A variety of multicultural events, such as pow wow drum sessions, documentary films and meals from around the world, will be on campus this week.
Events will occur throughout the week to promote the different cultures present at Dixie State College.
“Diversity week is about learning and knowing others here on campus,” said Greg Noel, DSC Student Association vice resident of clubs and senior Psychology major from Las Vegas. “It’s about sharing.”
Diversity week will present an opportunity to learn more about others and other cultures.
“Diversity is all of us,” Multicultural and Diversity Coordinator Kristine Whittaker said.
The Native American Student Association will show and discuss “Miss Navajo” on Tuesday from 12–1 p.m. in Gardner Center Conference Room B. The documentary follows one woman’s journey as she competes at the Navajo Nation Pageant.
“It is an awesome showcase of traditional mixed in with the modern,” Whittaker said.
Contestants balance the modern elements of pageants with the traditional cultural elements. They answer questions in Navajo about their culture and history, perform talents and showcase traditional cooking skills.
Immediately after the discussion at 1-3 p.m. in the Pavilion, an open drum session will take place. The history, meaning, and what the pow wow drums represents to the native tribe will be explained. Everyone present will have an opportunity to try out the drums and become involved in the native culture.
The Polynesian Club will present a cultural workshop from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Gardner Building Conference Room D on Tuesday. They will describe their different histories and demonstrate a traditional dance as well.
Take Back the Night will host a domestic violence awareness camp from 6:30-8:30 p.m in Gardner Building Conference Room D on Tuesday.
The Gay-Straight Alliance will present and discuss “Unfit: Ward vs. Ward” from 12-2 p.m. in Gardner Building Conference Room D. This documentary focuses on the true story of one family battling over child custody. The court is faced with the decision of granting custody to a convicted killer or a lesbian. This film was also a part of DOCUTAH.
Afterward, the Black Student Association will host a water balloon fight at the Encampment Mall from 3-5 p.m.
All the clubs, international students and some faculty will volunteer to produce dishes for the final and signature event of Diversity Week: Taste Around the World Food Festival. Everyone is welcome to this free event to sample all the dishes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gardner Building Ballroom on Friday.
“We work with the International Student Services, all of our clubs, and all of our scholarship recipients,” Whittaker said. “We ask them to volunteer their time to come down and cook something of their cultural background.”
There will be a diverse mix of dishes to sample and enjoy. This event, just like the entire week, will present many opportunities to learn about other cultures.
“Come out experience (and) something new,” Noel said. “I encourage students to have an open mind when going to these events, to stop by, sit down and go participate for a little bit. You’ll be quite surprised what you find.”
