feature article - september 2010

Indian Summer Festival 2010
‘Honoring Our Warriors’

INDIAN SUMMER Festival, North America’s largest American Indian festival, celebrates Friday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 12, with the theme, “Honoring Our Warriors.” First responders, active and retired military personnel and veterans will be honored in recognition of the ninth anniversary of 9/11.

A Veterans Parade on Saturday at 3 p.m. includes a fly-over, veterans, military bands and vehicles. The traditional pow wow "Honoring Our Warriors" features special honor songs. To commemorate 9/11, Indian Summer has commissioned a special honor song written for First Responders.

Two dance groups from tribes in Washington State – the Squaxin Island Tribe Dance Group and the Quileute Northwest Wolf Dance Group – perform. The Quileute tribe is featured in the “Twilight” saga by Stephenie Meyer. All Nations Skate Jam Project brings exciting skateboard tricks and demos This project is a skateboard-centered outreach program that promotes safe and healthy activities and lifestyle choices to Native youth.

The new “East Meets West” Village reenactment features performers Little Big Mountain and John Sawgrass presenting a comparison between Eastern (Creek) and Western (Comanche) from ancient times to the 1800s. Also new this year are appearances by TV/Movie Actress Irene Bedard, known as the voice and likeness of Disney’s “Pocahontas.”

Returning favorites include the popular Drum Jam immediately following the Opening Ceremony and fireworks displays on Friday and Saturday evening, featuring dramatic torch-lit canoe processions. The seventh annual Indian Summer Music Awards (ISMA) on Saturday night draws American Indian entertainers from categories that include alternative rock, traditional drum, hip hop and flute.

Festival food includes traditional American Indian favorites as well as regular fest fare. Don’t miss an expanded Village Green dedicated to ecological and environmental issues; lacrosse demos, clinics and games; traditional villages; the rustic trader and settler encampment; “Circle of Fine Art” exhibition; Natural Path Herbal Area, and scores of vendors.

The 24th annual festival continues to be known as truly family friendly since part of the festival grounds are designated a traditional area where alcohol is not allowed for sale or consumption.

Hours are 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $10 (advance), $12 (gate) adults, children 12 and under free, seniors age 60+ are $10 at the gate. For more information, including free admission offers, call 414-604-1000 or visit www.indiansummer.org.