Culture from around the globe coming to Havre

The Havre area will get a glimpse of song, dance and cultures from around the globe Saturday during Montana State University Northern’s Third Annual Festival of Nations Dance and Music Around The World.

Northern’s Office of Diversity and Multicultural Programs organized the event.

“The purpose of this is to promote multicultural understanding and enjoy different cultures in all their expressions as far as language, food and dancing,” said Christina Estrada-Underwood, the office’s director.

Dancers will include two scholars from the University of Montana who are from China and two professional dancers from Armenia and Indonesia.

Two local singers will provide entertainment. Courtney Cota, a Northern student from Roundup, will sing in Spanish. Miranda Crasco Kirk from the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation will sing in Assiniboine, Estrada-Underwood said.

Dr. Joseph Berdecia, a Puerto Rico native who now works at Northern Montana Hospital, will talk about minorities in health and STEM, science, technology engineering and math.

Food vendors will also have a presence. Estrada-Underwood said Greek, Japanese and Mexican food will be served.

She said that this year there will be a larger number of vendors selling art, paper jewelry  and other items. Children will be kept occupied with activities that will allow them to explore various cultures.  

Estrada-Underwood said informational display tables on Ethiopia, Mexico, Norway and New Zealand will aim to educate festival goers.

A silent auction with locally donated items will be held at this year’s festival. Estrada-Underwood said all proceeds will go toward the office’s activities including bringing more cultural performers to the campus in the future.

The festival will start Saturday at 10:30 a.m in Northern’s Student Union Ballroom Building.

Admission is free for Northern students, faculty and staff as well as those who come dressed in traditional cultural attire. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children and free for children age 5 and younger.