An Overnight Camp for Motivated Native American Students Completing Grades 7-12
Thanks for another successful year at Konaway Nika Tillicum 2023! Check back for updates on Konaway 2024.
How do I apply for Konaway Nika Tillicum?
Our 2023 camp has concluded. Check back for information on applying to Konaway Nika Tillicum 2024! Applications will be available here. Looking for the recommendation form? Download here.
What is Konaway Nika Tillicum?
Konaway Nika Tillicum, which means "All My Relations" in Chinook Trade Jargon, is an eight-day academic program exploring a broad range of classes, lectures, cultural experiences, and recreational activities for Native American students.
Students accepted into the program join us on the Southern Oregon University (SOU) campus in Ashland, Oregon to be challenged by creative and imaginative instructors and peers. Students spend time with tribal elders and leaders during classes, activities and outdoor presentations. Students stay in the SOU dorms and eat at The Hawk dining hall and experience life on a University campus. Students arrive Saturday afternoon for check-in and orientation. On Saturday and Sunday students participate in outdoor cultural experiences. Classes begin on Monday and continue through Friday. Each student's daily schedule includes four one-hour and twenty-minute classes plus special presentations. Konaway Nika Tillicum students choose course offerings from Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine and Performing Arts, and Cultural classes. After-class programs coordinate with in-class activities to include supervised recreation as well as cultural events. Special events include attending an Oregon Shakespeare Festival play and in some years, a lake or pool trip. Have more questions? View our FAQ page.
History
Konaway Nika Tillicum became a reality when Southern Oregon University teamed up with Rogue Community College and the University of Oregon and held a Native American Planning Symposium to develop an annual residential camp for Native American Youth. Native leaders from all over Oregon (including representatives from the nine federally recognized tribes) attended the symposium and gave their input. Konaway Nika Tillicum has been serving students for over 25 years and continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of Native youth.
Who is Konaway Nika Tillicum for?
Konaway Nika Tillicum is for Native and/or Indigenous identifying students who have completed grades 7-12. Most of our students come from the Pacific Northwest but we've seen students travel from Alaska, Montana and Minnesota to attend. This is a great experience for students who are looking for a challenge and interested in growing their cultural connection. Contact us if you would like to know more or to see if you/your student would be a good fit.
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Already Accepted for Konaway Nika Tillicum?
Upon notification of acceptance, students are prompted to complete the Konaway Nika Tillicum acceptance paperwork. This will help us know if you are planning on attending. Any applicable tuition payments are not required until notification of acceptance.
Tuition for Konaway Nika Tillicum
Konaway is a completely self-supported program, generating funds each year through grants, donations, and fundraisers. These funds cover the cost for students to attend.
Our Partners
Konaway Nika Tillicum is supported in part by entities and individuals investing in Oregon's arts, humanities, and heritage.
Many thanks to the Southern Oregon Educational School District (SOESD), Oregon Community Foundation, Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), Lomakatsi, Native Wellness Institute, Jackson County Cultural Coalition, the Oregon Cultural Trust and our individual private donors.
