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Ojibwey Calendar

Ojibwe Calendar
By Nick Hockings -
Ojibwe Elder

Past Events >

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All virtual programs will be held using Zoom unless otherwise noted. Please register at www.midwestsoarring.org/php/eventreg.php to attend these virtual events via zoom.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

PRIVATE DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell

Thursday, August 29th, 2024, doors open 6:30pm, movie 7pm

Ticket prices: Adults $7, Seniors and children $5

You are invited to a private screening and fundraiser for Midwest SOARRING Foundation of "The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell," directed by Susan Kelsey. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Susan Kelsey. The film sheds light on a pivotal figure in Illinois history, Billy Caldwell, the son of a Mohawk woman and British Army captain, as a key leader in early Chicago. You can download a flyer (here).

 

THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE REVOLUTION
Electric Cars are for Everyone

Thursday, September 26th, 2024 6pm CT

Presentation by Tracey McFadden

The presentation will cover topics such as:

Tracy McFadden is the Vice President of the Fox Valley Electric Auto Association based in Naperville IL. He also works with the Illinois Sierra Club Lobby team and the Chicago Climate Reality Project’s Electric Vehicle Campaign Task Force. He is a member of the National Electric Auto Association.

Tracey retired as Captain after 31 years as a pilot for American Airlines to pursue his passion for spreading the word about the benefits of driving electric vehicles. Tracey frequently gives presentations around Chicagoland on the benefits of driving electric vehicles and plans local EV demonstration events.

This is a Virtual meeting using ZOOM. While we do not charge for our Zoom presentations, we do encourage attendees to consider making a small donation to Midwest SOARRING Foundation. Please register for this event here. Zoom details will be emailed to registered attendees a few days prior to the presentation.

 

SOARRING 2024 Standing Bear Market

Lat Saturday of the month, 6/29, 7/27, 8/31, 9/28 10am-4pm
I & M Parking Lot, Lockport Historic Train Station
133 West 13th Street, Lockport, IL. 60441

Midwest SOARRING Foundation invites you, your family and neighbors to attend the summer Standing Bear Market beginning June 29th, and continuing through September the last Saturday of the month, from 10am to 4pm.

Market takes place rain or shine.

Interested in vending? Please email Amy Byrne at amy.byrne@midwestsoarring.org

 

SOARRING Solstice Ceremony

Saturday, June 15, 2024, 11am CT
Mckee House Building, Churchill Woods Forest Preserve
St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn, IL. 60137

Join Midwest SOARRING Foundation in celebration of the summer solstice in front of the MeKee House building. Joseph Standing Bear Schranz will lead the ceremony. Enjoy watching Ocelotl-Cihuacoatl Aztec dancers, listen to Native flute music with Bill Buccholtz, and peruse Indigenous vendor booths.

Everyone is invited to share fellowship and good times together. All are welcome at our family friendly event. Plenty of free parking. Dress for the weather. Event takes place rain or shine.

 

Defending Water, Defending Life

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, 10am CT

SOARRING invites you to join an educational zoom event titled, Defending Water, Defending Life by Dr. Al Gedicks. This event is provided by the Tamarack Water Alliance (www.tamarackwateralliance.org).

Metallic sulfide mine conflicts from the Great Lakes Region to El Salvador have all revolved around the effects of mining on water and the rights of rural and Indigenous communities to defend themselves against ecologically destructive mining projects.

Dr. Al Gedicks is an environmental sociologist and Indigenous rights activist and scholar. He has written extensively about Indigenous and popular resistance to ecologically destructive mining and oil projects. In 1977 he founded the Center for Alternative Mining Development Policy and assisted the Mole Lake Sokaogon Ojibwe Tribe in successfully resisting Exxon's proposed metallic sulfide mine upstream from the tribe's wild rice beds. He is the executive secretary of the Wisconsin Resources Protection Council and presently working with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and the Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River to oppose the proposed Back Forty sulfide mine next to the Menominee River on the Wisconsin-Michigan border.

Register for this zooom event to receive the Zoom link at www.midwestsoarring.org/php/eventreg.php?eid=20.

 

Midwest SOARRING Book Club

Second Saturday of every month starting May 11, 2024 2pm
Location: Medicine Wheel Garden Circle at Heritage Village
249 W 2nd St, Lockport, IL 60441

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/events/1120647536030008/

First book: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmer

Embark on a journey of discovery with us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Native American literature. Whether you're passionate about history, captivated by storytelling, or eager to explore diverse perspectives, our book club offers a vibrant space for exploration and discussion.

From thought-provoking non-fiction to captivating fiction, our selections feature works by talented Native American authors spanning a wide range of topics and age groups. Through the power of storytelling, we aim to illuminate the depth and diversity of Native American experiences, voices, and cultures.

Open to all who share a curiosity and reverence for Indigenous wisdom and heritage, our book club invites readers of every background to join in the exploration. Let's come together to learn, empathize, and celebrate the vibrant narratives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Join us in honoring and amplifying Native American voices. Let's read, reflect, and soar together! We invite you to read the book ahead of time and bring it with you to share your insights and best loved passages. Meeting takes place rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

If you are unable to attend in person, join our first Book Club session virtually to discuss Braiding Sweetgrass, by the beloved Potawatomi author Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Register for the Zoom event at us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApde-ppzgsG9XeWF304lJVUAkiTQrqliKz

Email hallie.s.morrison@midwestsoarring.org with any questions regarding joining virtually, and follow the Facebook event for further details.

 

Midwest SOARRING Women's Group

First Saturday of every month starting April 6, 2024 2pm
Location: Our Circle at Heritage Village
249 W 2nd St, Lockport, IL 60441

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/midwestsoarringwomenscircle

Our Women's Circle offers a sacred space for women to gather monthly amidst the serene backdrop of our Circle at Heritage Village. Bring along your drum, rattle, or flute as we come together to honor our ancestral traditions and foster a sense of community.

Join us as we delve into the teachings of our Medicine Wheel Garden, nurturing its growth and exploring the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through meaningful discussions, we will address women's issues, delve into Native American concerns, and brainstorm ways to enact positive change within our communities.

Within our Circle, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for preserving our heritage and sharing wisdom passed down through generations. Together, we will weave narratives of resilience, strength, and empowerment. Embrace the healing power of song as we raise our voices in harmony, celebrating the bonds that unite us and the spirits that guide us.

Above all, the Midwest SOARRING Women's Circle is a place of warmth and friendship, where new connections are forged, and old friendships are cherished. Join us as we embark on this journey of growth, learning, and sisterhood.

 

An Ojibwe Man's Perspective on Extractivism

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, 10am CT

SOARRING invites you to join an educational zoom event titled, An Ojibwe Man's Perspective on Extractivism by Nagaajiwanaang gichi-ayaa'aa/FDL Elder Ricky DeFoe. This event is provided by the Tamarack Water Alliance (www.tamarackwateralliance.org).

“Extractivism is a short-sighted model of development seen around the world that exploits natural resources on a massive scale, creating significant economic profits for the powerful few in the short term, but too often resulting in minimal benefits for the communities where these resources are found.” - columbanjpe.org/article/what-extractivism.

Register for this zooom event to receive the Zoom link at www.midwestsoarring.org/php/eventreg.php?eid=19.

 

SOARRING SPRING EQUINOX CEREMONY

Sunday, March 17, 2024 11am
Churchhill Woods Forest Preserve
St. Charkes & Swift Road
Glen Ellyn, IL.60138

SOARRING invites you to join our spring equinox ceremony. Joseph Standing Bear Schranz will lead the prayer.

Everyone is invited to share fellowship and good times together. All are welcome at our family friendly event. Plenty of free parking. Follow signs to the pavillion. Dress for the weather. Event takes place rain or shine.

 

SOARRING VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY PARTY & ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

Saturday December 9th, 2023 from 4pm - 9pm
Pilcher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive
Joliet, IL.60432

This gathering is a celebration of the community we build by the work we do. Please bring a side dish or desert to share. Main entrees, rolls, and beverages will be provided. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Dec. 6th at amybyrne815@gmail.com to let us know you are coming and how many are coming with you.

The annual members meeting will be held at 4pm. This will be followed by a candlelit walk at 5pm, and a 6pm dinner and fellowship. At 7pm we will take turns decorating the Christmas tree with your special ornament. Bring your own handmade ornament or borrow one of ours. We will take turns sharing the special meaning of each ornament and then hang them on our tree. The tree will stay decorated until after the holidays, on display at the Nature Center.

This event is free and open to all 2023 Midwest SOARRING volunteers and current members. Memberships can be renewed at the event. You can also renew online at https://www.midwestsoarring.org/joinup.php. No cost to paid members and volunteers, otherwise $10 per person. This is a drug and alcohol free event.

 

MSF ANNUAL HARVEST POW WOW

Saturday, Sunday, October 14 & 15, 2023

DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.

Download Harvest Pow Wow Flyer
Download Vendor Regulations
Download Vendor Application.
 

POW WOW HIGHLIGHTS

 

Note: all events/exhibits are subject to change.

Gate Admission:

See tickets prices. Tickets purchased online are not combinable with any other discounts.

No alchhol or drugs allowed. Sorry, no pets. Your admission fee supports MSF and its programs. Event subject to change. For up to date info call MSF 773.585.8613.

Programs and exhibits are subject to change. Check back for current updates.

PHOTOGRAPHY DISCLAIMER

Notice to all Pow Wow attendees and participants: There will be professional photographers taking pictures and video recording during the Harvest Pow Wow. With your entrance to the Pow Wow grounds, you are giving permission for Midwest SOARRING Foundation to use any photos of you which might appear in future promotional materials or advertising used in conjunction with future Pow Wow's.

 

SOARRING FEATURES TWO MOVIES AT ROXIE THEATER

Saturday, September 30, 2023 3pm & 5:30pm

Roxie Theater, 1017 S State St, Lockport, IL.

Spirit: Stallion of Cimarron (G), 3pm to 4:30pm
Set in the Old West in the late 19th century, the film follows Spirit, a Kiger mustang stallion, who is captured during the American Indian Wars by the United States Cavalry; he is eventually freed by a Lakota man named Little Creek with whom he bonds, as well as a mare named Rain.

Indian Horse (NR): 5:30pm-7:00pm
Follows the life of Native Canadian Saul Indian Horse as he survives residential school and life amongst the racism of the 1970s. A talented hockey player, Saul must find his own path as he battles stereotypes and alcoholism.

Tickets are $2 a movie. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.cityoflockport.net/872/Roxy-Movie-Events

 

SOARRING FALL EQUINOX CEREMONY

Saturday, September 23, 2023 11am CT

Churchill Woods Forest Preserve,St. Charles Rd and Swift Rd, Glen Ellyn, IL.

Midwest SOARRING Foundation invites you to join our fall equinox ceremony. All are welcome. Joseph Standing Bear Schranz will lead the prayer at the Churchill Pavillion shelter by the DuPage River at 11am.

At 12:30 we will gather in front of the historic McKee House alongside Churchill Woods off of St. Charles Road for Native dancing, drumming and celebration of SOARRING’s signing of the Native American Cultural and Environmental Center located in Glen Ellyn. Use parking lots east and west of McKee House.

Listen to native flute music by Bill Buccholtz, watch Native American dancing, explore the artifact table and peruse vendor booths. (Weather dependent).

Everyone is invited to share fellowship and good times together. All welcome at our family friendly event. Plenty of free parking. Follow signs to the pavillion. Dress for the weather. Event takes place rain or shine.

 

VIRTUAL TALK: ANCIENT TREES AND ANCIENT GENETICS

Saturday, February 11th, 2023 1pm CT

Presentation by David Milarch

On February 11, 2023 at 1pm CT Midwest Soarring Foundation is presenting a virtual zoom presentation titled “Ancient Trees and Ancient Genetics”. This topic is more important now than ever in helping reverse climate challenges.

Join David Milarch to learn about the importance of archiving the genetics of the world’s last old growth forest giants for future scientific research, providing educational opportunities to “propagate the propagators”, promoting historic botany projects, and raising public awareness in order to restore our arboricultural heritage for future generations.

Dave and his sons Jared and Jake founded the non-profit Champion Tree Project which evolved into the 501c3 Archangel Ancient Tree Archive in 2007. Together, they have traveled the globe to collect cuttings from ancient trees and clone them to save their genetics, eventually planting them back in the wild.

David Milarch is a third generation Nurseryman with over 40 years of experience in growing and supplying landscape trees for resale for the national market. Through the years, Mr. Milarch was aware that the longevity of trees planted in urban areas was declining, and his interest in extending the lifespan of these trees by introducing the genetics of old growth trees was a passion he followed.

Milarch has been awarded the following honors; Detroit News Michiganian of the Year, Grant Thornton Leader and Innovator Award, Garden Clubs of America Distinguished Service Award, National Daughters of the American Revolution National Conservation Medal, the National Garden Clubs Award of Excellence for Conservation, Biography Magazine’s Hero Award, and the Garden Clubs of America-Zone X Highest Award for Conservation. Archangel Ancient Tree Archive has also garnered global media coverage for close to two decades.

This is a Virtual meeting using ZOOM. While we do not charge for our Zoom presentations, we do encourage attendees to consider making a small donation to Midwest SOARRING Foundation. Please register for this event here. Zoom details will be emailed to registered attendees a few days prior to the presentation.

 

SOARRING VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY PARTY & ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

Sunday December 11, 2022 from 4pm - 9pm
Pilcher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive
Joliet, IL.60432

This gathering is a celebration of the community we build by the work we do. Please bring a side dish or desert to share. Main entrees, rolls, and beverages will be provided. Please RSVP Nick De La Roche by Thursday, Dec. 8 at guns-n-roses@att.net to let us know you are coming and how many are coming with you.

The annual members meeting will be held at 4pm. This will be followed by a candlelit walk at 5pm, and a 6pm dinner and fellowship. At 7pm we will take turns decorating the Christmas tree with your special ornament. Bring your own handmade ornament or borrow one of ours. We will take turns sharing the special meaning of each ornament and then hang them on our tree. The tree will stay decorated until after the holidays, on display at the Nature Center.

This year we are not collecting toys, food, or clothes for donations.

This event is free and open to all 2022 Midwest SOARRING volunteers and current members. Memberships can be renewed at the event. You can also renew online at https://www.midwestsoarring.org/joinup.php. No cost to paid members and volunteers, otherwise $10 per person. This is a drug and alcohol free event.

 

CORRECTED DATE: AN AFTERNOON OF SONGS & STORIES WITH RON KANUTSKI

Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 1-5pm
Glen Ellyn Historical Society
800 North Main Street
Glen Ellyn, IL 60138

Bring your hand drums or rattles and join Ron Kanutski in sharing songs, stories, and teachings of the Ojibwe (Anishnawbe) people to promote healing and the good life.

Ron's gift is his natural ability to bridge traditional Ojibwe healing methods and ceremonies shared by elders with mainstream healing modalities to provide unique learning experiences and opportunities.

For more information, Download Flyer

 

MIDWEST SOARRING 26th ANNUAL HARVEST POW WOW

Saturday & Sunday, November 12 & 13 2022
DuPage County Fairgrounds
215 Manchester Road.
Wheaton, IL 60187

For more info visit www.harvestpowwow.com
Download Pow Wow Flyer
Download Vendor Contract and Regulations

 

 

SOARRING Summer Solstice Ceremony

Sunday, June 19, 2022 11am

Churchill Woods Forest Preserve
St. Charles Road and Swift Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138

Midwest SOARRING and the Glen Ellyn Public Library invite you to join our summer solstice ceremony. Joseph Standing Bear Schranz will lead the prayer at the Churchill Pavillion shelter by the DuPage River. Then all will gather on the grounds of the historic McKee House and listen to an introduction of SOARRING's plans for the future of the site. Use parking lots east and west of the McKee House.

Watch Aztec Dancers Ocelotl-Cihuacoatl, listen to Native flute music by Bill Buccholtz, watch Native dancing, and explore the artifact table. Lawn chairs optional.Everyone is invited to share fellowship and good times together. All are welcome at our family friendly event. Plenty of free parking. Follow signs to the pavillion. Dress for the weather. Event takes place rain or shine.

 

 

Midwest SOARRING's Standing Bear Flea & Craft Market

Last Saturdays, May thru October 2022 10am-4pm

Parking Lot Adjacent to Route 171 (Archer Road)
Lockport Historic Train Station
133 W. 13th Street
Lockport, IL

Join Midwest SOARRING Foundation at our Standing Bear Flea and Craft Markets the last Saturday of the month, May through October. Shop for unique flea and craft market items set in the rustic, historic town of Lockport, IL. After shopping explore the scenic beauty of the I & M Canal, stop by the Midwest SOARRING Foundation Native American Cultural Center, and take in a meal at one of Lockport's eating establishments. Free admission and plenty of free parking.

We are still accepting vendor applications from individuals who sell a wide variety of items. Interested vendors may call Joseph Standing Bear Schranz for more information at 773.585.8613.

 

Midwest SOARRING's 2022 Community Picnic

Saturday, May 21, 2022 11am-3pm

Cardinal Pavillion at Dellwood Park
Lockport, IL.

Everyone is welcome to join us for pot luck picnic at beautiful Dellwood Park in Lockport. The location has a beautiful view and features wooded hiking trails, Frisbee golf, and a shelter. There’s a little gabezo, power outlet, and a grill which would help facilitate music, dancing, and hot food for the adventurous cooks out there. SOARRING will provide hamburgers for all.

Plenty of parking. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax on the grass. All ages welcome.We look forward to having fun together.

 

 

CHANGING CULTURE AND CLIMATE IN ALASKA'S TUNDRA

Saturday, April 9, 2022 1pm CT

Presentation by Abe Rivers and Dave Rappe

Alaska's Bering Sea coast is a place unlike most places in the country. Cold air from the Arctic Circle, high winds coming off the sea, and very long summer days and winter nights in a place with no connecting roads, accessible from the outside only by air and sea make for a living experience unlike most places. The Yup'ik people have been making the Yukon River delta their home for generations, with very little contact with the outside world prior to the 20th century. Everyday life here includes hunting, fishing, and gathering food, as well as basketball and video games. It's a little harder for people to get here from the outside, and it's a little harder for the modern world to come in as well. Keeping Yuuyaraq, the way of life, alive while embracing new technology is a balancing act.

Abe Rivers is a Yup'ik native of Scammon Bay. This has long been his family's home, and he has seen a lot of changes, both positive and negative. Dave Rappe is an elementary school teacher who came to rural Alaska from Chicagoland more or less by chance, and has found a home. When visiting family and friends “downstates,” he spends a lot of his time being asked about the different way of life in rural Alaska.

This is a Virtual meeting using ZOOM. While we do not charge for our Zoom presentations, we do encourage attendees to consider making a small donation to Midwest SOARRING Foundation. Please register for this event here. Zoom details will be emailed to registered attendees a few days prior to the presentation.

 

RESCHEDULED: BANNOCK BREAD BAKING AND OJIBWEY/CHIPPEWA LANGUAGE

Saturday, March 26th, 2022 1pm CT

Presentation by Ron Kanutski and his children

Join Ron Kanutski and his children live from Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada for a fun afternoon of Ojibway/Chippewa language and baking. The end result is piping hot bannock right in your very own home!

Ingredients:

Ryleigh Cook (age 7) is the owner of Ryleigh's Bake Shop and is an Anishinaabe from Mushkeegogamang. Her assistant is Carleigh Bottle (age 12) also from Mushkeegogamang. With the assistance of their God father (stove supervisor) Ron Kanutski Ojibway/Cree from the Red Rock Indian Band, they create amazing bannock bread. Ryleigh works on an online based bannock making shop which was created during the Covid lockdowns of 2021.

This is a Virtual meeting using ZOOM. While we do not charge for our Zoom presentations, we do encourage attendees to consider making a small donation to Midwest SOARRING Foundation. Please register for this event here. Zoom details will be emailed to registered attendees a few days prior to the presentation.

 

SPRING EQUINOX CEREMONY

Saturday, March 20, 2022 11am
Churchhill Woods Forest Preserve
St. Charles and Swift Road
Lombard, IL. 60148

SOARRING invites you to join our spring equinox ceremony. Joseph Standing Bear Schranz will lead the prayer followed by a water ceremony at the Churchill Pavilion shelter by the DuPage River.

Then we will gather on the grounds of the historic McKee House and listen to an introduction of SOARRING's plans for the future of the site. Use parking lots east and west of the McKee House.

Listen to native flute music played by Bill Buccholtz, watch native dancing, explore the artifact table, and peruse vendor booths. (Weather dependent.)

Everyone is invited to share fellowship and good times together. All are welcome at our family friendly event. Plenty of free parking. Follow signs to the pavilion. Dress for the weather. Event takes place rain or shine.

 

VIRTUAL TALK: WILD HORSES, REWILDING AND RE-CONNECTING
The solution to help eradicate climate change and environmental degradation

Saturday, January 8th, 2022 1pm CT

Presentation by Manda Kalimian

Mega droughts, heat domes, erratic weather patterns and pandemics are changing our world. But what if the solution to this crisis was right here and all we had to do was let the wild horses and nature remind us how to personally reconnect and rewild. Share my journey and Learn how the government is mis using the public lands and blaming the wild horses when they are actually the solution to rebuilding grassland ecology and a healthier and happier future for us all.

Manda Kalimian is the founder and president of the CANA Foundation, which for over a decade ago has worked to rewild America’s wild horses and land to promote environmental and climate sustainability. Through CANA, Manda has not only raised awareness of issues surrounding America’s wild horses and environmental destruction, she’s also led major change in Washington, including the effectuation of rewilding language for managing America’s wild horses in the FY2020 Interior Appropriations budget bill. A frequent speaker, she’s presented about horse and environmental topics at Cambridge University at the Cambridge Conservation Forum in England. She’s appeared in leading media, including on MSNBC’s Morning Joe.

Manda has spearheaded music videos, TV spots, Times Square Billboards and live events to share the message about wild horses globally. Manda is also a founding member of the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell, a nonpartisan institute that seeks to elevate the discourse and deepen understanding of volatile political and global events.

On her private farm on Long Island, she works with animal rescues ranging from horses to goats and welcomes visitors to learn through special workshops and exclusive salon events at her Rewilding Space. Manda is a passionate advocate for preserving the Native American culture and supports educational and health initiatives benefiting indigenous communities.

This is a Virtual meeting using ZOOM. While we do not charge for our Zoom presentations, we do encourage attendees to consider making a small donation to Midwest SOARRING Foundation. Please register for this event here. Zoom details will be emailed to registered attendees a few days prior to the presentation.

Past Events >

 


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