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MARQUETTE -- Long lines didn't deter people from waiting for their turn to sample some of the traditional Native American cuisine offered at Friday's First Nations Food Taster.  The event, which is in its eighth year, is sponsored by the Native American Student Association (NASA) and is used as a fund-raiser for the organization.  It is also the kick-off to Native American Heritage Month, which runs through November.

The buffet menu featured traditional meat dishes including bison, venison and turkey, as well as a variety of casseroles and the popular fry bread.  The big hit again this year, however, was the flavorful bison stew; volunteers couldn't dish it up fast enough.

"Everybody rants and raves about it," said NASA Chairperson, Samantha Hill.  "It's just to die for.  The venison, the sauteed venison, is also very good."

After people had an opportunity to eat their fill, they could stick around for some traditional Native American music.  But, for the members of NASA, it was more than just a chance to show off their food and raise some money--it was also about their culture.

"There's a lot of culture up here, so it kind of bridges that gap in between the community--who maybe wants to know or who's seen it around--and it gives them the opportunity to experience it firsthand," said NASA member Johnny Rodriguez.

"Getting to meet new people and just teaching them about the culture is a great way to give them exposure," Hill agreed.

One thing is for certain--nobody left the event hungry.