EvCC opens new gathering space for Native American, Indigenous and Pacific Islander students

Press Release

Release Date: March 7, 2019

Contact: Kim Krausz, EvCC Tribal Liaison, 425-388-9066; kkrausz@everettcc.edu

Image: Members of Everett Community College’s First Nations Club who proposed in 2017 that the college create a gathering space for Native American, Indigenous and Pacific Islander students. Cullen Zackuse (left), Kayah George, Tara Duffin, Sebastian Corrales and Rafael Alverez with Diversity & Equity Center Program Manager Emma Ka'aha'aina (fourth from left with red and white lei). Not pictured: Erik Sanchez. 
Photo by Derek Walker, EvCC.

EVERETT, Wash. – Everett Community College’s new gathering space honoring the identities and cultures of Native American, Indigenous and Pacific Islander students is now open.

Located in Monte Cristo Hall room 221, the space has a Lushootseed name, huyadadaličəɬ, which means the place of our way. The walls are lined with cedar harvested from the Oso area and the space has computers, study areas and room for student meetings.

EvCC’s six-student First Nations Club members asked the college to add the space in 2017. 

“It’s amazing seeing a dream like this come true – to have a place for our Aboriginal and Indigenous students to feel at home, to feel like themselves,” said EvCC alumna Kayah George, who returned to EvCC for the Jan. 31 opening celebration. 

George, who is a member of the Tulalip Tribes and a student at Simon Frasier University, was one of the “Original 6” who returned for the ceremony, including Cullen Zackuse, Tara Duffin, Sebastian Corrales and Rafael Alverez. Alumnus Erik Sanchez was unable to attend. 

The space reflects EvCC’s dedication to helping all students succeed, EvCC President David Beyer said.

“Everett Community College has made a commitment to be a more reflective college and continue to transform itself in service to our communities,” Beyer said. “This is a long journey, and it will continue.” 

Tulalip Tribes Lushootseed Language Department suggested naming the space huyadadaličəɬ after discussion with EvCC students and staff.

The name Huyadadaličəɬ, the place of our way, signifies "the way that we live. The way that we do things. The way we carry out our teachings,” explained Natosha Gobin, an EvCC alumna and Lushootseed language teacher. “This is a place where Indigenous people can do things their way.” 

More than 100 people attended the dedication, which included a tribal blessing by Carolyn Lalacut Moses, a Tulalip Tribes member. 

Members of EvCC’s First Nations Club gave drums, blankets and small wooden canoe paddles to people who helped with the creation of the gathering space.

For more information, contact Emma Diversity & Equity Center Program Manager Emma Ka'aha'aina at ekaahaaina@everettcc.edu or 425-259-8926.