American Indian Community Center Facility Design

Akana is partnering with the American Indian Community Center (AICC) to design and deliver a permanent home that fulfills the organization’s long-standing vision of creating a centralized gathering place for Spokane’s urban Indian community. Founded in 1967, AICC has provided essential social, cultural, and economic services for nearly six decades. However, frequent relocations—over twelve moves—have disrupted services for some of Spokane’s most vulnerable populations. This project aims to establish a “forever home” that supports cultural identity, community connection, and self-sufficiency.

Akana’s role includes developing detailed design and construction documents based on prior visioning, programming, and preliminary design efforts. The new facility is planned to be approximately 25,000 square feet, serving as a hub for community services and cultural activities. Program priorities identified through multiple Gatherings of Native Americans (GONAs) include spaces for large events, a gym with showers, a recreation center, day care, a small clinic, family gathering areas, cultural learning spaces, and outdoor areas for street fairs. The site, selected for its proximity to the Spokane River, has been surveyed and analyzed to ensure suitability.

Conceptual designs have been presented, and refinements based on stakeholder feedback are underway. Akana remains committed to collaborating with AICC leadership and the community to realize this vision—a permanent home that strengthens cultural roots and fosters thriving urban Indian life.