Muwekma-Tah-Ruk
Muwekma-Tah-Ruk, established in 1988, celebrates the diversity of indigenous peoples throughout the Americas and Pacific Islands. The name means “House of the People” in the language of the Muwekma Ohlone, the people whose ancestral lands Stanford University now occupies. Muwekma is the only four-class house on the Row, and the only Row house that is home to Resident Fellows. Muwekma is a small, close-knit, and welcoming community.
More About Muwekma
Muwekma residents take a credit-bearing seminar to explore cultural identity, legal, historical, and societal issues that affect indigenous peoples through speakers, discussions, and events. Additional theme programming also addresses a range of indigenous cultures, histories, and current issues, and engages all students regardless of their backgrounds or familiarity with the theme. Residents also volunteer at the annual Stanford Powwow organized by the Stanford American Indian Organization (SAIO) and Hui o Nā Moku’s annual marquee event.
Native American Cultural Center
Muwekma works closely with the Native American Cultural Center, affiliated student groups, including SAIO, Hui o Nā Moku, the Alaska Native Student Organization, Diné Club, Marianas Club, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and Natives in Medicine, and the Stanford Indigenous Alumni Association to create opportunities for residents to engage with the greater Stanford indigenous community. The house is frequently a venue, co-sponsor, or organizer for indigenous community programming and events.
Resident Fellows
Constance Owl and Matthew Yellowtail share a deep love for Stanford and the Native community here, having met on their very first day on campus as participants in the Stanford Native Immersion Program. They bring their experience of serving Indigenous communities and enthusiasm for Native American Studies to their work as RFs in Muwekma.
Constance, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from Marble, North Carolina, is the Assistant Director of Stanford's Native American Cultural Center (NACC). In her role, Constance works closely with students, faculty, and valued community partners to champion Indigenous excellence on campus, foster leadership development opportunities, and promote wellness within the community. Prior to joining the team at NACC, Constance served as an Assistant Director of Admission in the Office of Undergraduate Admission on campus. She received her B.A. in Native American Studies with a minor in History from Stanford and holds a M.A. in American History with a concentration in Cherokee Studies from Western Carolina University. Constance is passionate about Cherokee language revitalization, cultural artisanship, Indigenous history, and uplifting Native voices in higher education.
Matthew, a member of the Apsaalooke Nation from Wyola, Montana, currently works in the film industry as a freelance filmmaker and screenwriter. Matthew also graduated from Stanford with a B.A. Native American Studies and discovered his passion for storytelling while a student on campus. An active alumni in the Stanford Native community, Matthew currently leads the Native American Cultural Center’s 50th Anniversary Documentary Project serving as both Director and Lead Coordinator for the project. Matthew is passionate about Indigenous storytelling and is an avid lover of Native literature and poetry. When he’s not exploring all things film, literature, and Apsaalooke history, you’ll find him working with horses at the Stanford Red Barn, playing basketball, and exploring the outdoors with our fun-loving "Resident Dog" Franklin!
Muwekma-Tah-Ruk Theme
Muwekma-Tah-Ruk was established in 1988 to celebrate the diversity of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander peoples.
Olive
576 Alvarado, 680 Lomita, Alpha Phi/Kappa Kappa Gamma, FloMo East (Alondra, Cardenal, and Faisan), FloMo West (Gavilan, Loro, Mirlo, and Paloma), Muwekma-Tah-Ruk, Storey, and apartments in Mirrielees and Duan.
For more information about Muwekma-Tah-Ruk visit the Residential & Dining Enterprises website.