The Native American Cultural Center

One of the leading museums dedicated to the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, Emerald’s Native American Cultural Center is one of the city’s proudest landmarks. Situated on University Hill, the Center draws upon the nearby expertise of the ECU faculty, but the greatest amount of input into the content presented are the tribes themselves. The Center’s chief coordinator, Professor John Salinas—himself half-Hekawi—wouldn’t have it any other way.
The culture, folklore, and native art of the Hekawi and other regional tribes are thoroughly depicted within the Center’s walls. It also has an extensive research library of Native American Studies books, including many out-of-print titles and other sources that simply cannot be found online. The collection is made freely available by appointment, and is invaluable to those who believe the old legends about evil spirits and Sasquatches roaming the area have a basis in fact.
Kept open solely by donations, the Center has flourished even in tough economic times thanks to the savvy promotional skills of Prof. Salinas. Salinas’ latest effort involves a series of public service messages featuring popular local American Indian hip-hop artists the Longbowz, which have managed to make the Center a popular destination for area youth seemingly overnight.

Parent Location

University Hill