Elgin museum to celebrate Native American culture
You don’t have to go back in time 8,000 years to experience a Native American bison blessing. Elgin Public Museum has been doing it for the past eight years.
On Saturday, Oct. 1, visitors to the museum at Lords Park can take part in the blessing — and learn how to dance and make crafts — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Native American Cultural Day.
“The museum tries to get a different performing group each year to educate the public on different culture,” said Sara Russell, education coordinator at Elgin Public Museum.
Special guests this year include the Black Hawk Performance Group from Chicago. Performance coordinator Zeke Peynetsa is one of the oldest and most experienced American Indian singers in Illinois.
The group provides both an outlet for experienced Native American talent to share traditions with the general public and a venue for young Native people to learn to celebrate the many tribal songs and dances that enrich lives.
“Our dances include the dancers interacting with the audience,” said Peynetsa.
Dances will include grass dance, jingle dance and women and men’s traditional. Songs are sang in Ho-Chunk, Zuni, Lakota, Navajo and English. Special performances will include Zuni songs, Navajo songs, shield dances and Calumet pipe dances.#147;We like to educate in a positive way and not in a negative #145;Hollywood#146; performance way,#148; said Peynetsa.#148;Performances will include oral history, storytelling, flute playing, traditional and modern music. Educator Dorene Wiese will discuss the history of Native American songs, dances and instruments. #147;There will be a lot of arts and crafts, such as instruments, for sale,#148; Russell said.Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and participate in crafts such as finger weaving. Samples of corn bean squash that was grown in the museum#146;s park will be available.For details, call the Elgin Public Museum at (847) 741-6655. Elgin Public Museum is at 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Admission is free.