Many native voices, one community
Did you know?
NACC Room Reservation Forms!
Welcome Back Indige-Lumberjacks!
Updated NACC Information
The Native American Cultural Center (NACC) is currently open from 8a to 5p M-F until further notice. You can still contact us with your questions at (928)523-9557 or through email at NAU-NACC@nau.edu.
The Office of Indigenous Student Success can be reached at (928)523-8086 or through email at ISSNatives@nau.edu.
We are still here for you and our community, check out our NACC Facebook page and/or our Instagram account for up to date information, resources, and check-ins. Please feel free to reach out to us if you need anything at all, remember, we are here for you!
We appreciate your patience and assistance in keeping our community safe during these times. NAU has provided up to date information at the following web page: https://nau.edu/coronavirus
Celebrating a Decade of Culture and Inclusivity
The Native American Cultural Center (NACC) opened its doors to become a “Home Away from Home” for many in the NAU Community in October 2011. From its inception, the NACC has striven to support students and to educate the larger community on the histories, cultures, and issues facing Native American/Alaskan Native/ Native Hawaiian and Indigenous communities. The Native American Cultural Center was a dream 30 years in the making for the NAU and Flagstaff community. There were many people involved with the creation of the NACC, including tribal officials, two past NAU Presidents (Dr. Clara Lovett and Dr. John Haeger), and countless NAU students, faculty, and staff.
Northern Arizona University (NAU) aspires to be the nation’s leading university serving Native American/Alaskan and Hawaiian Native cultures – in fact, the university strategic plan states this as one of its goals. Building upon our historic engagement with Native American communities and students, we strive to enhance the future for Native American leadership, encourage strong communities, and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of our state and region. NAU attracts more than 1,500 Native American students from over 115 tribal nations throughout the country.
The Native American Cultural Center is a visible and celebrated facility located in the heart of NAUs Flagstaff campus, which creates a platform for Native American and Indigenous cultures, traditions, perspectives, and contributions. Through the center, students can interact with peers, seek academic support, and feel pride in their university involvement, whether they are on campus or linking to the university through extended campus programs. We believe the NACC impacts the lives of all of our students—improving their academic, social, and cultural experience, and opening new ideas and possibilities as they step into their future.
The 12,000 square foot facility houses activities that support student recruitment and retention, serving as a point of connection for Native and Indigenous groups and programs on campus and with Tribal communities. The center embodies Native values and symbolizes NAU’s commitment to Native Americans. Our main doors open to the east, greeting the sun every morning. Like many traditional Indigenous homes, the NACC has an opening in the center of the building. The NACC also hosts a Story Room, which is specifically designed to accommodate our students’ spiritual needs.
Office of Native American Initiatives
The Native American Cultural Center is one unit under the Office of Native American Initiatives (ONAI), which was established to support Northern Arizona University’s unique mission to become the leading university serving Native Americans. ONAI is led by Interim Vice-President Ann Marie Chischilly. There are 5 units under the ONAI, including the NACC, the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the Institute for Native-Serving Educators, the Tribal Leadership Initiative, and Development.
ONAI seeks to make a substantial and enduring contribution to a new era in American Indian self-determination by:
- partnering with Native American communities
- collaborating with tribal colleges and universities
- contributing to a culture of support for Native American students
- building bridges to and from Indigenous-serving institutions across the globe.
Learn more about ONAIs work and initiatives on the ONAI webpage.
NACC Rooms
The NACC is not booking any rooms yet for the Fall 2021 semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are taking NACC Room reservation request form 2021 for events starting in September 2021, please send the NACC Room Request to NACCRooms@nau.edu. Please submit your NACC Room Reservation Request at least ONE month prior to your event date, as our rooms tend to reserve quickly!
NACC Partners
Office of Indigenous Student Success (OISS) is also located within the west side of the NACC. OISS offers students the opportunity to connect with the campus community through a wide variety of events, activities, programs, and presentations, in additions to offering guidance to balance your academic and cultural commitments as you journey to become an NAU Lumberjack! The knowledgeable and friendly staff strives to provide top-notch services to students and has much to offer, including:
- one-on-one academic, financial aid, personal, and cultural guidance
- peer mentor support
- connections to resources for tutoring, child care, and more
- cultural events and activities
- computer lab and study lounge
- free faxing
