The Akalat Community Center
La Push, Washington

The Akalat Community Center was designed to provide flexible, multi-use spaces for athletic, educational, cultural and community activities for the Quileute Indian Tribe. The building's architecture reflects unique aspects of Quileute heritage, values and identity with the goal of promoting tribal healing and pride. A series of shed roofs evokes the traditional ceremonial longhouse design; large beams projecting from the upper roofline recall seagoing canoes cresting a wave. Located at the highest elevation on the site, the building and adjacent outdoor ceremonial space enjoy views of the culturally significant Akalat Island and the Pacific Ocean .