A Native American celebration marks UT Southwestern’s first Mid-Winter Social

Published on: February 15, 2023 By: Carol Marie Cropper

man with long blond hair in red shirt and woman in blue denim cultural dress — Roland Brunette (left), a Technical Support Specialist, and Chamisa Piechowski-Begay, a Marketing Coordinator, wore traditional tribal clothing and helped welcome guests.

Native American dress, food, and artifacts were on display last month as UT Southwestern held its inaugural Mid-Winter Social. The Jan. 26 event was co-hosted by the Office of Institutional Equity and Access’ Division of Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with Nutrition Services and members of the UTSW community working to provide a community of inclusion, visibility, and support for those of Native American descent.

Many tribes hold socials or sports events during winter, a nod to the winter solstice and the harvesting of crops. The social was held at the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital’s Pavilion. Check out the photo gallery below for glimpses of the displays and foods at the celebration, which was open to all campus.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

Event participants pose with employees of the Division of Diversity and Inclusion at the Mid-Winter Social.

These two employees also stopped to enjoy the Social – and the food.

Traditional corn husk dolls were on display.

Among the foods served were wild rice, squash, baked fish, and Navajo fry bread.

Guests could choose among baked fish, Navajo fry bread, meat for Navajo tacos, and other taco fixings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.).

Mr. Brunette, of the Oneida Tribe, and Ms. Piechowski-Begay, of the Navajo Tribe, wear traditional Native attire.

A colorful dessert with fresh berries was among the offerings.

Corn soup makes use of a well-known Native American ingredient.

Traditional Native American artifacts were on display.

Navajo tacos were a big hit among those who stopped by.

This employee didn’t forget the fixings for her Navajo tacos.

Ms. Piechowski-Begay, of the Navajo tribe, shows off her traditional silver and turquoise jewelry.