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.
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.
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.
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.