The air vibrated with the rhythmic pulse of drums, the melodic cadence of traditional songs, and the vibrant energy of dancers adorned in intricate regalia. This was the scene at the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park, near LeRoy, Illinois, on June 2nd and 3rd, 2007, as it hosted the ninth annual Intertribal Powwow. After a two-year hiatus, the event returned, drawing participants and spectators alike to celebrate Native American culture and history.
The Kickapoo Park Powwow near LeRoy, Illinois June 2-3 was more than just a festival; it was a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Kickapoo people and a vibrant expression of intertribal unity. Situated on land historically significant as the Grand Village of the Kickapoo, the park offered a unique and poignant setting for this cultural gathering. The very ground beneath the attendees’ feet whispered tales of a rich and complex past, a past that the powwow sought to honor and preserve.
The story of the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park is itself a compelling narrative. In the face of encroaching development, former McLean County Board member and Bloomington police Detective Bill Emmett, along with his late wife, Doris, a schoolteacher, recognized the profound historical importance of the land. Learning of plans to build a hog farm on the site, they took action, purchasing the property to protect it. Their vision extended beyond mere preservation. With the help of friends and volunteers, the Emmetts established the park and hosted the first powwow, a momentous occasion that brought together members of all three branches of the Kickapoo tribe for their first reunion since their ancestors were forced to leave Illinois in the early 1830s.
Following Bill Emmett’s sale of the property to Bill and Misty Vermaat of Mokena, the future of the powwow was uncertain. However, the Vermaats, recognizing the significance of the event and the land, entered into a long-term lease with the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park board, ensuring the continuation of this important cultural tradition. Adding another layer to the narrative, Misty Vermaat is reportedly a distant relative of Simeon H. West, a 19th-century spiritualist who held the Kickapoo in high regard. West even donated land to McLean County for West Park, located near the Kickapoo Village site.
The Kickapoo Park Powwow near LeRoy, Illinois June 2-3 offered a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The heart of the powwow was undoubtedly the dancing. Dancers, resplendent in their regalia, moved with grace and power within the sacred dance circle, their steps echoing the rhythms of the drums and the voices of the singers. The intricate beadwork, feathers, and vibrant colors of the regalia told stories of tradition, heritage, and individual identity.
The Grand Entry processions, held at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday, were particularly awe-inspiring. These processions marked the official beginning of the dancing sessions, with all the dancers entering the circle together in a display of unity and cultural pride. The sight of the dancers moving in unison, their regalia shimmering in the sunlight, was a powerful and moving experience.
Beyond the dancing, the powwow featured a variety of arts, crafts, and food vendors. Visitors could browse through stalls filled with handcrafted jewelry, pottery, clothing, and other items, each piece reflecting the unique skills and traditions of the Native American artisans. The aroma of traditional foods filled the air, tantalizing visitors with the promise of authentic culinary experiences. From frybread to Indian tacos, the food vendors offered a delicious taste of Native American culture.
Adding to the entertainment was special guest Michael Jacobs, a Native American Music Award winner, who performed at noon and 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. His music, blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences, provided a captivating soundtrack to the powwow.
For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, the park offered camping facilities. Visitors could immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Illinois landscape, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the spirit of the Kickapoo people. Children’s activities were available throughout both days, ensuring that the younger generation was engaged and entertained.
One of the most unique attractions at the Kickapoo Park Powwow near LeRoy, Illinois June 2-3 was Buffalo Bill, a live bison related to Cody, a bison featured in the film "Dances with Wolves." Buffalo Bill served as a tangible link to the past, reminding visitors of the important role that bison played in the lives of Native American people. The recent birth of a bison calf added to the excitement, bringing the total number of bison residing at the park to thirteen.
The historical significance of the Grand Village of the Kickapoo cannot be overstated. The Kickapoo people, known as the Kiwigapawa, or "He Who Moves About," roamed extensively throughout North America east of the Mississippi River. However, historical records suggest that they established a significant presence at the Grand Village for centuries. French explorers in the 18th century documented a large Indian settlement and fort in the area. In 1818, the year Illinois became a state, a map identified the site as the Grand Village of the Kickapoo. A surveyor in 1824 estimated that 2,000 to 3,000 Kickapoo resided at the village, along with more than 5,000 graves.
The Kickapoo were forced to leave Illinois in 1832, following the Black Hawk War. However, their legacy remains deeply intertwined with the history of Illinois and McLean County. As Angelo Padro, the board president, emphasized, "The history of Illinois and McLean County was the Kickapoos’. They were very much a part of this area. It is exciting to see how the Kickapoo evolved. The education part of (the powwow and park) are very important to us. We want people to understand what the area was all about in those days."
Linda Corry, the board’s secretary, echoed this sentiment, stating, "It’s important that people are educated about the Grand Village, about the Kickapoo and what happened back then."
Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, an Ojibwa and chair of Midwest SOARRING, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to preserving American Indian culture and burial sites, highlighted the importance of powwows and places like the Grand Village in promoting understanding and respect for Native American cultures. He also emphasized the relevance of Native American values, particularly their harmonious relationship with nature, in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
The Kickapoo Park Powwow near LeRoy, Illinois June 2-3 was not just a celebration of the past; it was also a call to action for the future. By preserving the Grand Village and hosting cultural events like the powwow, organizers hoped to ensure that the history and traditions of the Kickapoo people would continue to be honored and remembered for generations to come. The event offered a unique opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn about Native American culture, connect with nature, and reflect on the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.
The price of admission was $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children aged 7 and older, and free for children aged 6 and under. The event ran from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
To reach the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park from Bloomington, attendees were advised to take Interstate 74 to the LeRoy exit, drive through LeRoy to School Street, turn right, and drive approximately five miles to McLean County Road 3100 East. A left turn followed by signs guided visitors to the park.
For further information, Angelo Padro could be reached at (309) 261-3043, or Linda Corry at (309) 275-6105.
In conclusion, the 2007 Kickapoo Park Powwow was a resounding success, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate Native American culture and history. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and fostering understanding and respect between different communities.