June 1, 2015

SOARRING 2015 Spring Events

April 2015 Comcast Cares Day

Comcast Cares day held on the grounds of the Midwest SOARRING Native American Cultural Center on Saturday, April 25, 2015 was a great success, despite the intermittent rain. Everyone worked hard to clean up, cut, and burn brush and fallen limbs. All enjoyed a hearty lunch which Comcast supplied all volunteers. Many Comcast employees participated for the first time in a Native American talking circle and were amazed to experience the spiritual context of the talk. Midwest SOARRING Foundation is indebted to Comcast for their continued interest and support.

Black Ash Basket Making with Kelly Church

Black Ash Baskets by Kelly Church

On May 3rd, participants enjoyed a fascinating Black Ash basket making class led by Kelly Church of Odawa heritage. Kelly hails from generations of Black Ash basket makers from Michigan, and is a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Nations. As an artist and activist she shares her knowledge of working with Black Ash trees as well as educating the public on the effects of the Emerald Ash Borer on cultural traditions. In the workshop Kelly discussed what is being done to save seeds which will sustain the traditions for future generations. Each participant helped weave a group Black Ash basket.

Naperville Elementary School Around the World Celebration

Midwest SOARRING Foundation participated in the Around The World celebration at May Watts Elementary School in Naperville on May 12, 2015. SOARRING brought their artifacts table with hides, dream catchers, and Native tools which generated much interest and curiosity for the children. Two high school age Native dance performers danced in full regalia on stage to tribal drum music. Their performance was received.

Midwest SOARRING Foundation Photography Exhibit

The Midwest SOARRING Foundation Pow Wow photography exhibit has been on display for the months of April and May at the Wheaton Public Library. It will move to the Eola Branch of the Aurora Public Library for July and August. Librarians are happy to sponsor the exhibit and say library patrons respond positively to the display.

Your Membership Matters

Midwest SOARRING Foundation welcomes your involvement and membership in our organization. To become a member sign up online. Anyone who wants to volunteer at the 2015 Harvest Pow Wow, to be held September 26 & 27, 2015 at the Naper Settlement, please contact 708.257.4300.

Pepsico as New Sponsor at Harvest Pow Wow

Pepsico will be a brand new sponsor at the Midwest SOARRING Harvest Pow Wow this year. Their participation will bring a focus to the green movement with a bottle recycling machine and handbags made from recycled bottles. Learn more about the 2015 Harvest Pow Wow.

February 11, 2015

SOARRING 2014 – 2015 Winter Events

Ron Kanutski, Cultural Teacher and Musician from Thunder Bay, Ontario led a traditional drum circle to a packed audience at the Midwest SOARRING Foundation Native American Cultural Center on November 15, 2014. Ron is tribal member of the Lake Helen Reserve/Red Rock Band (Obijiwanong) and continues to be a crowd favorite In Chicago. He was warmly greeted by all in attendance as he shared stories and songs from his Ojibway (Anishinaabe) heritage.

Pilcher Nature Center in
Joliet, IL

The year 2014 closed with a heart- warming Midwest SOARRING Foundation holiday party at the Pilcher ParkNature Center in Joliet, IL. The feast table was laden with a variety of holiday fare, and the room was filled with celebrants eager to enjoy the festivities. The nature center offers a warm atmosphere for the party and affords all the opportunity to participate in a candlelit walk and prayer circle. After the meal, one by one each individual placed their handmade ornaments on the SOARRING Spirit Tree, sharing the meaning of their craft with the audience.

Planning begins anew for the 2015 Harvest Pow Wow to be held the last weekend of September at the Naper Settlement, in Naperville. Volunteer coordinators are needed to oversee specific areas of the Pow Wow which include admissions, the raffle table, fundraising, cultural demonstrations, hospitality, groups, volunteer coordinator, camping, kids crafts, the Bison table, SOARRING table, and security. All interested are invited to attend the Feb. 22nd Pow Wow planning meeting from 2:30 to 4:30. Light refreshments will be served.

Midwest SOARRING Pow Wow photography is currently on display at the Westmont Public Library for the month of February. If you are in the area, make sure to check it out.

Please check our calendar page for additional events.

November 8, 2014

20th Annual Harvest Pow Wow & 2014 Fall Events

Midwest SOARRING 20th Annual Harvest Pow Wow

Celebration of Diversity

Attendees at the 20th Annual Harvest Pow Wow experienced a celebration of diversity the weekend of September 20-21, 2014. Despite the intermittent rain, the festive and colorful event drew over forty-five thousand visitors to the Naper Settlement in Naperville, Illinois. In the main arena, Native American drumming and singing resounded, while Native American dancers – some as far away as northern Wisconsin-danced to the drumbeat throughout the weekend.

Beading of the Woodland Tradition

Everyone had the opportunity to order Indian Tacos complete with Fry Bread, or sample other Native foods. A children’s booth with arts and crafts and an honoring of military veterans was included at the pow wow.

A crowd pleasing favorite of the weekend is the opportunity for visitors to shop over thirty-five vendor booths. The vendors feature a variety of Native American arts and crafts, including one of a kind rings, earrings, and necklaces; hand embroidered clothing with Native designs, colorful sweaters and jackets from the Andes mountains of South America, herbal soaps and body lotions, artisan made Native flutes and a wide selection of Native music CD’s, bright beaded earrings and hair ornaments, and hides.

A highlight on Saturday was the stirring performance by Laura Grizzlypaws, the only female Grizzly Bear dancer in North America. Laura resides in British Columbia, Canada, within her tribal community. She spoke to the audience first in her native tongue, and then translated in English, describing the importance of the Grizzly Bear as a teacher to mankind, and the necessity to protect its habitat.

Laura Gizzlypaws

This was followed by a haunting song in her native language. While the drum group played, Laura donned a large Grizzly Bear hide and moved into the arena, becoming one with the Grizzly Bear. Everyone was spellbound by his dance movements which resembled a large bear in the wild. For the Mid-westerners watching, her performance was breathtaking. Laura graciously met with the public later for photo opportunities.

At the dinner break, Hugo Guterriez and Ancestral Roots from Chicago performed authentic Andean music. The group entertained the audience with a wide range and size of Andean flutes. Their music added to the diversity and festivity of the pow wow as several members from the crowd danced. This was followed by Mark Jourdan, another favorite Chicago Native Musician, who played his guitar and serenaded the crowd with in song.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Harvest Pow Wow to be held September 26-27, 2015.

Westchester Library Pow Wow Photography Exhibit

During the months of August and September, the Westchester Public Library featured an exhibit of twenty Pow Wow photographs, taken at previous Midwest SOARRING Pow Wows by Colordance Design. The exhibit generated many positive comments and interest by library patrons. A second exhibit is planned for the Westmont Public Library in February, 2015.

Ojibwey Stories, Songs, and Drum Circle with Ron Kanutski

On November 15, 2014 at 2pm, Midwest SOARRING will feature an afternoon of Ojibwey stories,

Ron Kanutski, Little Medicine Cloud, Bear Clan

songs, and drum circle with Ron Kanutski, Little Medicine Wheel Cloud, Bear Clan, from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Ron actively works in the mental health and addictions field as a consultant, group facilitator, counselor, college professor, trainer, healer, and cultural teacher. He has spent time with the Elders of the Woodland tradition, and enjoys sharing those teachings to people of all cultures. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Ron’s humor, inspiring stories, and Ojibwey song. Discounted advance tickets are available online at http://www.midwestsoarring.org/calendar.html At the door ticket price are $25 per person.

Midwest SOARRING Annual Members Meeting

The Annual Members meeting will be held Saturday, November 22nd at 4pm at the Midwest SOARRING Foundation Cultural Center, 1 Hickory Lane, Westchester, IL. This meeting is held to elect board members for the coming year, review the struggles, successes, and celebrations of our organization from October 2013 to October 2014, and discuss future aspirations. Following the meeting, a pot luck dinner will take place. Enjoy fellowship with other members as we catch up on all that has been happening this far. Please RSVP to 708.257.4300 by November 20, 2014. For more information visit http://www.midwestsoarring.org/calendar.html

Volunteer Appreciation & Members Holiday Party

On Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 5pm to 9:30pm, Midwest SOARRING will hold the annual party for volunteers and members at the Pilcher Nature Center,2301 Highland Park Dr., Joliet, IL 60432. This gathering is a celebration of the community we build by the work we do. Please bring a dish/desert to share. Meat, mashed potatoes,rolls, and beverages provided. Candlelight Walk at 5pm. Dinner and fellowship following the walk.

Everyone is asked to bring a gift/ item to share with those in need on local reservations, as well as a handmade ornament to place on the Spirit Tree. For more information visit http://www.midwestsoarring.org/calendar.html. This event is open and free to all 2014 MSF SOARRING volunteers and current members. Memberships can be renewed at the event or online at a nominal fee of $8 per person. Please RSVP to 708.257.4300.

We look forward to seeing you at these and future events.

August 19, 2014

SOARRING 2014 SPRING & SUMMER EVENTS

Stinging Nettle Workshop with Elder Don Clarke

On May 17th, 2014, talented elder Don Clarke shared his knowledge of the Stinging Nettle plant at Midwest SOARRING Native American Cultural Center to an attentive audience. Clarke has built his own birch bark canoe and two authentic Native American lodges. He lives in the utmost respect for nature on sixty acres in the country. He also weaves museum quality bags with captivating patterns from prairie plants such as Dogbane, Indian Hemp, Stinging Nettle, and Basswood.

Workshop participants learned where Native Woodland Indians gathered dried stalks from our region to create woven mats and bags. Each workshop attendee had the opportunity to strip a long strand from a dried Stinging Nettle stalk and twist it into a strong cord with a second strand. This was time consuming and took some skill.These twisted cords could then be used for a variety of purposes from lashing wigwam poles to weaving mats and bags.

Don Clarke’s handwoven stinging nettle bag

Clarke explained that Native people used warps on a bar or lap loom and a needle made from deer antler to weave their tribal designs into the piece. In this way they reinforced the strength of their tribe. Strands of cord were often dyed from plants such as the black walnut shell. One bag could take up to 200 hours to weave.

2nd Annual Indian Arts & Craft Market

June 21st and 22nd revealed a steady stream of visitors at the 2nd Annual Indian Arts & Craft Market, held at the Midwest SOARRING Native American Cultural Center. Vendors displayed handmade pottery, crafts, and clothing. Visitors watched exhibition Native American dancing, examining the Midwest SOARRING Foundation tipi, enjoyed the peaceful setting while they shopped.

The next Indian Arts & Craft Market to be held in conjunction with the Bison Blessing at the Elgin Museum in Elgin, IL on October 4, 2014.

SOARRING 20th Anniversary

Midwest SOARRING members and the honor guard gathered on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the Sanctuary Golf Course in New Lenox to commemorate SOARRING’s 20th anniversary. The golf course is unique in that it strove to preserve the integrity of a Miami Village and burial site, which involved a three year struggle, beginning in 1993.

Festival of the Horse & Drum Pow Wow

On August 16 & 17th Midwest SOARRING Foundation hosted a wonderful Pow Wow in conjunction with the Festival of the Horse and Drum. Held at the Kane County Fairgrounds, in St. Charles, I,. Native American dancers wearing finely beaded regalia danced to the drum beat in the arena. Everyone—dancers, drummers, singers, and spectators had a great time.

Head Lady Jingle Dancer

The festive spirit was infectious. The emcee enriched the pow wow by sharing cultural information about the origin of each dance. Of special note, the Ho-Chunk Swan Dance and Fish Dance, as well as the Smoke Dance were performed.

During the course of the event, spectators were treated to a wide variety of horses and their special attributes.

20th Annual Midwest SOARRING Foundation Pow Wow

The excitement is building! In just one month, on Sept. 20 & 21st the 20th Annual Midwest SOARRING Harvest Pow Wow will be held at the Naper Settlement. The family friendly event draws large crowds who are eager to watch the dancing and listen to the music in the arena, shop for Native American arts and crafts, partake of the food and enjoy this unique cultural celebration. Everyone is eager to see Laura Grizzly Paws, a Grizzly Bear dancer from Canada. She will perform in the pow wow arena throughout the weekend.

Bring your friends and family. To purchase advance tickets online please visit www.harvestpowwow.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate.

We look forward to seeing you!

May 3, 2014

Garden at 2nd Annual Comcast Cares Work Day

Midwest SOARRING extends a hearty thank you to everyone who contributed their time and work to make the second annual Comcast Cares Volunteer Work day on April 26th such a success.

Burning branches in firepit

Comcast employees and Midwest SOARRING members worked together to cut down a large tree, burn tree branches, pick up the grounds, rototill the garden soil, and build dirt mounds in preparation for planting seeds for a companion garden at the Midwest SOARRING Native American Cultural Center. Everyone enjoyed a hearty lunch on the patio soaking in the warm spring sunshine and the serene setting of the cultural center grounds.

NATIVE AMERICAN COMPANION GARDENING

Native people across the country typically companion garden by planting corn, beans, and squash near one another. The “People of the Longhouse” or Iroquois were the first to call the combination of corn, bean, and squash the 3-sisters. The community or ecosystem formed by these three plants does not rely on plowing but on the beneficial relationship of the plants to one another.

The beans fix nitrogen in the soil for corn and squash. The squash acts as a ground cover to lessen erosion, weeds, and increases the amount of rain that soaks into the soil. The corn provides a sturdy support on which the bean vines can grow.

Rototilling soil for SOARRING companion garden

Midwest SOARRING employs the style of garden used by the Wampanoag people and by other nations east of the Mississippi. The people of the plains and the Southwest use similar style gardens with slight differences because of climate and environment. The corn, bean, and squash chosen are heirloom varieties with ties to the native people who lived in the Midwest and/or around Lake Michigan. None of these vegetables are hybrids or genetically modified.

Thirty 18 inch diameter flat topped mounds which are 3-4 inches high were formed for the corn and beans. The mounds are 4 feet apart from center to center. Between these mounds smaller mounds were formed for the squash. Along the north side of the garden are a line of small mounds for sunflowers that were also included in native gardens. The corn will be planted sometime between May 1^st-10^th. The beans and squash will be planted when corn is 4-6 inches tall.

Mounds for companion garden of squash, corn, beans

A 3-sister garden can be as small as one mound and planted in a half barrel or small square of ground. To learn more about 3-sister gardening refer to the books and websites that are listed below.

Books:
Native American Gardening by Michael Caduto and Joseph Bruschac
In the Three Sisters Garden by JoAnne Dennee
Native American Gardening- Buffalobird-Woman’s Guide to Traditional Methods by Gilbert Wilson

Websites:
University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse:
http://www.uwlax.edu/mvac/research/threesisters.htm

Mother Earth News:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/native-american-gardening-zm0z13fmzsto.aspx

Renee’s Garden:
http://www.reneesgarden.com/articles/3sisters.html

Square Foot Gardens:
http://squareftgardens4u.com/?page_id=153

Cornell University:
http://blogs.cornell.edu/garden/get-activities/signature-projects/the-three-sisters-exploring-an-iroquois-garden/how-to-plant-the-three-sisters/

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