Standing in a row of strikingly similar brick houses on the eastern edge of campus,  the LSSU Native American Center certainly stands out.  Stephanie Sabatine, who has been the director of the center for 3 years and has worked at LSSU for nearly 13 years describes the center as “a home away from home” for students.

    The building itself hints that there is more inside than a just a study hall. There is a sitting area on the porch for students to enjoy a sunny day while studying. Walking through the front door, the aroma of fresh brewed coffee fills the air. The center comes equipped with a kitchen where the coffee is always on.  The walls are lined with Native American art work and posters.  There are multiple paintings on display by the artist Peter Migwans.  In nearly every room there is plant life.  These extras are a big part of what gives the center that home away from home feeling.

    The Native American Center has all the accommodations that would be expected in a student-orientated environment.  The center has a full computer lab with access to high-speed internet.  On both levels of the center there is plenty of room to study, hold a meeting, or just make friends.  The center has a copier, printers, television, phone and answering machine, and a small reference, literature, and movie library.  Bulletin boards can be found through out the center announcing employment opportunities, scholarships, and many other resources for students.  

    Stephanie’s office upstairs is the place to go for just about any kind of help a student could need.  She is a multi-talented person that is always eager to help in anyway she can.  When describing her position Stephanie says“ My job is to do whatever I can to help enhance our students’ educational experience.  That may include student advocacy, helping students research their Native American heritage, helping students move, locating resources, connecting them with campus resources, academic advising, researching graduate programs, student mentoring…In addition I serve as a liaison between the tribes, community, and university. “

    The Native American Center can be accessed at night and on weekends,  as well as during business hours. Anyone is welcome to use and enjoy the center because being a Native American is not a requirement. Various organizations on campus use the center to hold their meetings including the Native American Student Organization (NASO) and the Student Organization for Diversity (SOFD).  Throughout the year there will be potlucks held at the Native American Center .

    The LSSU Native American Center is located at 650 W. Easterday Ave. on the corner near the library.  Please visit their official website at nac.lssu.edu or call (906) 635-6664 for more information.

    On Wednesday October 10, 2007 the Native American Center will be hosting an open house from 1:00pm until 3:00pm.  Everyone is welcome. This is an opportunity for the whole community to stop by and see first hand what the center has to offer.  Refreshments will be served.

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