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/

April 23, 2014

2014 WINTER & SPRING CULTURAL EVENTS

The memorable snowy winter of 2014 was enriched by a steady schedule of events at the Midwest SOARRING Foundation Cultural Center. These included two cultural talks in the Fireside Series, a hoop earring beading class for all ages, spring Solstice ceremony, and monthly women’s group meetings.

February featured Fireside Series talk given by Terry Lee Gasdia on “Art, Storytelling, and My Hopi Culture.” Terry is of Hopi and Akimel O’odahm descent and a Native American sculptor and carver. Terry Gasdia with Katsina Sculpture[/caption]He learned the art of oil painting and traditional Hopi Katsina doll carving from his grandfather. Influenced by his grandparents teachings growing up, Terry experienced the importance of Hopi culture and art.

Terry Gasdia with Katsina Sculpture

Thus, in his talk Terry shared some of these traditional teachings and stories, handed down from generations and memories, which influence the creation of each of his unique pieces.

In March, Janet Smith-Petersen spoke about “My Love Affair with Indian Jewelry. “ Janet is the owner of The Sundance Gallery located in Downers Grove, Illinois. She opened her gallery in 1984 and since then has devoted her life to the mission of promoting and preserving Native American Arts. As her business grew, she established relationships with many Native American artists and was invited by the Southwest Association on Indian Affairs (SWAIA) to judge at the famed Santa Fe Indian Market. Those in attendance at her talk at the Midwest SOARRING Cultural Center were fascinated to learn about different tribal styles of jewelry, turquoise facts, and the history of the native jewelry industry along with jewelry making techniques.

Nina Gilhang, of the Houma Nation, conducted a beaded hoop earring class for all ages which was well attended. On March 20, a Spring Equinox ceremony was organized by Joseph Standing Bear Schranz. Those gathered participated in prayers and talking circle as the warm spring sunshine illuminated the Cultural Center grounds.

Upcoming spring events at the Midwest SOARRING Cultural Center include two Fireside Series presentations. The first, held on April 19 featured Ron Kanutski (Little Medicine Wheel Cloud) of the Lake Helen Reserve/Red Rock Band near Thunder Bay, Ontario. On the first warm, sunny afternoon a large group of participants sat in a circle, savoring their first outdoor campfire of the season. Ron shared Ojibway traditional teachings and songs while many accompanied him on their drums. Everyone enjoyed the sense of camaraderie in the outdoor setting, where the recreated Native village will soon be built.

Drum Circle with Ron Kanutski, MSF Cultural Center

Future events include a Comcast Cares Volunteer Work Day scheduled for Saturday, April 26 which will focus on the spring garden planting and Phase II of the Native Village construction, and a presentation on May 17 with Don Clarke who will share his expertise of the Stinging Nettle plant and the art of weaving it into bags. A second annual Native Arts and Crafts show is scheduled for the weekend of June 21 and 22.

Everyone is welcome to attend Midwest SOARRING Foundation activities to learn more about the fascinating Native American culture, an important part of our heritage. Check our calendar of events for the up-to-date schedule.

January 12, 2014

2013 FALL SUMMARY

The later half of 2013 proved to be a full and productive year for Midwest SOARRING Foundation. The calendar of monthly events included beading workshops, Fireside Talks, a first Tiospaye Honor Ceremony, and monthly Women’s Group meetings, Fall Equinox and Winter Soltice observances, in addition to the annual Harvest Pow Wow held in September.

MIDWEST SOARRING FIRESIDE TALKS

Midwest SOARRING Foundation hosted the first Fireside Talk, given by Cindy Hicks-Orth, Director and Founder of Giving Back To Wounded Knee Foundation on July 27, 2014 at the Westchester Public Library. Hicks-Orth presented on “Together In The Spirit” and covered the history and current day affairs on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota, two of the three most poverty stricken counties in the country. Hicks is of Shawnee ancestry and spends much of her summers planning and organizing her foundation’s annual Give Away for the Ogalala Lakota and Rosebud Sicangu Reservations in South Dakota.

President/Founder of Giving Back To Wounded Knee Foundation, Cindy Hicks-Orth

As an activist for Native American issues, Hicks speaks on issues current and relevant to the people she serves, and those issues of historical value that may not be so familiar with “outsiders.” Hicks brought with her a large display gallery of Native American artifacts and books for the public to peruse. She was grateful to receive a truckload of donations from Midwest SOARRING Foundation members for her annual fall GiveAway.

Dave Nordin presented the second Fireside Talk on October 19, 2013 at the Midwest SOARRING Foundation Cultural Center. Nordin holds a BA in Modern European History in addition to his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law. He spoke on the “Similiaries and Interaction Between the Native Nations and the Colony of New Sweden.” His fascinating talk introduced awareness of an immigrant group whose behavior did not fit the more common pattern of exploitation, deception, and violence in North America.

CALL TO ACTION

In early October Midwest SOARRING joined a rally in support of Racine Mounds, a cemetary where Indian burial mounds are located. Initially the funeral home sought to buy a piece of cemetery where Indian remains were located, yet, upon consultation with the Ho-Chunk Nation, backed out of the deal.

TIOSPAYE HONOR CEREMONY

On October 12, 2013 Midwest SOARRING Foundation held its first annual Tiospaye Honor Ceremony to honor family and friends who have passed on. A potluck dinner was held after the ceremony to encourage sharing and sense of community among participants.

Medicine Wheel

MSF WOMEN’S GROUP

This year the Midwest SOARRING Foundation Women’s Group has met monthly (fourth Friday of every month) at 7pm at the Cultural Center. The well attended event encourages women gathering to share their life cultural experiences and build camaraderie with one another. November included a pipe ceremony with Joseph Standing Bear Schranz.

ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING & VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY PARTY

The Annual Members Meeting was held on November 16, 2013. Board members were elected for the coming year, and Joseph Standing Bear Schranz gave a review of the struggles, successes, and celebrations of the organization since last October. He also provided an overview of future plans and aspirations which included initiating Phase II of the Recreated Native Village. Members enjoyed a tasty potluck dinner during the meeting.

A month later, holiday festivities were celebrated at the annual MSF Members and Volunteer Holiday Party at the Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet. A candlelight walk preceded the dinner and fellowship. Afterwards the annual tradition of sharing a handmade ornament for the Spirit tree occurred. This is a time of heartfelt sharing in community, giving thanks for the learnings, goodness and blessings bestowed on members lives during the past year. Members brought gifts of winter hats, mittens, non-perishable food items, household goods, or a new toys for those in need living on reservations.

PHASE II of RECREATED NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE

Midwest SOARRING is happy to report that many saplings have been cut in preparation for the Longhouse building which will begin this spring on the Cultural Center grounds. Comcast Cares will return to assist with the preparation and planting of the Midwest SOARRING garden in May. A meeting has been scheduled in January to plan the garden.

October 22, 2013

19th Annual Harvest Pow Wow

A crisp autumn weekend greeted over 6,000 participants at the 19^th Annual Harvest Pow Wow which took place Sept. 21 & 22, 2013 at the Naper Settlement, Naperville, IL. As an intertribal event, the pow wow welcomed Native American dancers and vendors from across the country. This annual gathering allows the greater Chicago metro residents to experience Native American culture in a way not possible through other media sources. The city of Naperville provided partial funding with a SECA grant for the event.

Over thirty vendor booths at Harvest Pow Wow

The family friendly event had something for everyone. Participants savored the beautiful autumn weather.

With over thirty vendors selling Native American arts and crafts, there was plenty of opportunity to shop for authentic clothing, jewelry, music, foods, and herbal remedies. Children’s crafts included activities such as sand painting, beading, weaving, and flintknapping (arrowhead making.) S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors) exclusive to Midwest SOARRING Foundation pow wows, brought Deshka, the American Bald Eagle and other birds of prey for display. A popular exhibit allowed the public to view and take close-up photos of owls and hawks, and learn about their care.

Many families were fascinated by the authentic Elmbark wigwam recreated by an expert craftsman. He had carefully studied drawings and written descriptions of Woodland Indians native to the Midwest. Built as a hunting lodge, the wigwam was complete with beds made of stinging nettle cords, hides, and cornhusk mattresses.

In the main arena, Native American dancers stepped in time with the drumbeat in colorful regalia specific to their chosen dance style. Thorpe and Nicole Sine, as head male and lady dancers, entertained the audience with their award winning style of dance.

The Native American drum is sacred and is viewed as the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The head drum for the Harvest Pow Wow was the Milwaukee Bucks. Two other invited drum groups from Wisconsin, Little Thunder and Sawanohsaeh Singers provided the rhythm and singing for the weekend.

The Little Bear Hoop Dancers from the Menominee Tribal School in Wisconsin demonstrated intricate dance steps with a series of hoops. Of special importance was the veteran honoring ceremony held at conclusion of each Grand Entry during the weekend. Selected veterans at each session were given the Warrior Medal of Valor.

Head Lady and Male Dancers
Thorpe and Nicole Sine

An honor blanket was given Saturday to Herman Logan, and on Sunday to Hayna Sine for their outstanding contributions to the Native American community.

Saturday evening, special guest artist and two time Grammy award winner, Robert Mirabal from Taos Pueblo, sang, played Native flute, and told stories of his people. Mirabal was sponsored by Closet Works, a Chicago area custom closet retail store. A special VIP reception was held earlier in the day where ticket holders had the opportunity to meet and greet the Native American celebrity and have their picture taken with him. Participants also had the opportunity to hear him play and answer questions in a more intimate setting.

Sunday morning the Aztec dancers blessed the crowd by burning sacred herbs, drumming, and synchronized dance steps. All wore traditional Aztec regalia. The 19th annual pow wow came to a festive close, with plans already in the works for next year’s 2oth celebration, to be held September 20 & 21, 2014. Visit us again soon for more details on next year’s 20th Harvest Pow Wow celebration.

July 28, 2013

Robert Mirabal at Sep 2013 Pow Wow

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to the 19^th Annual Midwest SOARRING Foundation Pow Wow! Our special guest is the world renowned Pueblo musician, Robert Mirabal who will perform on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 5pm in the arena, located on the grounds of the Naper Settlement.

Everyone also has the opportunity to purchase tickets for a VIP session with Robert Mirabal at 2:30pm on Saturday. Seats are limited and can only be purchased online.

Special Guest Robert Mirabal

Robert Mirabal is a Pueblo musician and Native American Flute Player and Maker from Taos Pueblo, NM. His flutes are prized for their excellent artistic quality and have been displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of the American Indian. An award-winning musician, he performs worldwide, sharing flute songs, tribal rock, dance and storytelling.

Mirabal was twice named the Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year and received the Songwriter of the Year award three times He has also published a book of storytelling poetry and prose. Mirabal is a father and a farmer, living in Taos Pueblo and participates in the traditional way and rituals of his people. Learn more about Robert Mirabal. Mirabal’s VIP session and performance is sponsored by Closet Works.

Sunday Performance by Aztec Dance Group Ocelotl-Cihauacoatl

Performing in the pow wow arena on Sunday at 11:30am is the Aztec dance group, Ocelotl-Cihauacoatl. Aztec dance involves a positive attitude toward every aspect of life, including the worship of nature as it is a gift provided by the Creator.

This indigenous dance style worships the sun so that it will appear every day to help the crops produce and provide light for the harvest.

Aztec Dance Group Oceloti-Chihuacoatl

The specific dance movements are a prayer for cosmic harmony. Each dancer performs a series of movements such as serpent like actions to represent fertility, squatting on the floor to convey the earth and crops, twirling in the air as a reference to the soul, alternating backward and forward steps symbolic of fire, and zigzag steps illustrating the movement of water. Individual focus on being attentive so they can become one entity. Read more about Danza Azteca.

Read more about the 19th Annual Harvest Pow Wow highlights, and purchase advance discounted tickets online. Download a pow wow flyer.

Midwest SOARRING Foundation looks forward to seeing everyone at the 19th Annual Harvest Pow Wow. We also invite you to become a member of our organization. and join our mailing list.

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