Different dances demonstrate diversity

PABLO — The tropical paradise of the Pacific Island region seemed a long way from Northwestern Montana last Wednesday, but musical group Tribal Waves brought sounds, not sunshine, from the area during Salish Kootenai College’s annual Diversity Fair.

Part of a weeklong celebration put on by the college, children from local schools visited the Camas Room of the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center to learn about different cultures, SKC’s nod to civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr.

Drum group Spirit of the Bison led off with an honor song and provided the beat during a chicken dance and jingle dance. Tribal Waves followed up with music from Tahiti and the Hawaiian islands, teaching the children rhythms and words common to both island cultures.

After the musical introductions, the Linderman and Cherry Valley Elementary students in attendance took to different stations to learn more about cultures or to participate in craft-making from different cultures.

“We’re always surprised when it all comes together,” organizer Co Carew said of the annual event honoring King.

The week’s events also included a “Peace and Justice” film series and inspirational speeches. One speaker, Kevin Connolly, spoke of being born without legs, yet overcoming the challenge to travel and ski.