You don’t have to go too far to see and hear the diverse cultures represented within Portage College campus locations.
From the Indigenous artwork of the on-site Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Art and Artifacts to recent winter harvest celebrations rooted in the Hindu, Sikh and Punjabi cultures … and everything in between. The college campuses reflect the diverse histories and cultures of the communities and the region they serve.
On Tuesday, diversity was celebrated with Cultural Day at the Lac La Biche campus. Booths, food, displays, flags and international pride were in the spotlight as students and staff celebrated not only their own cultures, but the cultures of those around them. Booths included representation and connections to Chinese, Indigenous, Polish, Irish, Russian, English, Asian, Francophone, European, African, and Lebanese cultures.
“Cultural Day is an important part of building a strong and connected campus community. It creates space for students and staff to share their backgrounds, learn from one another, and celebrate the diversity that makes our college and our communities unique,” explained Ryan Hlewka, with the Portage College Student Services and Recreation departments.
Included in the displays were Indigenous regalia, crafts and art, Lebanese clothing, an interactive map showing the journey of staff and students that brought them to Portage College and personalized Chinese calligraphy drawn by Portage College’s Dean of Health and Wellness Dr. Shun Li.
The Cultural Day event was paired with the annual Taco Fiesta event, hosted by the Students’ Association of Portage College to celebrate the completion of several programs.
Hlewka estimates that about 250 people visited the booths that were set up in the Voyageur Grill at the Lac La Biche campus through Wednesday’s lunchtime.
While federal changes will affect the numbers of international students attending post-secondary institutions across the country, events like Portage College’s Cultural Day continue to highlight the significance of cultural diversity and cultural history that continues to grow in communities, schools and workplaces.
“Events like this help break down barriers, encourage meaningful conversations, and foster a greater sense of belonging—something that is especially important for students who are far from home. By coming together in this way, we strengthen not just our understanding of different cultures, but also the overall student experience on campus.”
Photo Gallery
For more photos, go to the Cultural Day event folder in the Portage College Flickr page.