By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Fergus Falls, in harmony with residents from throughout Otter Tail County, celebrated Welcoming Week from Sept. 12-21. Organizers emphasized the importance of building multiracial democracies.

Otter Tail County is one of many rural areas across the nation inviting residents to host events that deepen understanding and connection among community members who represent many ethnicities.

“Welcoming Week is where commitment can start,” said Kim Konikow of Fergus Falls who shared her cultural upbringing. The Detroit native served six years as executive director of the North Dakota Arts Council before retiring and moving to Fergus Falls.

As of this writing, scheduled to lead a Sept. 20 workshop at the Fergus Falls Public Library, is Victoria McWane-Creek. She is a speaker who shares her insight as a Black indigenous person.

McWane-Creek, a resident of Fergus Falls, has a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Human Performance Improvement from the University of North Dakota.  She owns her own business that helps organizations evaluate their performances and then develops processes to drive meaningful change.

Exhibited at the Fergus Falls Public Library Sept. 12-21 is “We stand for all.” Input came from the Human Rights Commission, Public Arts Commission, West Central Initiative and Pioneer Public Broadcasting.

Another activity, “Let the games begin,” took place Sept. 17 at the Roosevelt Gym in Fergus Falls. Hosts were Fergus Falls Community Education, The American Indian Program with Native American Studies and West Central Initiative.