By Kathi O'Shea May 3, 2021 9:46 am KGMI BELLINGHAM, Wash. — WWU is proposing construction of a new Coast Salish longhouse, on Sehome Arboretum land. The Western Front reports the proposal is in response to a list of student demands made five years ago by Native American Student Union. Western’s tribal liaison says the longhouse would provide a “safe space” for all native people. WWU communications director Paul Cocke told the paper funding for the $4.9 million project is coming from both the state house and senate budgets. Events will promote “food sovereignty and better food security.” Evergreen State College, home of the state’s first native studies program, opened a longhouse in 1995.