Ojibwe Calendar
By Nick Hockings -
Ojibwe Elder
Past Events >
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
For up to date events join the Midwest SOARRING Foundation email newsletter list for upcoming calendar event notifications click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
MIDWEST SOARRING 29th ANNUAL HARVEST POW WOW
Saturday, October 11, 11am-9pm
Sunday, October 12, 2025 11am-5pm
DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 N. Manchester Road,
Wheaton, IL
Join us for the Annual Midwest SOARRING Foundation Harvest Pow Wow. Bring your friends and family-- all are welcome at our family fun event. Our traditional Powwow is a time to celebrate life, renew friendships, and share our Native American culture through dance, drumming, art, and story telling. View the schedule and learn more at: Harvest Powwow.com
Highlights include a canoe exhibit, Incredible Bats & More, Ocelotl-Cihaucoatl Aztec Dancers, Hula 'O' Pua Dancers, Native flute playing, children's crafts, a veteran's honoring and of course plenty of Native American Dancing and Drumming throughout the day.
GRAND ENTRY: Saturday 1pm & 7pm, Sunday 1pm
GATE ADMISSION: Adults $17, Seniors 62+ $12,
Kids 3-12 $7, under 3 free. $30 Adult weekend pass. Discounted tickets available online ($14 Adults, $11 Seniors, Kids $6, weekend pass $26) purchase by
10/04/25 at harvestpowwow.com/tickets.html. Call for
group ticket price 773.585.8613.
Download Harvest Pow Wow Flyer
Download Vendor Application
SOARRING MEDICINE WHEEL GARDEN KEEPERS
Sat. Oct. 4, Thurs. Oct. 16, 2025 4pm-6pm
Heritage Village - Midwest SOARRING's Fire Circle
249 W. Second Street
Lockport, IL.60441
Join us as we tend to the Medicine Wheel garden, deepen our relationship with the land, and learn from one another in a spirit of respect and stewardship.
Our Medicine Wheel Garden is a space designed in the shape of a traditional medicine wheel, with four quadrants representing the four directions, the cycles of life, and our connection to all living things.
Please bring gloves, dress for the weather, and bring provisions to be comfortable (a cushion to sit on, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hat.)
FIRESIDE WISDOM: HONORING THE TRUTH OF OUR ELDERS
Wedesday, September 24, 11am-4pm
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Dr. - Lakeside Patio B
Elgin, IL 60123
All are welcome to gather around the fire with Midwest SOARRING President Joseph Standing Bear Schranz for timely teachings in this community listening circle.
Experience hand drum and jingle dress dancing by Sergio and Maritza, plus songs and stories from Algonquin/Metís flute player Bill Buchholtz Allison. Baked goods will be provided by previous Midwest SOARRING Princess and baker, Abaigeal Dempsey from Dempsey Cookie House!
FALL EQUINOX CELEBRATION
Saturday, September 21, 11am
Medicine Wheel Garden
Heritage Village
Lockport, IL
SOARRING invites you to join our Fall Equinox Ceremony at the Medicine Wheel Garden at the Heritage Village in Lockport.
CANCELLED: Monday Sept.22nd ceremony to be held in front of the McKee House.
MIDWEST SOARRING CULTURAL SHOWCASE
Sunday, September 14, 11am-4pm
Lockport Lincoln Landing
200 W 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441
Enjoy our Native American Cultural Showcase and Sweet Savory Crawl of Lockport. All Welcome. Family friendly event.
- Native American Dancing Performances
- Music & Games
- Kids Circle
- Face Painting
- Storytelling
- Craft & Food Vendors
Event takes place rain or shine. No weapons, drugs, or alcohol. Sorry no pets. Bring lawn chairs, friends, family and neighbors!. Event subject to change.
HEALING CEREMONY AT FIRE CIRCLE
Sunday, June 29, 2025 12pm
Heritage Village Medicine Wheel Garden Circle
249 W. Second Street
Lockport, IL.60441
Led by Midwest SOARRING Foundation President Joseph Standing Bear, this ceremony offers a space for spiritual and emotional healing. All are welcome—whether you are seeking healing for yourself, for a loved one, or simply wish to stand in support of those in need. Together, we will gather in community, reconnect with the medicine of the fire, and lift our prayers for strength, renewal, and wellness.
Please dress for the weather and bring a chair or blanket for your comfort.
SOARRING FIELD TRIP: MINOHSAYAKI 'PAINTED ROBES'- A PEEWAALIA AND MYAAMIA STORY OF RECLAMATION
RESCHEDULED:Saturday, June 28, 2025 Noon
Illinois State Museum
Lockport Gallery
201 W. 10th Street
Lockport, IL.60441
Midwest SOARRING Foundation invites you to join us for a special field trip to the Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery to experience Minohsayaki ‘Painted Robes’: A Peewaalia and Myaamia Story of Reclamation. This exhibit shares the powerful story of collaboration between the Peewaaliaki (Peoria Tribe), Myaamiaki (Miami Tribe), and non-Native scholars as they work together to reclaim the ancestral tradition of hide painting.
Through historical reflection and revitalized artistry, Minohsayaki shines a light on cultural preservation, intergenerational knowledge, and Indigenous resilience.
We will meet at the gallery entrance at 12:00 PM. This event is free and open to all—come learn, witness, and walk with us on this journey of reclamation.
SOARRING WOMEN'S CIRCLE
Saturday, June 28, 2025 2-4pm
Heritage Village Medicine Wheel Garden Circle
249 W. Second Street
Lockport, IL.60441
SOARRING's Women's Circle is open to all women seeking connection, healing, and sisterhood. Our theme is “Return to the Fire – Reconnecting with Nature, Spirit, and Sisterhood,” and we’ll gather in community to reflect, create, and share under the sky.
As part of this first gathering, we’ll also work together to help maintain and tend the fire circle—a physical act of care and stewardship for the land we gather on. Please bring gloves, a shovel if you have one, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. After sprucing up the space, we’ll build a fire together to open our time in ceremony.
We’ll continue with the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, followed by nature-inspired art, empowerment rituals, and a healing circle. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been with us before, you are welcome here.
Mark your calendars—SOARRING Women’s Circle will meet on the first Saturday of each month moving forward. I can’t wait to begin this journey with you. Let me know if you’re planning to attend!
Questions? Email Amy Byrne at amy.byrne@midwestsoarring.org
MEDICINE WHEEL GARDEN KEEPERS
Saturday, June 7, 2025 4pm
Heritage Village Medicine Wheel Garden Circle
249 W. Second Street
Lockport, IL.60441
Join us as we launch a new community-centered gardening group dedicated to the care and preservation of our Medicine Wheel Garden at Heritage Village. We’ll meet twice a month to tend the garden, deepen our relationship with the land, and learn from one another in a spirit of respect and stewardship.
The Medicine Wheel Garden is designed in the shape of a traditional medicine wheel, with four quadrants representing the four directions, the cycles of life, and our connection to all living things. Two quadrants are planted with sweetgrass and two with prairie sage, both of which hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in Native traditions.
Plant List
- Sweetgrass (Hierochloë odorata) is known as the hair of Mother Earth and is used for purification, healing, and bringing in positive energy.
- Prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is a powerful medicine used for protection, cleansing, and prayer.
Our first gathering will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM, following the SOARRING Women’s Circle. We’ll begin with an introduction to the garden, share our intentions for this new group, and do some light tending of the space. Please bring gloves, water, and any tools you’d like to use or share. All are welcome—whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply drawn to caring for this special place.
MEDICINE WHEEL GARDEN KEEPERS
RESCHEDULED: Thursday, May 22, 2025 5-7pm
Heritage Village Medicine Wheel Garden Circle
249 W. Second Street
Lockport, IL.60441
Join us in tending to our Medicine Wheel garden at Heritage Village. All are welcome to plant sweetgrass with us, and learn about our Medicine Wheel project for this year. Everyone will be able to take home some sweetgrass, too. Please bring your hand tools and water bottles, and dress for the weather.
We would be honored to incorporate any native plants you may be interested in donating to this special garden project. Please text Vicky with any questions or information regarding the native plants you may be bringing: 630-386-1247.
SOARRING INVITATION: THE GREAT LISTENING
January 28, 2025 from 4pm - 9pm
Elgin Community College
Room B180 & Zoom
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL.60123
Part two of Ancestral & Intercultural Healing with Dr. Lyla June Johnston will feature the famous Diné scholar, musician, and community leader, who brings teachings in this continued community conversation focused on intercultural and intergenerational healing, traditional land stewardship practices, and Indigenous rights.
Feel free to attend via Zoom or in-person. Those who attend in person will get to experience the delicious baked goods of previous Midwest SOARRING Princess Abaigeal Dempsey and Dempsey Cookie House!
Past Events >
