniture in before the opening on Friday.
Trosper hopes to institute an idea that President Nichols supported. He hopes to host open dinners for students and faculty to share ideas and community commitments similar to a group dinner that President Nichols attended in South Dakota. He looks forward to hosting activities to promote student engagement.
