What Bill Brown hopes for those who come to the two-day pow-wow in Zion is that they experience the celebration of being with others, as well as learn about the Native American culture at a special place filled with oak trees.
Brown, a Cherokee Native American who lives near Zion, has been running the pow-wow with a committee since 1994. He chose Shiloh Park because of its link to the Potawatomi culture, which thrived before settlers came.
“That’s an old council area. It’s important history. It’s a special place. It has a good feeling. We’re up in the oak grove of the park and it’s just a beautiful place to be,” Brown said.
Those who come to the event Saturday and Sunday can listen to storytellers, watch craft demonstrations, visit exhibits and vendors, partake in traditional Native American foods, such as corn soup and observe and participate in traditional dance to the resounding beat of drums.
“The pow-wow gives them the chance to experience something that is not mainstream,” Brown said. “It gives them a picture an insight into someone else’s culture.”
Brown said he feels “proud that this is still going on. When you watch the dancing and listen to the drums, you know those drums are the heartbeat of our Mother Earth. As long as these drums are continuing to beat, Mother Earth is alive.”
Centuries ago, Native Americans bent oak saplings to indicate direction — and although most of the trail-marker trees are gone, one remains in Zion, protected in an undisclosed location, Brown said.
The pow-wow honors these people who created the markers. Sheridan and Green Bay roads in Lake County were built following the Native American trails.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., families can bring their own lawn chairs or use the chairs and bleachers provided. Crafters will chisel flint to make arrowheads and knives. A native food vendor will make traditional corn soup and fried bread. Families also can visit a Native American village set up in the park.
A grand entry will occur at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday when dancers enter the arena, carry their eagle staffs and honor elders through invocations, special songs and dances to the sound of drums. Then everyone is invited to dance.
A master of ceremonies will explain what’s happening in the arena, Brown said.
The public also can observe demonstrations of men’s and women’s dances, each wearing different outfits.
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“We also do a giveaway at noon on Sunday. We put things on a blanket that people can take as a gift. It might be some hand towels, toothpaste, shampoo, anything like that. It’s our way of showing we appreciate the people coming out, and it’s part of our nature to share.”
The pow-wow is intended to bring people together, as well as to experience something new, Brown said. Sometimes it’s to honor a family, other times to celebrate the beginning of a new season. Several years ago, the pow-wow was used to rededicate the trail marker tree in Zion, Brown said.
Each pow-wow has a different feel, he said, but in all cases, “It’s good to see people come out. There’s a place in the circle for all colors.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
Potawatomi Trails Pow-Wow
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: Shiloh Park, 1300 Shiloh Boulevard, Zion
Tickets: Adults $5; Children 6 to 12 $1; Children younger than 6 and ages 65 and older, free
Information: 847-746-5797; goflo.com/powwow/