Owen Hawzipta had never heard of Owasso Community Resources until this year.

"I didn't even know it was there," said Hawzipta, counselor for Owasso Public School's Indian Education Program. "We were over there to get some families some things."

Owasso Community Resources, at 109 N. Birch St., provides utility assistance, counseling and maintains a food pantry.

Hawzipta said a few weeks after his first visit, the food pantry was almost empty.

"It occurred to us that the Hispanic community is using it; the Native American community is using it," he said. "How can we give back; what can we do?"

The answer will come with a Cultural Connection event and dinner. The dinner is from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Owasso High School commons, East 86th Street North and 129th East Avenue. The cost is $5 a person.

American Indian, Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Italian food will be served.

"Because the Hispanic population is so wide, we have a little bit of everything," said Gloria Romero, the district's translator and parent liaison.

Following the dinner, a multicultural performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the Mary Glass Performing Arts Center, 12901 E. 86th St. North. Admission is one nonperishable food item that will go to the Owasso Community Resources food pantry.

Hawzipta said the performance will kick off with a Cherokee flute player and storyteller.

"The Native American portion will be a showcase of area dancers and singing," he said.

A dramatization and musical performance by members of the high school's African American Student Association will follow.

Hispanic students will sing and play music from various countries, including Venezuela and Cuba, Romero said. Hawzipta said the Cultural Connection has two goals: to fill the food pantry at Owasso Community Resources and to raise awareness of the different cultures in Owasso.

"The Hispanic community is similar to the Native American community in that it's tribal. Cherokee and Osage are different like Venezuelans and Cubans are different," Hawzipta said.

Hawzipta said the cultural groups have been eager to participate in the event.

"People come out of the woodwork and want to be involved," he said. "I almost can't express how these groups feel. It's a chance for them to get involved."

Sara Plummer 712-7913
sara.plummer@tulsaworld.com

OWASSO

What:
Cultural Connection

When:
Food Connection is from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., and Performance Connection is from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 2.

Where:
Owasso High School Commons and Mary Glass Performing Arts Center, 12901 E. 86th St. North

Cost:
Dinner is $5; admission to the performance is on nonperishable food item

For more:
Call Owen Hawzipta, 272-8340

Related Photos & Graphics

Owen Hawzipta