Midwest SOARRING returns to Naper Settlement for Harvest Pow Wow

Posted September 23, 2009 11:00 pm

By Sara Hooker

Yes, there will be plenty of feathers and dancing at the 15th annual Harvest Pow Wow at Naper Settlement.

And yes, there will be Native American songs and storytelling this weekend in Naperville.

But if organizers have their way, the most important thing visitors will come away with is a greater understanding of Midwest SOARRING's cause: promoting an attitude of "can," protecting the environment and respecting one another.

"We try to a have a cultural gathering that has a great meaning for us," said Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, president and founder of Midwest SOARRING. "It highlights our culture and gives people a chance to dance and socialize and for others to come and learn more about us."

Midwest SOARRING, which stands for Save Our Ancestors Remains and Resources Indigenous Network Group, was founded in 1996 and works toward getting back ancestors' remains, promoting the environment, honoring veterans and fostering a positive attitude.

For hundreds of years, powwows served as the pinnacle of all social gatherings for often nomadic tribes. It was where American Indians conducted business and pleasure.

That still holds true today, Schranz said.

"In the old days, a powwow was a place where you renewed old friendships, a place where you might meet a mate. It was all matters of social functions. Most of the tribes were nomadic and did a lot of traveling, but there were certain points where people gathered for social functions," he said.

"In a good powwow these days, you might meet a mate there. We still do business. It has great meaning to us, one that is done the right way."

Gates open at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Dancers will make a grand entry at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.

The grand entry on Saturday afternoon includes a special honoring of veterans and a welcome from Naperville Mayor George Pradel.

Following that is hoop dancing by the Stonefish Girls, an honor dance recognizing the elders and performances by singer Mark Cleveland and native flute player Al Jewer.

Dancers and musicians will repeat their performances after all three grand entries.

Anywhere from 60 to 100 dancers will travel from across the country to participate.

"The dancers come because they love to dance," said Janet Sevilla, vice president of operations for Midwest SOARRING. "They'll be dressed in their regalia, and they have it in their hearts and that's why they'll come from all over to dance."

Ojibwe elder Nick Hockings will give cultural presentations such as fire starting, storytelling and talks on the Ojibwe culture from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

About 35 to 40 vendors will sell crafts and jewelry. Some vendors will do cultural demonstrations at their booths.

An authentic birch-bark canoe will be on hand, as well as a couple of teepees for the public to tour.

SOAR Illinois, an organization dedicated to saving American raptors and educating the public, will be there with some rehabbed birds, including a bald eagle.

People will be able to download "Spirit the Seventh Fire" for free upon the first 1,000 requests.

There also will be a blanket dance, which is a special song for a special purpose. Money donated during the dance will be given to the Pine Ridge Orphanage on the Pine Ridge Reservation, located in South Dakota in one of the poorest counties in the United States.

The festivities wrap up at 10 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.

With about 300 members, Midwest SOARRING is responsible for saving hundreds of acres of sacred ground throughout the area, in addition to raising and repopulating the state with a 30-head bison herd in LeRoy, Ill.

Beyond the organization's other projects, members want to reinforce values of old.

"Respect in today's world is sort of in short supply, so we try to teach that," Schranz said. "We're happy to share our culture and we need to instill in our next generation about protecting and respecting Mother Earth."

For information about the powwow and Midwest SOARRING, visit midwestsoarring.org.

Midwest SOARRING organizers say they work to protect the environment and emphasize respect for one another. Daily Herald file photo

Harvest Pow Wow When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville Cost: $8 adults, $5 children and seniors; group discounts and weekend passes available Info: (773) 585-1744 or <a href="http://midwestsoarring.org" target="new">midwestsoarring.org</a>

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