When a small group of indigenous people perish, along with their language and art, it may have as much impact as the proverbial butterfly that flaps its wings and creates a storm halfway around the world. Formed to preserve such diverse and unique cultures, Cultural Survival, a Massachusetts-based organization, advocates in partnership with indigenous tribes whose way of life is threatened through discrimination, exploitation and abuse.
To fund such projects, multi-cultural bazaar events are held in communities throughout New England, including Amherst. On the Common (for the third year in a row) arts, food and music from around the world are made accessible to area residents. This year's cuisine is provided by Bakus African Restaurant, the Lhasa Cafe, Paradise of India and Samosa Man natural foods. The Ecuadorian band Yarina provide an appropriate soundtrack, and storyteller Leonard Fourhawks (who relates Northern Cheyenne and Mohawk tribal lore) is among many of the planned cultural presenters.
May 31-June 1, free, Amherst Commons, Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, www.cs.org.
