Tuesday, February 20 and Tuesday, February 27 were the final sessions of Metro West Learning Academy’s CultureAll ambassador visits. Every Tuesday for the last six weeks, Metro West students attended sessions with CultureAll Ambassadors who taught them about various cultures from around the world. These last two sessions were presented about the Oneida culture and Jewish customs.

On the 20th, students heard from Amanda Cawthorn, who grew up in Wisconsin and is registered with the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. She has partnered with CultureAll to share her culture in order to help audiences see past the stereotypes surrounding Native Americans. The Metro West students learned about what a powwow is and why they are so important. They explored the vibrant colors, sounds, and even got to taste a traditional strawberry drink and join in a Friendship Dance. 

On the 27th, Metro West students learned all about Jewish traditions and customs from Abe Goldstien. Abe grew up in an Orthodox Jewish community in New York before he moved to Des Moines. It took him a while to reconnect with his heritage and now in retirement he helps share the customs and traditions and encourages others to lean into their own. During Abe’s presentation students got to learn about everything from religious customs to old wives tales. They talked about why kosher foods are important to the Jewish community and even what the importance of waving a chicken over your head before Yom Kippur. Abe also played the accordion for the students, an instrument he learned at 13 and now regularly plays Yiddish music on.

These events have been so educational and fun for the students of Metro West and are encouraging them to explore more cultures in unique ways! Next week students will have the opportunity to present their own cultures!#MWPride #Ubelong

 

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