Wilderness Journal

May 24, 2012 by Chief Dreaming Eagle

A Lifetime of Memories

Iroquois Nation Chief Bob Szkwarek had the unenviable task of following two thoughtful Nation Chiefs that each left a powerful legacy for the Iroquois. However, in his two inspiring years in the role, Bob “the Big Bear” aka “Bobski” has done more than simply transform the Iroquois – he’s literally transformed the landscape of our community, leading the challenging yet ultimately rewarding effort to build the Iroquois Firepit at the Wildwood Nature Center. Along the way, he’s continued to transform the lives of Dads and Daughters in the Iroquois, delivering powerful programming, meaningful meetings and celebratory campouts, all of which ladder up to creating probably the thing that Bob’s most proud of – valuable memories to be shared through all the years ahead. As he retires from the Nation Chief role at the Iroquois Spring Campout in June, Bob shares here his thoughts on a lifetime spent with the Indian Scouts and Indian Princesses:

As a kid who grew up here in Park Ridge, I have many fond memories of the Indian Guides – – the campouts, the meetings, and all the activities. But more importantly were the times I got to spend with my dad. At the time, I don’t even think I realized the strong bond I was forming with him. But as the years went on, it became clear. These were moments we would be able to share and relive forever. So today, as my wife and I raise our own family in Park Ridge, you can imagine how thrilled I was when my daughter decided to join Indian Princesses. I knew this would be the start of an incredible journey together.

It was such an honor to be the Chief of Mighty Seminole. And then, to be given the opportunity and the privilege to be the Iroquois Nation Chief was simply awesome. I felt like I was now able to give something back to an organization that has meant so much to me through the years. I decided to continue the mantra set by former Nation Chief John Dempsey – “It’s all about the girls.” But I wanted to take that a little further. I made it my goal to create memorable experiences for both the dad and daughter, because I feel that out of these experiences, great memories are born.

But one person can only do so much. What was truly amazing and inspiring was the willingness and dedication of all the Iroquois dads and daughters. I had a great team of dads that helped me tremendously each year to continue on our journey. I made many friends, and know that we will continue on as friends for many years to come. As Nation Chief, I have a lot of great memories. I loved going to the Longhouse Meetings and seeing the hand-made invitations the girls produce, seeing their monthly crafts, and hearing about their monthly outings.

I think what I will cherish the most as Nation Chief is being able to stand at the fire ceremonies and see each and every Iroquois Princess – see their smiling faces, see them hug their dads, hear them recite the 7 Aims – all while having my own daughter right at my side, arm in arm. Truly incredible. Thank you Iroquois Nation.

Together Forever as Father and Daughter. — Bob and Maddie Szkwarek

May 24, 2012 by Chief Dreaming Eagle

Two of My Favorite Photos

As we’ve been working these past few days to share memories and thoughts about our time in the Iroquois, we’ve had the opportunity to review years and years of photos from meetings and campouts past. We spend a lot of time emphasizing the Father and Daughter connectedness that the Iroquois Indian Princess program enables – and it’s absolutely true, just read some of these bracketing posts! – but there’s something fun about the following two photos that also reveal one of the unique aspects of our program. Interestingly enough, they both come from the same campout in the fall of 2010. Let’s take a look:

Navajo Girls, primarily first graders in the fall of 2010, express their

Spooky Halloween! Over the last few years, one of the evolving traditions of the Iroquois Fall Campout has been the “Haunted House Competition” the girls of all six tribes have developed, almost entirely on their own. What started as a sprited seasonal expression of our Navajo and Seminole tribes has become something all the girls enjoy, and it is neither “haunted” and “spooky” or even that much of a “competition.” It is, however, an expression of some of the individual exploration and fun the girls get to have “on their own” on the campouts. Although “time with Dad” remains a constant focus of our outings, the opportunity to “run free” and explore their horizons with confidence and in complete safety is part of the fun of the Iroquois campouts. It lets the “girls be girls,” it lets them “have the best sleepover ever!” and just enjoy making friendships that last a lifetime.

At the campouts, Dads and Daughters spend nearly all day together – from lunch, to games, dinner and evening entertainment, and finally the always moving and meaningful evening fire ceremony. But after the campfire, as the girls go to play, the Dads set about the thoughtful business of the “evening meal,” an annual tradition and rite of passage for all members of the Iroquois Nation. Each tribe has their own “Tribal Chef,” a most celebrated and respected individual, working tirelessly to deliver the best in grilled meats and unexpected camping cuisine. It’s during this “Dad’s time” ( as seen in the photo above ) that the Daughters, who tend to drift through our orbits like little comets of fun throughout the evening, get a chance to see their Dads in a whole new light. For some, it’s the first time that they ever see their dad prepare a meal. For others, it’s a quick and quiet glimpse into a world of understanding their fathers in a deeper and richer way than ever before. It’s a special time, and it’s part of what makes the campouts such a unique experience.

May 24, 2012 by Chief Dreaming Eagle

Making a Difference in the Community – and In Our Lives

Matt Wagner is the outgoing Chief our current Iroquois Honor Tribe, the Sauk. His ongoing journey within the Iroquois is common to many of our members – from initial reluctance to whole-hearted participation with his tribe and his Daughter. During 2011-2012, Matt has been instrumental in helping evolve aspects of the Iroquois, and crucial to ongoing recruiting effort. His leadership of the Sauk, including the Sauk’s annual food drive at the holidays (seen above), has been sincerely appreciated.

When first asked to join Indian Princesses, I found myself thinking: “This is for people that need help getting off the couch and doing something with their kids – I already do plenty with my children.” I actually said “no” to my first invitation to join the Iroquois. Upon being invited a second time, I figured “what would it hurt to see what it is all about.” The first meeting was a little slow, since I didn’t know anybody at that time, but my daughter loved it. We decided to continue coming, and found that the activities and events were a great opportunity to meet new people, and do things that you wouldn’t usually be able to do on your own. To be a part of this group and take advantage of these opportunities has been a wonderful experience for my daughter and me.

Experiencing the campouts, and the helping of others, and the friendships, have made our entire family feel like a part of the community. Watching the girls grow and help each other out has been my biggest joy. Starting when my daughter joined and seeing the older girls help her adjust on her first campout, to now seeing her help others, has been inspiring. Watching the girl’s confidence develop as they speak in front of others, work together, and plan things out, gives you hope for their continued growth. They are learning life lessons with your guidance. It all makes for great memories and a promising future.

In Indian Princesses, there is the perfect amount of Dad-and-Daughter-Time mixed with the daughters and dads developing their own relationships with their peers. This dynamic makes for growth and fun for all, and develops new relationships that likely would not have happened without this experience. That, mixed with the minimal pressure of attendance (we all are busy), makes for an ideal situation. You don’t have to attend everything, but like anything in life, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Annika and I are glad we made the effort and joined! — Matt Wagner

May 23, 2012 by Chief Dreaming Eagle

Why Indian Princesses?

Not only a strong leader for our Crow Tribe, Perrin Stephens has served as our Nation’s Wampum Bearer for the past four years, managing the countless dues, fees and campout checks, as well as coordinating all of the campouts. Perrin and his daughters complete their time with the Iroquois this year, following our annual Spring Campout in June. Here, Perrin reflects on the takeaways from their time with the Iroquois:

What a great opportunity I had as a Father to spend invaluable one-on-one time with both of my Daughters. As the saying goes, “Don’t blink, or you’ll miss your kids growing up.” For 6 years, I have been a Member of the Mighty Iroquois Nation and proud Brave of the Crow Tribe, having served as a Tribal Chief and Nation Wampum Bearer (Treasurer) for 4 of those 6 years. I remember my wife telling me how she remembers her time spent with her Dad when they were a part of the PR Indian Scouts (PRIS), and that sealed the deal for me.

Our takeaways are simple: we have enjoyed the chance to be together in environments that we may not have had the chance to do otherwise, from campouts, to parade marches, to museums and various other places that have helped to cement memories that we all believe will stay with us.

For my Daughters, they made new friends, many of which they didn’t know through school or the neighborhood. For me, I met some great Dads, many of whom are still in my network of friends and colleagues. The relationships built over 6 years are not easily forgotten – nor should they be – and I feel that all of us will cherish these relationships as we move through life.

Lastly I think the values that PRISIP instills through the 7 Aims are very thoughtful and easily remembered so that they can be practiced daily. I think for us the key value has been “To bring honor to and to increase the love within my family”.

Together Forever as Father and Daughter. —Perrin, Claire & Sarah Stephens

May 23, 2012 by Chief Dreaming Eagle

Our Daughters and Inner Strength

Jim Bruno and his daughters will be starting their seventh year in the Iroquois and our Sauk tribe in the Fall of 2012. Content to be “just part of the Nation” these days, Jim’s leadership in years past as Tribal Chief of the Sauk and Federation Chief for all of PRISIP significantly impacted the way we think and act as an organization, from recruiting nights to establishing the Holiday Lights initiative to ensuring the adoption of our Fourth Aim: “To Want Less and Give More.” Here, Jim comments on what PRISIP has imparted to his daughters:

[As part of the Iroquois Nation,] my daughters have:

Built a strong base of self-confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment (PRISIP) through hundreds of activities over the years
Learned the importance of helping others and serving the (Park Ridge) Community
Created countless treasured memories we will each carry with us for the rest of this life
Learned how to make new friends outside of school/sports environments

The first point is very important to me because I have done work with WINGS and been around victims of domestic violence. One common trait of the abused is a lack of, or low, self-esteem. PRISIP has all the structure and support and really is an ideal organization (if the Father is truly committed and engaged) to help girls gain inner strength. — Jim Bruno

May 23, 2012 by Chief Dreaming Eagle

Don’t Blink or You’ll Miss It…

John Dempsey and his daughter Kelly were members of the Navajo tribe in the Iroquois Nation for eight years. John served as Tribal Chief of the Navajo in 2005, and was Nation Chief of the Iroquois from 2006 to 2008. His PRISIP leadership mantra, “It’s all about the girls,” was a focusing inspiration for many in the Iroquois. Here he shares some memories of his personal experiences, as well as some thoughts on what it means to be a part of the Indian Princesses and the Iroquois:

Like most dads, mom received a flyer at school (Kindergarten class for my daughter) saying what a great opportunity to join PRIS. My initial reaction was “What am I getting myself into?” Back in 2002, tribes were smaller than today. I conceded and said “OK” and went to the recruiting night, and then the induction ceremony. I was the only Navajo present back then with nobody to wisk us into our new tribe. A Seminole Chief saw I was a bit lost and offered to introduce us into a tribe other than his. It was the first of my many great experiences in this organization, because it showed me that our neighbors and future friends do truly care for each other.

We spent the next several years having the most daddy-daughter fun you can imagine. I traveled a lot, so the time with my daughter was precious and this was the ticket. In the early days the 7 Aims were a mystery to almost everyone, but as leadership evolved and camaraderie grew throughout the Iroquois Nation, suddenly the girls began to recite the 7 Aims, get a patch for memorizing them and I finally had a clearer picture of what we are all about. My daughter Kelly earned one of the first patches. Find the 7 Aims on this site and you will see how spot on they are, and how we as adults must live by them too.

I was fortunate to move up through the ranks and work with the best team of dads imaginable. I would not have met most of the friends in our community and would have regretted that today had I ‘blinked my eyes’ and the time would have surely passed us by.

I saw my daughter grow into a PRIS Elder and watched how she mentored younger ones, especially when they were on their first scary overnight campout and not in their own beds or when they we running low with candy to share during the Memorial Day parade because they threw it all to the crowd by about the third block into the celebration. If you are considering joining, please don’t wait too long. Time passes in a the blink of an eye.

And remember, “It’s All About The Girls.” — John Dempsey