Above: Amevi Avouglah showcasing her booth at the QC World Cultures Festival. Photo courtesy of the Bradley Thiessen-Cooper.

In the wake of legislative change that is forcing many schools across the state of Iowa to close DEI office doors, a community wide event at St. Ambrose University celebrates all cultures. 

On Sunday, March 20, 2025, St. Ambrose University’s (SAU) International Studies co-hosted the annual QC World Cultures Festival with the World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities (WACQC). WACQC is a local nonpartisan organization promoting the exchange of ideas and experiences to educate and engage the Quad City area (QCA). 

The event organizer and SAU International Studies Director, Dr. Duk Kim, says this event includes about 15 groups showcasing music, dance, and fashion, 23 booths sharing cultural garments, traditions, food, artifacts, and information about their culture, and attracted the attention of 400 attendees.

Above: Marty Chaney at the QC World Cultures Festival. Photo courtesy of Bradley Thiessen-Cooper.

One of those booths was hosted by the Inter-Tribal League of American Indians represented by the president, Martin Chaney. Martin says, “we like to educate, talk about the history, and try to explain what our culture is and what we are about. It’s important to teach about the past so we don’t repeat it in the future.” 

Click here to watch Evie Breitbach’s coverage of the World Cultures Festival.

Above: The Inter-Tribal League of American Indians booth at the QC World Cultures Festival. Photo courtesy of Bradley Thiessen-Cooper.

“Everybody here has a culture, and it is a great honor to be able to teach about my culture.” Marty shares that he is wearing an eagle wing that is craved out to be a whistle. This whistle in Native American culture is known as a “xotxó”. The eagle wing whistle calls in the spirits in Native American ritual ceremonies. 

Marty also shares that his organization is hosting a powwow on May 25 & 26 at the Pioneer Village located in Long Grove, Iowa. The event will feature educational experiences, native headwear and clothing, tipis, food, dance, music, and so much more. 

The booth next to Marty was Vicky Ho, representing South Korea. She says, “I want more people to know about my country. Events like this are important in bridging gaps. People in the QCA can come and see what the culture is and what we are about.” Vicky was sharing items from her native country like teas sets, gems, and her love for K-Pop. 

Above: Amevi Avouglah showcasing her booth at the QC World Cultures Festival. Photo courtesy of the Bradley Thiessen-Cooper.

QCA resident Amevi Avouglah hosted a booth representing her country of Togo. Amevi says, “I could not wait to represent my country and the Togolese community.  We are here to show diversity in the community. 

Click here to read Jess Vargas’ coverage of the World Cultures Festival.

“You will know my culture; I will know your culture; so we will be family in the community. All together; we are good; we are strong.” Citing all the different cultures represented she says, “That is beautiful.”

Amevi explained that two items in her booth hold significant importance. While holding a handcrafted mask made of wood, she explains, “This mask is called a “ngil” in Togo. The mask is used to ward off evil spirits and welcome good spirits, often the Togolese people hang the mask in their homes or on the front door.” 

The next item was a necklace made of beads called “jolon”. She explains, “The necklace shows the beauty of the lady. If a lady wants to get married, she usually has to wear this. It shows the culture. If they don’t have money, they will still have this.” These items to Amevi and the Togolese people are deeply rooted in their culture. 

Above: Natala Kukhar and friend at the QC World Cultures Festival. Photo courtesy of Bradley Thiessen-Cooper.

In another booth also showcasing her cultures deep roots in egg decorating was Natala Kukhar. Natala was representing Ukraine and showing her cultures tradition of “pysanky”. Pysanky is the act of decorating easter eggs as a work of art. Natala says, “the traditional method involves using beeswax to create designs on eggs before being dipped in dye.”

“Events like this are important to talk about our culture and tell stories and talk about a nation that is fighting right now. We want to spread awareness about Ukraine “

Though many people represented different countries, cultures, and varying beliefs, all said that events like these are important.

Bradley Thiessen-Cooper is a staff writer for The Buzz.