Saturday will see observance of indigenous customs

The spice of life will be honored on Saturday afternoon, April 5, at the Diversity Conference and Celebration in the UAA Cuddy Center from noon to 5:30 p.m. to which all are invited.

Ethnic foods will be served, a panel will discuss current issues regarding cultural groups throughout Alaska, keynote speaker William Bacon III will talk about a film he helped to make regarding Native practices of whaling and attempts by others to outlaw the practice, even for Natives who harvest whales for subsistence.

Other events include a fashion show of traditional clothing from around the world; Filipino, Polynesian and Alaska Native dance group performances; and craft workshops to get an idea of what goes into creating Native artwork.

Co-hosts for the event -- the UAA Human Services Club, the UAA Career Services Center and the Dean of Students Office -- share the goal of emphasizing the importance of preserving culture and cultural identity in today's society in order to celebrate the wide variety of individuals who work together both on campus and around the state.

This Diversity Conference and Celebration is free and open to the public. For more information call (907) 786-4513.