Elgin museum to present Native American dancers
On Saturday, Oct. 1, Elgin Public Museum will present the annual Native American Cultural Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Lords Park. Admission is free. Special guests this year will be the Black Hawk Performance Company from Chicago, who will be performing in the afternoon after the Bison Blessing at noon.
The Black Hawk Performance Company comes out of the American Indian Association of Illinois. Created in 1984 by Carlos (Zeke) Peynetsa, Zuni-Isleta, it is the oldest American Indian Dance and performing arts company in the Midwest.
The Black Hawk Performance Company seeks to honor the many tribes who have made Illinois their home. Black Hawk is one of the most famous American Indian leaders remembered.
The head singer and dancer of the Black Hawk, Zeke Peynetsa is the oldest and most experienced American Indian singer and dancer in Illinois. His story has appeared on WTTW, Chicago Tribune, Medill News and other publications. He is also a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Medicine Shield Program, with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts.
The pow wow and performance drum, which provides the music for the Black Hawk dancers, is the Been Na Un Dennah Drum Group, which was founded by Zeke Peynetsa, Butch Deloney and Dorene Wiese in 2005 to celebrate American Indian higher education and to promote multi-tribal community unity.
The Black Hawk Performance Company performs for thousands of children every year and provides an outlet for American Indian experienced talent to share Native cultures with the general public. It also provides a venue for young Native people to learn to celebrate the many tribal songs and dances that enrich our lives as tribal people.
Songs and dances include traditional flag, veteran, grass dance, jingle dance, women and men's traditional. These songs are sung in Ho-Chunk, Zuni, Lakota, Navajo and English. Special dances include Zuni songs, Navajo songs, Shield Dances, Calumet Pipe Dances and audience participation through social dances such as the round dance. Children and families are encouraged to participate.
Historic lessons are provided by Dr. Dorene Wiese, who describes all songs, dances, instruments and regalia presented. Questions are encouraged.
Members of the BHPC speak five different Native languages and present oral history, storytelling, flute playing and traditional as well as modern music in their presentations.
For details, visit elginpublicmuseum.org or call (847) 741-6655.