Midwest SOARRING brings back its popular pow wow despite economic concerns
Joseph Standing Bear Schranz has organized more than 50 pow wows in his life, each more important than the last.
This weekend Schranz and his organization, the Midwest SOARRING Foundation, will host its 17th annual Harvest Pow Wow at Naper Settlement. The organization's name is an acronym for Save Our Ancestors Remains and Resources Indigenous Network Group.
"Every year we're excited about something, but this year, I've got to be honest, I'm excited that we still exist and are able to put on this event," Schranz said. "The economy has been tough on everyone and there were times that we thought we may not be able to pull it off. But it's too important to the preservation of our Native American values and sharing of our culture, so we're back for a 17th year."
And they're doing it with all the dancing, drumming, crafts, artwork and food that have made the event so popular.
There will be plenty of activities for guests to participate in from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25.
More than 100 traditional Native American dancers from across the country will make their grand entrance at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
"You've got to see how beautiful this is," Schranz said. "It's becoming more and more rare to see so many dancers in one place at one event."
New this year will be a Hawaiian dance performance at 5 p.m. Saturday. Schranz said the organization tries to highlight different areas of the country each year.
Other highlights this year include Al Jewer playing native flute at 5 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday; and presentations featuring Deshka the American Bald Eagle and other birds of prey from noon to 5 p.m. each day by Save Our American Raptors, an organization dedicated to the conservation of native birds of prey.
A special kids corner will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days for children to make crafts, and visitors of all ages can try Native American food such as Indian tacos and squash soup. More than 40 vendors will be selling Native American crafts from jewelry to blankets.
Schranz said he hopes the event continues to draw just as many non-Native Americans as years past.
"This is a chance to educate. You're seeing beautiful beads and blankets, but there is so much history and culture behind each of those items," he said. "The history books and school books haven't always been so kind to us, so we want all people to come join with us and see for themselves."
If you go
What: Midwest SOARRING Foundation's 17th annual Harvest Pow Wow
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and children daily; $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and children for a 2-day pass; free for children younger than 5
Info: (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.museum or midwestsoarring.org