Evelyn Ornelas danced in a diamond dress. The diamonds on the bottom of her skirt glittered on the 70-year-old grandmother celebrated her Choctaw culture.

Ornelas was one of several dancers who celebrated tribal traditions on Feb. 11 in the Free Speech area on campus.

Each tribe has its own symbols, and for Choctaw tribal members, diamonds are significant, she explained.

The event was part of the Native American Cultural Awareness Club’s efforts to publicize the club.

President John Rodriquez, 31, who is from the Yaqui tribe, said the performance was simply to show students what the club is about.

“We just wanted to come out and let people be aware of the Native American community,” said Rodriquez.

The event featured many different Native American dance styles, live music, clothing, authentic arts and craft from original tribes. The day also was a way to encourage new members into the club, which currently has 10 members, but plans to add more as the semester continues, according to April Martinez, a representative in the student goverment club council.

Students don’t have to be Native American to join. The club takes field trips to reservations and is a way to meet new people, said Martinez.

“Anybody with an interest in the Native American culture is more than welcomed to join,” Rodriquez said.

Anyone who wants to join the class can contact Rodriquez at [email protected].