WSU Hosts Na-ha-shnee STEAM Summer Institute

For two weeks in July, WSU hosted 15 high school students during the Na-ha-shnee STEAM Summer Institute on our campus. Since 1995, Native American high school students representing various tribes from the Northwest have come to our campus to learn more about college and a career in the health sciences. Students participated in activities focused on the health sciences and science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). This year was their first year back in person since the COVID-19 pandemic. Students stayed in dorms at Gonzaga University and participated in activities on the WSU Spokane Campus and around Spokane.

About Naha-shnee: Since 1995, Native American high school students representing various tribes from the Northwest have been given the chance to participate in Na-ha-shnee, a two-week summer camp at Washington State University Spokane. The program encourages youth to try out a career in the health sciences by providing hands-on learning experiences taught by health care providers, faculty at WSU Spokane and health sciences college students.

Students engage with life on campus at WSU Spokane, stay in a dormitory at Gonzaga University, gain exposure to health care professions, and participate in health care courses trainings. The courses cover a range of subjects from basic science, leadership, to Native American education. Other topics/skills training include:

• First aid and CPR training
• Basic nursing skills
• Traditional medicine
• Native American elder teachings
• Substance abuse and education
• Diabetes education
• Leadership skill building

Institute Sponsors

Each year the summer institute is made possible by the generous contributions of its sponsors. This year’s sponsors include Eastern Washington University, Lummi Nation, Muckleshoot Casino, David and Dorothy Pierce Trust, Port Gamble S’Klammam Tribe, Snoqualmie Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, STCU, Wells Fargo, as well as the Trude E. Smith funds.