The sixth annual Culture Fair, held at the Peninsula College’s PUB in Port Angeles, celebrates the college’s connection with the local native culture on the Olympic Peninsula. This year’s Culture Fair includes a ceremonial tribute that starts with a tribal song welcome by the nəxwsƛáyəm Lower Elwha Klallam Song and Drum Group followed by the unveiling and hanging of six flags from area tribes — Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Hoh, Quileute, and Makah — that will be permanently on display in the student union building.

The Culture Fair will feature student work depicting Native history and current issues by Native American students from local schools. The event will continue with a special presentation from two Makah basket weavers — Melissa Peterson and Samantha Della-Devoney — on the history, culture,
artistry and the importance of weaving, at the college’s Little Theater followed by a reception at The Longhouse located on Peninsula College’s campus.

“As a Native American student, there is a sense of belonging and inclusion created when you see your tribe’s flag displayed along with other sovereign nation flags from around the world”, says Yolanda Machado, Special Advisor to the President on Indigenous Affairs/Longhouse Director. “It is important for us to celebrate and show the strong connection between our local tribes, Native students and the Peninsula College.”

HOURS:
10 am – Display of student work
10:30 am – 11:30 am – Tribal flag ceremony
12:35 pm – Studium Generale: Generations of Makah Weavers Reception at the Longhouse immediately following

WHERE:
Peninsula College PUB & Little Theater