February 07, 2025
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Native American ceremonies conducted at Starved Rock Lodge

Naming ceremony takes place for first time since the 1950s

By Shaw Local News Network
Many people showed up Sunday, March 20, 2021, for an afternoon of Native American ceremonies in The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge. Those attending witnessed many dances performed with many Native American customs.

Many people showed up Sunday, March 20, 2021, for an afternoon of Native American ceremonies in The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge. Those attending witnessed many dances performed with many Native American customs. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)

Starved Rock Lodge was the setting Sunday for an afternoon of Native American ceremonies.

The ceremonies included a naming ceremony for the niece of Gerald Savage. The last time a ceremony like this took place at the lodge was in the mid-1950s when Aurelia “Weha” Sine was named.

Audience participation was welcomed in a few of the Native American Dances performed Sunday, March 20, 2021, in The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge during an afternoon of Native American Ceremonies.

Audience participation was welcomed in a few of the Native American Dances performed Sunday, March 20, 2021, in The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge during an afternoon of Native American Ceremonies. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)

Additionally, a smudging ceremony was conducted in honor of the spring equinox. Smudging traditionally involves burning sacred plants such as cedar, sage, sweetgrass and tobacco as a spiritual cleansing or blessing. This was followed by a tribute to Sam “Chief Walks with the Wind” Sine of the Ho Chunk Nation by the Chief’s grandson, Gerald “White Winnebago” Savage (Ho Chunk Ska Gah).

Gerald “Chief White Winnebago” Savage demonstrates a Native American flute Sunday, March 20, 2022, in The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge during an afternoon of Native American Ceremonies.

Gerald “Chief White Winnebago” Savage demonstrates a Native American flute Sunday, March 20, 2022, in The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge during an afternoon of Native American Ceremonies. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)

Members of the Sine family shared stories about Native American history and the many contributions made by their elder Chief Walks with the Wind.

Jerry Savage grew up performing American Indian dances at Starved Rock Lodge with his grandfather and other family members. Sam and Ruth Sine first came to Starved Rock State Park in 1935 to share stories and programs at the Lodge and continued for nearly 50 years. The Sine family also ran an archery range and souvenir stand in the park.

A Native American drum circle was performed Sunday, March 20, 2022, during one of the many dances in The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge during an afternoon of Native American Ceremonies.

A Native American drum circle was performed Sunday, March 20, 2022, during one of the many dances in The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge during an afternoon of Native American Ceremonies. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)