Native American vets to gather at Cantigny
A national gathering of American Indian veterans at Cantigny Park and First Division Museum will celebrate the history of Native Americans' service to the U.S. military.
The gathering is 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Admission is free.
Among the weekend's highlights will be the premiere of "The Untold Story," a documentary about American Indian veterans. Many may not know about the Eagle Feather Staff, our nation's first flag, or that some Native American veterans fought for this country even before the U.S. government granted them citizenship.
"This is the first event of its kind," said Joe Podlasek, chief executive officer of Trickster Art Gallery in Schaumburg and event organizer.
"All tribes and veterans of all wars are welcome, and what a history lesson this will be for those who attend. It's a remarkable opportunity to listen to the veteran voices and say 'thank you,' native style."
Visitors will be informed and entertained during the two-day gathering, organized by Podlasek and the Native Veterans' Group of Illinois. Among the guest speakers will be World War II veteran Charles Norman Shay and officials from the U.S. Pentagon. Other activities include:
• Bikers' Ride in memory of fallen warriors;
• "Live Art" by Bunky Echo-hawk, a native artist currently featured at The Field Museum;
• 3K Walk/Run to promote health and wellness;
• Native and nonnative arts, crafts and food vendors;
• Live music and comedy performances;
• Chicago Blackhawks fully signed team hockey stick to be raffled;
• "Veterans Voices" breakfast and conference;
• American Red Cross blood drive; and
• Jessie Brown Nurses' Station and Hines Medical Mobile Unit.
Admission and parking are free for attendees. For information or veteran registration, visit trickstergallery.com. Inquiries should be directed to info@trickstergallery.com or (847) 301-2090.
Located in Schaumburg, Trickster Art Gallery is the only Native American-owned and -operated arts institution in Illinois and is dedicated to providing space for first-voice, multicultural arts, veterans, and social justice issues related to these areas.
The gallery features contemporary Native American art (post-1960s) and sponsors speakers, panel discussions, school tours and educator workshops, along with organizing the Native American veterans on the ice for the national anthem during the Chicago Blackhawks' season and playoffs.
If you go
What: Gathering of Native American veterans
When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, and 7:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free
Info: (847) 301-2090 or trickstergallery.com