The Payne Family Native American Center

Joseph Medicine Crow wore his Presidential Medal of Freedom as he tapped the building with a coup stick; a common practice that warriors used when a new lodge or teepee was raised.

Other key events included the dedication to the center's Bonnie HeavyRunner Memorial Gathering Space and a luncheon sponsored by the University of Montana and Crow Nation.

The Payne Family Native American Center is the most recent facility to be built at the university and occupies the last of its usable building space around the oval.

Carved into exterior walls are the seals of Montana's seven reservations and the landless Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana, as well as quotes from former University President George Dennison and Native American elders such as Earl Barlow and Joseph Medicine Crow.

Seven native plant and herb gardens circle the center and symbolize the state's reservations and the seven stars of the big dipper.

University project manager Jameel Chaudhry said rocks were dug up from the building site and used for retaining walls in place of concrete.