Traditional Feast & Celebration Thursday, June 5, 6 p.m. KCC Spirit House 2209 E. 32nd St., Tacoma For more information, call (253) 593-0246

Community Wellness Dinner to celebrate culture

By Melissa Helm

On the first Thursday of every month, community members have gathered in the Spirit House to share good food and conversation. The theme for each dinner has included such topics as: Violence Prevention Strategies, or Facts about Fitness and Taking Care of your Mental Well-being. On June 5, the Community Dinner is dedicated to celebrating Native American culture with a Traditional Feast and Celebration.

Connie McCloud, cultural coordinator, said she enjoys arranging the menu, which will include fresh fish, buffalo, clams and berries. She said the Traditional Feast is a time for the community to come together, experience culture and learn about traditional foods.

“At one time, animals and people spoke to each other,” Connie McCloud said. “And when there was no food, the Creator challenged them.” She said since the people won the challenge, the animals and berries made a commitment to be the food. “The Traditional Feast is a time to be thankful for food that has made a sacrifice to feed us.”

Janel Tobar, Helping Hands Project, has coordinated most of the Community Dinners since the collaboration with her department, Cultural Services and Community Health started two years ago.

“The Traditional Feast is our most popular Community Dinner and it’s one of my favorite themes,” Janel Tobar said.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Community Dinners and no reservation is required.

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