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December 21, 2017

Midwest SOARRING Fall 2017 News

Annual Harvest Pow Wow –September 24 and 25, 2017

The 23rd Annual Harvest Pow Wow thrived amid the exceptionally hot September weekend temperature which soared to the high 90’s.  Many agreed it was the best Harvest Pow Wow sponsored by Midwest SOARRING Foundation in recent years held at the Naper Settlement.  Both Saturday and Sunday’s schedule included a large array of Native American dancers dressed in full regalia and dancing to the drum beat of Milwaukee Bucks, Little Thunder with the Medicine Bear Singers, and Red Line.

Grand Entry

The audience filled the arena seating three times over the course of the weekend to watch the dramatic Grand Entry led by Veterans carrying the flags, followed by long line of colorful dancers. City of Naperville, Mayor Chirico greeted the audience and helped hand out medals to Veterans.

Throughout the weekend event, both the MC and dancers encouraged onlookers to join in the arena dancing. A crowd pleaser for all was the potato dance where participants balance a potato between their foreheads and step in rhythm with the music. The last couple to keep the potato balanced between their foreheads, without using their hands wins.  Later Polynesian dancing and Aztec drumming and dance performances honored Mother Earth.  A children’s dance featured a quick scramble for candy in the arena circle. Interspersed throughout the day was colorful exhibition dancing  that included the the group Snake Dance, Jingle Dress, Fancy War , Grass Dancing, Fancy Shawl, Traditional Dancing, and other specialty dances.

Jingle Dancers

A new and popular attraction this year was a supervised archery range for children, busy with eager participants both Saturday and Sunday. Exclusive to the Harvest Pow Wow was Apache the Mustang, who was present for families to pet and observe. Flintknapping (making an arrowhead) and Native themed arts and crafts activities as annual activities were family favorites. Imaginations were kindled with visits to the large red Tipi complete with authentic Native American implements and designs. Finally, S.O.A.R., (Save Our American Raptors and Deshka the American Bald Eagle) entertained families with close encounters with Raptor birds.

Special guest and Native American actor William Strongheart represented the non-profit organization CANA at the Harvest Pow Wow. CANA rescues wild horse family groups and places them on Native American tribal lands. Strongheart mingled with pow wow attendees, spoke about his work with CANA, and signed the drum which was auctioned off. Other non profit organizations in attendance included the Nature Conservancy and the Utah Wilderness Alliance.  The Nature Conservancy provided educational information regarding their conservation effort in the Midwest, which encompasses their own Bison herd as well as maps and directions to visit other bison herds in Illinois. The Utah Wilderness Alliance seeks to educate the public about the importance of protecting two wild Utah wilderness areas that include Bear Ears and Escalante Staircase National Monuments. Bear Ears encompasses over 10,000 ancient Native American sites and Escalante Staircase contains historic dinosaur bones important for archaeological study.

Polynesian Dancer swallowing fire

Every year a unique shopping opportunity awaited Pow Wow visitors. Over thirty-five Native American themed vendors offered beautiful hand crafted pottery, jewelry, regalia, music, clothing, herbal salves and lotions and music. Families sat in the shade and feasted on Indian Tacos and hand squeezed lemonade, among other treats. In keeping with the inclusive spirit of the Pow Wow, new friendships were kindled. Pepsico, one of the Harvest Pow Wow sponsors, provided welcome refreshments of chips and cold drinks for all.

Plans are underway for the 24th Annual Harvest Pow Wow to be held September 23 and 24, 2018 at the Naper Settlement in Naperville. Midwest SOARRING Foundation looks forward to everyone participating in one of the most well- known pow wows in the state of Illinois. Scout groups, history lovers, veterans, families and the public are all welcome.

March 28, 2017

Fall -Winter 2016 SOARRING News

October 2016 SOARRING Trip to Standing Rock, North Dakota

Joseph Standing Bear Schranz and a small contigent of SOARRING members drove to North Dakota to deliver items we purchased with money collected for the No DAPL issue at the Pow Wow. SOARRING purchased a 12×12 heavy duty outfitter tent, with a stove to heat/cook inside, as well as the floor, roof protector, and vestibule which attaches to the tent for

Tent Delivered to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Tent Delivered to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

storage (purchased at Cabelas.)

They also took a couple dozen ski gloves and boxes of hand and toe warmers purchased from Costco. Although this is just a dent in the need to get the camp ready for winter, we believe it made a difference. Thanks to the generosity of our members, supporters, and a donation from the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Pow Wow and our Harvest Pow Wow attendees! We collected an additional $308 at our center and added it to the funds for the Standing Rock Heater and Medic Council. This donation was added to their funds SOARRING thanks everyone for their generosity.

#NoDAPL T-shirts For Sale

SOARRING continues to sell #NoDAPL T-shirts with the Midwest SOARRING Foundation logo. They are available for sale at our Cultural Center located in Lockport, IL. We are offering a MSF member discounted price of $20. Please call ahead for center hours at 708.257.4300.

SOARRING Christmas Tree at the Cantigny Mansion Wheaton, IL

SOARRING Christmas Tree at Cantigny Museum Mansion

At the Cantigny Musuem mansion in Wheaton, Illinois Friday, November 18 through December 29, the McCormick Museum featured seven “Community Trees,” each decorated for Christmas by a different local nonprofit organization. The area charities were invited to participate because their missions involve issues or causes that were important to Robert McCormick during his career and life at Cantigny. Midwest SOARRING Foundation was honored to be asked to decorate one of the trees and is thankful to the Robert McCormick Foundation for being chosen to participate. The SOARRING tree was beautifully decorated with Native themed ornaments and received many, many compliments. Each participating organization received a $2,500 grant from the Robert McCormick Foundation. Museum visitors are encouraged to visit the museum, enjoy the tour, and vote for their favorite tree.

Additional SOARRING Events

SOARRING enjoyed a full calendar of events this fall including:

  • A Bison Blessing at Lord’s Park in Elgin, IL

    Wild Utah Presentation

  • A sponsored presentation on Wild Utah: America’s Red Rock Wilderness given by Clayton Daughenbaugh, conservation organizer with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
  • A Holiday Open House and Native American Market in November, held for 2 Sataurdays at the SOARRING Cultural Center
  • A drum circle and story telling session with Ron Kanutski, Cultural Consultant from Thunder Bay Ontario
  • And a volunteer appreciation dinner and Annual Member’s Meeting and Holiday Party at the Pilcher Nature Center in Joliet, IL.

September 12, 2016

Midwest SOARRING Spring & Summer News

SOARRING Native American Cultural Center Events: April-July 2016

Spring 2016 ushered in a number of cultural events following the grand opening of the Midwest SOARRING Foundation Native American Cultural Center.   On April 16, 2016, Janet Smith-Petersen, of Hozhoni  Gallery / The Sundance Gallery of Downers Grove shared reservation stories from her personal contacts  selling Native American jewelry over many years. Her talk was informative and entertaining.

Janet Smith

Reservation Road Stories
talk by Janet Smith-Petersen

The following week, a beginning beaded earring class was held for teens and adults, led by experienced bead artist Karen Thompson.

The third annual Comcast Cares Volunteer Work Day occurred at the end of April at the Heritage Village near the I & M Canal in Lockport.  SOARRING members worked alongside Comcast employees to create a garden, clean historic buildings, and weed invasive plants from the I & M Canal trail.  A ceremony at the fire pit was held after the work was completed. SOARRING is grateful for the collaborative involvement with Comcast, as both organizations  give back to the Lockport community.

On May 7, 2016, Joseph Standing Bear Schranz gave the Bison Invocation at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in celebration of the arrival of 27 American Bison to the prairie. The event was well attended by the public and was sponsored by the National Park Service.

On Saturday, May 14, 2016 Ojibwe Elder Myles Goddard presented a fascinating talk on Native Peoples from Illinois-from prehistoric to present times.  With over fifty years of teaching and lecture experience in Native Studies, Goddard covered the history and lifestyles of the Illini, Michiganea, Mastbouten, Kickapoo, Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawatomie tribes who all lived in the Illinois Valley. Participants at the talk enjoyed seeing his museum quality artifacts from pre-historic peoples that were discovered on his family farm.

SOARRING garden at Heritage Village

SOARRING garden created on Comcast Cares Volunteer Work Day at Heritage Village

In early June, Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, founder and president of Midwest SOARRING Foundation shared the teaching of the medicine wheel which he learned from his elders on the White Earth Ojibwe Reservation in Minnesota. The Medicine Wheel is fundamental for many Native peoples and dates back thousands of years.  June also included SOARRING’s participation in Old Canal Days in Lockport which included craft vendors and the John Days Celebration at the organic farm.

A summer solstice celebration welcoming the season of growth was held on June 20th  and was followed by a potluck supper.

22nd Annual Harvest Pow Wow

There is much excitement and anticipation in the air with the 22nd Annual Harvest Pow Wow just around the corner.  On September 24 and 25th the grounds of the Naper Settlement in Naperville, IL. will once more be filled with the colorful regalia and sounds of Native American dancers and drum groups. The public will be able to experience Native American culture and shop at over 35 vendors selling Indigenous art, crafts, music, and food.

Special guest Moses Brings Plenty will be available throughout the weekend for autographs and photos. Moses is Native American actor, musician, and model with roles in AMC’s The American West & Hell on Wheels, Netflix House of Cards, Cowboys & Aliens, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hidalgo, Thunder Heart, The Cherokee Word for Water, and most recently Reverent.

Other Harvest Pow Wow highlights include:

  • Grand entry of all dancers: Saturday 1pm & 7pm, Sunday 1pm
  • Presentation by Moses Brings Plenty Sat. 5pm
  • Special Veteran’s Honoring Sat. & Sun. 1pm
  • Deshka, The American Bald Eagle and other birds of prey with S.O.A.R exhibit
  • Aztec Dance performers Ocelotl-Cihuacoatl Sat. & Sunday
  • Music by Mark Jourdan and Native Flute Al Jewer
  • Hoop Dancing by Little Bear Hoop Dancers, Menominee, WI
  • Children’s Crafts – 11am to 5pm
  • Craft & Food Vendors
  • Tipis & Raffles
  • Tour Naper Settlement & Museum with same admission fee

View the complete schedule of events. 

SOARRING gives thanks to all of its sponsors and all they do the organization, with the most recent addition of Indian Motorcycle.

Pow Wow Photography Exhibit at Naperville 95th Street Public Library

During the month of September, the popular Midwest SOARRING Pow Wow photography exhibit is on display at the Naperville 95th street Public Library.

Pow Wow Exhibit

SOARRING Pow Wow Photo Exhibit at 95th St. Naperville Library

Previously several prints and artifacts were on display at the Lockport Public Library in April. Currently, examples of Native American crafts are also on display at the Cicero City Hall.

Midwest SOARRING Fall Native American Cultural Events

Plans are underway for additional fall classes and lectures. Topics will include moccasin making, beading, leather working, as well as many more.  Be sure to check our calendar for the latest postings.

 

February 28, 2016

2016 SOARRING Winter News

Move To Lockport’s Historic Train Station on I & M Corridor

Midwest SOARRING is in the process of moving to their new Native American Cultural Center at the historic train station in Lockport, IL. The new Cultural Center address is 133 W. 13th St next to the I & M Heritage Canal.

Lockport's Historic Train Station

Lockport’s Historic Train Station

The I & M Canal trail runs 77 miles between Chinatown in Chicago to Ottawa, IL. The trail includes the Heritage Village in Lockport, IL. Midwest SOARRING Foundation is elated to be part of this historic town and looks forward to participating in many community events.

Native American Cultural Center Grand Opening

While SOARRING will begin offering programs in March, our grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2016. It will feature music, Native American vendors, cultural demonstrations, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and tours of the new Cultural Center. Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate.

Upcoming spring programs include talks on the Medicine Wheel by Joseph Standing Bear, Native People of the greater Chicago area by Miles Goddard, and a presentation on Native American Jewelry by Janet Smith.

MSF New Native American Cultural Center Location

MSF New Native American Cultural Center Location

Check our calendar page for the most up to date information on these and other events. Future plans for the cultural center programs include school and youth group presentations, Native American art exhibitions, and adult cultural talks.

2016 Midwest SOARRING Foundation Native American Scholarship Announcement

Midwest SOARRING Foundation is pleased to announce our 2016 scholarship for all students of native ancestry or an interest in Native American culture, pursuing advanced degrees and trades. The educational degree sought may be in undergraduate or graduate study in any field. While Native ancestry is not required, we are interested in applicants who have been involved with Midwest SOARRING Foundation in some capacity.

Interested applicants must fill out the Scholarship Application form, obtain a letter of recommendation from a teacher/professor, employer, or community service director; submit a 500 word essay as detailed on the application form, and a recent copy of their transcripts by July 15, 2016. Download 2016 Scholarship package.

Sponsors Sought for Harvest Pow Wow,  September 24 & 25, 2016

Marketing materials will be distributed soon to promote this year’s festive Harvest Pow Wow, to be held at the Naper Settlement in Naperville, IL., the last weekend of September. We are currently looking for sponsors. Sponsorship applications are available by mail, email, or online. Please call 708.257.4300 for more information.

Pow Wow Photography Exhibit Displays

During the month of January 2016 the Oakbrook Public Library featured a display of SOARRING Pow Wow photographs along with an exhibit of Native American cultural artifacts. In mid March the Lockport Library will showcase a selection of Pow Wow photographs followed by the Naperville Public Library at 95th Street during the month of September. The exhibit offers an enticing and colorful view of Native American culture which still exists in our contemporary world. Plans are underway to exhibit the photographs in other western suburban locations. If your library or facility is interested in hosting this exhibit, please contact Janet at 630.257.4300.

November 4, 2015

2015 SOARRING Fall News

21st Annual Midwest SOARRING Harvest Pow Wow

The western suburbs of Chicago featured another successful SOARRING Harvest Pow Wow on September 26 & 27, 2015, organized by Midwest SOARRING Foundation. Thousands of people gathered from the tri-state area and beyond to learn about Native American culture, enjoy Native American dancing and drumming. The spectacular autumn weather encouraged visitors to shop at the many vendor tents, sample the food, and fill the arena seats the entire weekend. The Harvest Pow Wow is Midwest SOARRING Foundation’s main fundraising event. The organization is respected for the community building, good will, and outreach it performs with all people.

Flag Bearers

Flag Bearers

Highlights of the 21st Annual Harvest Pow Wow included drumming and singing by the host drum Medicine Bear, Milwaukee Bucks and Little Thunder. Emcee Mark Denning sought to educate everyone about Native American culture by explaining each dance to the attentive audience.

Special VIP guest Moses Brings Plenty entertained the crowd with traditional Native American stories and song. Moses is also known for his star roles in many movies including The Cherokee Word for Water, and Cowboys and Aliens. He joined a slate of talented performers including flutist Al Jewer, soulful Native American musician and singer Mark Jourdan, Aztec dancers Ocelotl-Cihuacoatl, and Ronnie Preston, well known hoop dancer, San Carlos Apache.

Midwest SOARRING was delighted to show case head male dancer, Evan Logan, from the Ho-Chunk tribe in Wisconsin, as well as head lady dancer Melanie Minafor, from the Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota. Evan is a fancy feather dancer, while Melanie is well known for her jingle dancing.

Head Male Dancer  Evan Logan

Head Male Dancer
Evan Logan

SOAR, Save Our American Raptors, delighted many during the weekend with the close up demonstrations and educational information about birds of prey they brought to the event. The children’s tent was packed with youngsters eager to complete crafts and try their hand at flintknapping.

Of special note was the military memorial for a long time member veteran Stan HoronzyUSM. He received full military honors at the Harvest Pow Wow including a 21 gun honoring. Pepsi was the new sponsor for this year’s Harvest Pow Wow. They provided a green recycling area filled with free drinks and snacks for all. 95.5 The River radio station promoted the pow wow extensively. Midwest SOARRING appreciated both sponsors for their enthusiasm and support of this popular family friendly event.

Elgin Bison Blessing

On October 17, 2015 Joseph Standing Bear performed the Bison Blessing at Lord’s Park in Elgin, IL, as he has done for many years in October. The event was done in conjunction with the Elgin Museum. It was a beautiful fall day for the ceremony. The blessing was well received and large crowd in attendance appreciated the words. The bison have always been valued throughout Native America for everything they provided the people.

Midwest SOARRING Foundation Cultural Center Move

Midwest SOARRING Foundation volunteers were busy over the summer packing and moving to their new location at a historic train station in Lockport, IL. President Joseph Standing Bear says

“We are in the process of rug cleaning and painting ceilings and walls. Hopefully we will open in the very new future. There will be a grand opening celebration and all will be invited.”

The new address is 133 W. 13th Street. SOARRING members are looking forward to participating in many community events in Lockport, IL.

I&M Canal Museum Pioneer Event

On October 30, 2015 Midwest SOARRING participated in the annual I& M Pioneer event with Native heritage activities that included story telling and fire starting. SOARRING looks forward to participating next year and hopes the event will continue to grow.

Pow Wow Photographs Displayed at Thomas Ford Memorial Library, Western Springs, IL.

Midwest SOARRING’s Pow Wow photography exhibit continues to be popular with Chicago area libraries. In celebration of Native American month, during November, a selection of prints and selected books will be on display in the children’s section of the public library in Western Springs.

December 5, 2015 Members Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Holiday Party

The annual Midwest SOARRING members meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Holiday Party will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet, IL. The members meeting will begin promptly at 5pm followed by the holiday party from 6pm to 10pm. Download flyer and read more details about the event.

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Aanii Boozhoo

Midwest SOARRING Foundation invites all people to gather into an ever-increasing wider circle that preserves Mother Earth, and the rich traditions of the ancestors. We invite you to learn about the many intertribal Native American lifeways that provide wisdom and direction in our contemporary world. In keeping with this path, Midwest SOARRING Foundation works to maintain the traditions of the ancestors and to conserve and restore to health the natural environment.

We invite you to join our circle. Dance at our pow wows. Attend our cultural events and support the bison herd-our nation's greatest herbivore and symbol of hope and survival for all people. As you listen, you will learn. Together we become the Spirit of the ancestors.

Joseph Standing Bear Schranz


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