Island Magic showcases diversity, cultures of Pacific Islands

Island Magic showcases diverse cultures of Pacific Islands 

April 10, 2019 LA GRANDE, Ore. –  Students in the Navigators Club at Eastern Oregon University present the annual Island Magic Lu’au and Show on April 13.

The event is a tradition spanning more than 30 years at EOU and features festive, traditional food and live entertainment.

The lu’au starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Gilbert Center, and the show will start at 7 p.m. in McKenzie Theater.

This year’s show focuses on Pacific Islanders as climate warriors as they face the effects of climate change on their islands.

Dale Nabu, vice president of the Navigators Club, will serve as stage director at the show. It’s Nabu’s first year participating in Island Magic, and he said he’s most excited about seeing dances from other Pacific Island countries.

“I haven’t seen any from Polynesia yet, so we’re all excited about that,” he said.

He said support from the La Grande community, especially at events like Island Magic, has made Oregon a “home away from home.”

“EOU has opened many opportunities for us Pacific Islanders to pursue our academic goals and pursue our dreams,” Nabu said. “The campus size and population is perfect, and EOU’s faculty and staff are very professional and mindful of our presence. and the citizens of La Grande are kind hearted and generous, with great smiles.”

Tickets for Island Magic are available on campus at the EOU Bookstore and downtown at Looking Glass Books. Admission is $10 for EOU students and $12 for members of the community. For more information, contact the Multicultural Center at 541-962-3741.