Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month is typically celebrated in May to commemorate the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander descendants in the United States. However, to commemorate the occasion without worrying about students and faculty being preoccupied with finals, NAU celebrates API Heritage Month during the month of April.<\/p>\n
“AAPI month allows us to acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of the AAPI communities in the United States and throughout the world,\u201d said Precilla Cox<\/strong>, senior academic advisor for The W. A. Franke College of Business and faculty adviser for the Filipino American Student Association (FASA) and HAPA Hawaiian (HAPA) clubs.<\/p>\n Cox identifies with several communities celebrated during API month. As a Filipino-American who was born and raised in Hawai\u2019i, being able to celebrate and share her culture, along with many others from the community, is one thing she finds \u201cheartwarming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCelebrating API month means so much to me because it allows our community to be heard and seen by everyone who takes part in events such as the Hapa Club\u2019s 17th annual l\u016b\u02bbau and the Filipino American Student Association\u2019s Culture Night. These events showcase traditional dances, songs and food since that is what brings people together!\u201d<\/p>\n Getting involved with events celebrating people of Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage will help members of the NAU community educate themselves on all the different cultures that contribute to the diversity within the university.<\/p>\n \u201cThese events will help you gain a cultural understanding of what it means to be Indian, Filipino, Hawaiian and Chinese, just to name a few,\u201d Cox said. \u201cI hope that those participating in API heritage month events understand the impact that these different cultures have had on the United States and the vibrancy that we bring to our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n As the adviser for FASA and HAPA, Cox noted how proud she is to see students develop and coordinate events with the help of a university that believes in these clubs\u2019 missions to help share their culture with others.<\/p>\n \u201cThis month, let\u2019s take some time to self-educate on the API community, learn a new word or phrase, try a new cuisine, watch a documentary about Asian American and Pacific Islander history, listen to podcasts or read books from the API community, support API-owned businesses and find an organization to donate to! When we further educate ourselves, take action and see something\/say something, we become allies and know how to better support one another.\u201d<\/p>\n Throughout April, NAU will celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage with a variety of events hosted by the Office of Inclusion (IMQ) and Center for International Education. Through these events, NAU strives to honor the culture and diversity that encapsulates the Asian and Pacific Islander community.<\/p>\n April 7, 4-5 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n Snack Swap<\/p>\n Join the Chinese Cultural Club to watch a Chinese drama while swapping your favorite snacks with others.<\/p>\n SBS Castro 241<\/p>\n April 7, 6-9 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n Indian Film Night<\/p>\n Enjoy a double feature of Indian cinema. Soda and popcorn will be provided!<\/p>\n IMQ Center<\/p>\n April 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n Holi: Festival of Colors<\/p>\n Sponsored by the Indian Association of Northern Arizona (IANA)<\/p>\n South Quad<\/p>\n April 8, 6 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n Culture Night: LuzViMinda<\/p>\n Culture Night, a celebration of Filipino Culture through dance and food, is an annual show put on by the Filipino American Student Association of NAU. This year\u2019s show is called \u2018LuzViMinda,\u2019 which is a combination of the three main islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The show will travel through each island featuring different dances. Not only will we perform, but we will showcase a few other cultural clubs around campus. Reserve your tickets online.<\/p>\n du Bois Ballroom (doors open at 5 p.m., show begins at 6 p.m.)<\/p>\n April 11, noon to 1 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n Ohana Means Familia<\/p>\n Come and learn the importance of familia between two dynamic cultures with fabulous guest panelists.<\/p>\n IMQ Center<\/p>\n April 14, 4-6 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n Mahjong Tournament<\/p>\n The Chinese Cultural Club will host a mahjong (traditional Chinese game) tournament. All experience levels are welcome!<\/p>\n IMQ Center<\/p>\n April 15, 5-9 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n NAU HAPA Club\u2019s 17th Annual L\u016ba\u2019u<\/p>\n NAU HAPA Club presents its 17th Annual L\u016b\u2019au. This year\u2019s celebration is called, \u201cAloha \u2018\u0100ina, Love of the Land.\u201d Reserve your tickets for the L\u016ba\u2019u online. Dinner is provided with reservation.<\/p>\n du Bois Ballroom (Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. and show begins at 6:30 p.m.)<\/p>\n April 20, 5:30 – 7 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n API Heritage Month Guest Speaker: Jeanie Y. Chang, LMFT, CCTP of Noona\u2019s Noonchi<\/p>\n Join IMQ as they welcome Jeanie Y. Chang, LMFT, CCTP, who will lead attendees into a deep dive of fan-favorite K-Dramas based on her mental health expertise. You can find more about Ms. Chang\u2019s work at Noona\u2019s Noonchi.<\/p>\n Refreshments will be provided. This event is in partnership with the Student Activities Council (STAC).<\/p>\n International Pavillion<\/p>\n April 28, 1-3 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n PRIDE and API Louie\u2019s Cupboard Cooking Demo and Special Distribution<\/p>\n Join the Office of Inclusion and Louie\u2019s Cupboard for a special distribution in celebration of API Heritage Month and Pride Month. While supplies last, come pick up a grub box featuring a recipe by an LGBTQIA and API chef.<\/p>\n Lumberjack Care Center<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Schedule of events:<\/strong><\/h3>\n