In the late 1960s and early 1970s the Native American students took a serious look at their situation at the University of Oregon. Native American students went to the administration in order to get a place set aside where they could help each other successfully survive the university experience. They envisioned a place where they could practice their individual Native American lifestyles that in turn would allow them to help each other while at the UO. The students were advised to form their own group which became the Native American Student Union. One of the retired World War II army barracks was then set aside for them which became the first UO Longhouse. The students fought for and got autonomy in running the Longhouse; a protocol that stands to this day. The NASU, Native American faculty and staff, and the local Native American community continue to participate in events that are held at the Longhouse on a year round basis.

During the spring of 2002 the army barracks was decommissioned and torn down in order to make way for a new Longhouse. On January 7th, ?03 the UO Many Nations Longhouse Grand Opening was held to celebrate the completion of its construction. This new $1.2 M structure was blessed, as was the original, by elders from the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla and Burns Paiute Tribe. Members of the Klamath Tribes also participated in this event.