Crisp sunny fall skies greeted more than 6,000 participants on September 22 -23, 2012 for the 18th Annual Harvest Pow Wow. Organized by Midwest SOARRING Foundation and held at the Naper Settlement in downtown Naperville, IL, the event introduced the public to Native American dancing and drumming and indigenous culture.
Woodland Indian hunting lodge and MSF tipi
Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to enjoy the festivities which included Native American arts, crafts, clothing, food offered by three vendors, music, and special birds of prey and wolf/dog exhibits. These included S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors) and Wolf Mountain.
The pow wow featured guest was Chaske Spencer, a Native American actor who played the Werewolf Sam Uley in the Twilight movies. Chaske was available for a special VIP session, and the public had the opportunity to meet and greet him both days.
Of special cultural and historic interest was the authentic recreated Woodlands Indian hunting lodge wigwam built of elm bark, poles, and stinging nettle cord hand crafted by Don Clarke. The recreated dwelling is the only one of its kind in the state of Illinois, and will eventually be on display at the Midwest SOARRING Foundation Cultural Center.
Musicians included native Chicago singer and guitar player Mark Jordan, and award winning South Dakota Native flute player, Cody Blackbird.
On Saturday evening the Hana Hou Hawaiian dancers entertained the crowd with Hawaiian dancing and a fire dance. Sunday morning arrived with Aztec dancers wearing colorful headresses entering the arena to play a conch shell and large drum, sharing their prayer dance and ceremony to benefit the people.
Four Native American drum groups from Wisconsin and Chicago provided drumming for dancers dressed in colorful regalia. The public gathered around the dance arena and often joined in or watched the proceedings from their seats. Children’s activities included flintknapping (making an arrowhead), fire building, and arts and crafts. Food vendors provided pow wow fare such as Indian Tacos, curly fries, sassafras tea, and popcorn.
Grand Entry
Veterans from all theaters were honored as they carried in flags into the arena during the Grand Entry both days. The Native American culture is one of the few cultures to honor the nation’s warriors. Over the weekend two red tailed hawks were spotted high in the trees overlooking the arena, and were recognized by many to be a blessing from the Creator.
Midwest SOARRING Foundation would like to thank the city of Naperville for providing the SECA grant which makes this special event possible for our people.
