Naperville celebrates 20th annual Harvest Pow Wow

The 20th annual Harvest Pow Wow took place Saturday and Sunday in Naperville, turning the Naper Settlement grounds into a celebration of Native American life and culture.

Organizers stressed, though, that the goals behind the event go beyond the concerns of any one cultural group.

"Our hope is that people leave realizing how important it is to have respect for all people," said Joseph Standing Bear, president of the Westchester-based Midwest SOARRING Foundation, which organized the pow wow. "We're trying to establish a kind of cultural exchange here."

The Harvest Pow Wow gave visitors a chance to experience Native American music, dancing, clothing, artwork and more. Members of different Native American tribes from several Midwest states participated.

Among the pow wow's highlights were Saturday's dramatic Grizzly Bear Dance, performed by a woman wearing a bearskin, and the Grand Entry, a boisterous introduction of all of the event's dancers, along with a salute to area military veterans. The Grand Entry took place on both Saturday and Sunday.

"When you witness things like the Grizzly Bear Dance, it's hard not to be touched by the spiritual nature of it," Joseph Standing Bear said. "I hope some of the people felt touched by that."

This year's pow wow occurred at a time of increased dialogue about the use of Native American symbols in the logos and names of professional sports teams. Joseph Standing Bear said he believes the ongoing debate shows that respect for native cultures is on the rise.

"We still have a way to go, but I'm glad to see the discussion happening," he said.

Beth Winkelman of Naperville brought her son and daughter to the Pow Wow on Sunday.

"We came to this before, I think it was two years ago," she said. "It's a nice event. It gives you a look at Indian culture that you just don't get to see very often. I know my kids love to see the colorful clothing, and the dancing."

The Harvest Pow Wow is one of two that the Midwest SOARRING Foundation organizes every year. The other, known as the Honore the Eagle Pow Wow, takes place in Starved Rock State Park in downstate Utica.

The Harvest Pow Wow has called Naperville home for 10 of its 20 years. It is funded in part by a grant from the city.

"We're so thankful to Naperville for being such a great host," Joseph Standing Bear said. "This is always such a wonderful pow wow for us."