Southwest Minnesota State University will host Cultures on the Prairie: Experience the Stories, History, and Cultures Throughout Southwest Minnesota on Monday, Feb. 13 and Tuesday, Feb. 14 in the Conference Center Upper Level.

The Day 1 schedule on Monday, Feb. 13, includes a simulation called “Killing Fields” from 1-5 p.m. to allow attendees to experience what refugee families endure during times of war. Participants will work with profiles of “Killing Field” survivors and stories of what happened to their family and friends and understand the experience in a personal way. Day 1 is only offered as an in-person option due to the nature of the simulation.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the conference will run from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. with discussions on topics including diversity in the workplace, school, and community.

During Day 2, participants will experience the stories, history, and cultures throughout southwest Minnesota by listening and interacting with panelists which will discuss the views from our local Southwest Minnesota State University students and community members. These panels will highlight challenges, successes, and opportunities as they relate to their specific culture. Day 2 is an in-person event with the option of attending virtually.

There will be time for table talk to discuss and reflect on topics surrounding diversity and race. Presentations will include Accent Biases and our keynote speaker, Director of Equity & Inclusion for the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, Sambath Ouk.

Sambath Ouk is a Cambodian refugee who was born at the Khao-I-Dang refugee camp in Thailand. He immigrated to the United States in 1982, settling in Rochester, Minn. He grew up not knowing English. Balancing his Cambodian culture at home and the American culture at school was difficult. His ESL teachers were supportive and helpful, inspiring him to make a career of helping others.

The registration fee to attend in-person is $30 per day or $50 for both days. Snacks and lunch (Tuesday only) are covered by the registration fee. Virtual Tuesday event fee is $20 and does not include lunch or snacks. When registering, in-person participants will be able to choose lunch created by a local ethnic-based restaurant: Hindi Store, El Rancho, Mariachi, and Hunan Lion.

­­For more information, please contact Michele Knife Sterner at michele.sterner@SMSU.edu

Cost of the programs: $30 for one day or $50 for both days. To register visit Marshall Community Services at http://bit.ly/CulturesonthePrairie or call 507-537-6767.