Native American Studies

New Building

The Payne Family Native American Center, as the first facility in the nation built expressly to accommodate a Department of Native American Studies, American Indian Student Services, and the Tribal Liaison, positions the University to continue its trajectory of excellence and responsiveness in Native American education. UM is a regional and national leader in nine different disciplines and areas—a testament to its commitment to provide a high quality, comprehensive set of offerings in Native American education. The building was given the last, prime piece of land on the campus oval—a focal point for the campus—underscoring its importance and the strong support of the UM administration. Fittingly, it is the site of an historic Salish Indian encampment, and the building is designed to reflect that legacy as well as the heritage and cultures of all Montana tribes.

As a symbol of goodwill and unity, the Native American Center will bring together Native Americana's and non-Native Americans and understanding between cultures. In the words of Native American alum Jon Swan (B.A. Business Administration ‘03), “I see this as a place in which we can share how we can turn our trials and tribulations of the past into optimistic visions of the type of world we will leave our children and grandchildren.”

The Payne Family Native American Center (TPFNAC) is complete!

The Payne Family Native American Center dedication is scheduled to occur on Thursday, May 13, 2010.

Events will begin at 8:30am and continue into the evening. The dedication will take place at the front entrance of the building on the Oval, at The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. For more information please contact Linda Juneau, Tribal Liaison, at Linda.Juneau@mso.umt.edu or (406)243-6093. This ceremony is free and open to the public:

Day of Dedication Welcome and Honoring Events For The Payne Family Native American Center

Thursday 13 May 2010

8:30 Welcome Walk From the Adams Field House to the Oval

9:00 Welcome, Opening Prayer, Essay

9:15 Flag Song and Raising by each Montana Tribal Nation

10:00 Dedication of the Bonnie HeavyRunner Memorial Gathering Space

11:00 Acknowledgement of Building Construction Teams

11:45 Lunch

1:00 -3:30 Student Presentations and Poster Displays; Building Tours

Following the dedication events, the following dedication agenda will take place from 4:30pm-6:30pm:

Opening Convocation
Honor Song
Welcome by President George M. Dennison
The Story of the Building--Donor Acknowledgement
- Dean Chris Comer and Dean Jerry Fetz
Terry Payne Remarks
Introduction of Tribal Officials
Native american Studies Chair--David Beck
American Indian Student Services Director--Fredricka Hunter
Keynots--Impact of The Payne Family Native American Center
- Eloise Cobell, John Swan and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer
Introduction of Montana Political Dignitaries
Closing

Here are the links to the formal invitation:

The Payne Family Native American Center Dedication Invitation Cover

Click here for building updates: The Payne Family Native American Center