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Native American actor to take part in Harvest Pow Wow

The animated wolves in the Twilight movies look familiar to Naperville resident Denise Kinsey.

She and her wolf dog, Suka, are ambassadors for Wolf Mountain, a wolf sanctuary in Southern California where the wolves were photographed and videotaped and later reproduced in the blockbuster movies.

Kinsey, Suka, and Twilight actor Chaske Spencer will connect the dots between this wild animal and its spiritual connection to Native Americans at this year's annual Harvest Pow Wow, running Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22 and 23, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

"We refer to them as our spirit brothers," Kinsey said. "We always walked side by side with the wolves. It's a very spiritual thing."

Organized by Midwest SOARRING Foundation, an organization that educates about the Native American culture, the Harvest Pow Wow includes native dances and performances, educational demonstrations, authentic food and items for sale.

"We're very much concerned with the protection of all animals, including the wolf," said Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, founder and president of Midwest SOARRING. "We have several spiritual animals - the bear, eagle, hawks and wolves are (each) one of them."

As always, a highlight of the weekend is the Grand Entry of more than 60 people in full Native American regalia performing traditional dances and songs. The Grand Entries take place at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Spencer, a Native American actor who plays lead werewolf Sam Uley in "The New Moon" and "Breaking Dawn" movies, appears from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

A special VIP session with the actor takes place from noon to 1 p.m. for $25 per person, which includes admission to the pow wow and refreshments.

SOAR Illinois will show off Deshka, the American Bald Eagle, and other birds of prey from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The Hana Hou Hula Native Hawaiian dancers will perform hula dances and fire dances at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Listen to native storytelling or native flute player Al Jewer, or check out the 18-foot teepee.

A children's area open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days includes crafts, games, educational information and flintknapping, which is making arrowheads.

Throughout the weekend, native dances and drumming take place and items can be purchased such as turquoise jewelry, beads, baskets, drums, moccasins and blankets.

As for Kinsey and Suka, the duo often visits schools and educates people about wolves and their domesticated counterparts, wolf dogs like Suka. Kinsey also works with Wolf Mountain to rescue and place wolf dogs throughout the country.

"They're a high-maintenance animal. It's an animal that you can't leave in your house alone while you go work a 12-hour day," she said.

That said, Suka is often the guest at many a tea party hosted by Kinsey's 4-year-old granddaughter. That's the difference between wolf dogs, who are socialized, and wolves that cannot be approached by a human wearing sunglasses or who may be afraid, Kinsey said. Wolves smell fear.

Kinsey and Suka will interact with people and show off her wolflike physical characteristics during the pow wow.

Admission to the Harvest Pow Wow is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and children ages five to 12 and free to children age 5 and younger.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call (773) 585-1744 or visit midwestsoarring.org.

Grand Entries are among the highlights of the annual Harvest Pow Wow at Naper Settlement. Processions are at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. Daily Herald File Photo
People of Native American heritage travel from around the country to the Harvest Pow Wow at Naper Settlement to carry forward and share the traditions of their tribes. Daily Herald File Photo
Visitors can see red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey — including a bald eagle — in presentations by SOAR Illinois during the Harvest Pow Wow at Naper Settlement. Daily Herald File Photo
The Harvest Pow Wow, organized by Midwest SOARRING Foundation, showcases Native American culture through dance, music, clothing, food and more this weekend at Naper Settlement. Daily Herald File Photo

If you go

If you go

What: Harvest Pow Wow

When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23

Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

Cost: $8 adults, $5 for seniors and ages 5 to 12; free for younger children

Info: (773) 585-1744 or midwestsoarring.org

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