Midwest SOARRING Foundation

09/01/2026

Harvest the last of our prairie sage and sweetgrass this Sunday, September 6!

07/07/2026

We are saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and former board member Jay Thompson.

It's with heavy hearts and gratitude for time that we announce the passing of Gerald "Jay" Mark Thompson. Born July 15, 1956 in Torrence, California at Centinella hospital. Jay is survived by his wife, Karren Thompson, and children Prospero "Beau" Cueva (deceased), James Self, Allyson G. Thompson, Paul Thompson (deceased) and Kathleen Ellis. Jay was blessed to have the amazing capability to pick the best people to grow his family tree beyond the root. Among those people are the spouses of his children, Traci Farquar (Beau), Brandie Self (James), Michael Mulligan (Al) and Derek Ellis (Kat). Of those relationships, we were blessed with three grandchildren, Jenessa Gosling, Cecilia Thompson and A.J. Self and beyond that, one great grandchild, Aura Colton. As members of Jay's tribe, we will all carry his legacy through teachings, memories and a solid foundation provided by our Papa.

Jay grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois and spent most of his life causing a ruckus with his brother Jim Thompson. Learning to be the expert in hunting, fishing and all things outdoors.

Buckshot, his beloved black lab was along for most of that ride as well. In adulthood, Papa spent his time guiding those around him.

Constant perseverance and a foundation of love that blessed all of us with an example that will be hard to replicate. From now on, he will guide us as he always did. A flicker, a sign, a feeling. Papa passed the richest man in this world. Surrounded by friends and family and most importantly, unconditional love. He put it better than any of us could, "he only did it once." An what a job he did.

A celebration of life will be held at 11am on July 15th at the Moose Lodge in St Charles, Illinois.
2250 Lincoln Highway,
St Charles, Illinois 60174

06/18/2026

Vendors Wanted for Standing Bear Market!

06/10/2026

We are holding Summer Solstice Ceremonies at our Fire Circle + Medicine Wheel Garden at Heritage Village in Lockport AND the McKee House in Glen Ellyn.

06/06/2026

Our Medicine Wheel garden is coming in nicely!!

06/03/2026

This is fantastic news!

American bison are once again moving together across the land in a way not seen for about a century, and that return means far more than the movement of a single species.

Bison are natural engineers of the prairie. As they travel, graze, and roam, they shape grasslands in ways other animals cannot. Their hooves break up soil, their grazing helps plant life renew, and their waste spreads nutrients that feed the ecosystem around them. Each movement helps create healthier ground for grasses, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

For many years, bison were pushed out, fenced in, or reduced to small managed herds, cutting off the large-scale movement that once shaped entire regions. Bringing them back together in migration helps restore a rhythm the prairie depended on for generations.

Their return is not just about saving bison. It is about healing grasslands, rebuilding balance, and bringing life back to an ecosystem that evolved with them. In many ways, when bison move, the prairie begins to breathe again.

06/03/2026

VENDORS WANTED FOR STANDING BEAR MARKET!

Are you an artist, crafter, maker, grower, baker, herbalist, jewelry maker, woodworker, small business owner, or creator of unique products?

We’re looking for YOU!

Standing Bear Market is building a vibrant community marketplace filled with handmade, homegrown, and one-of-a-kind goods. If you create it, grow it, make it, or produce it, we’d love to have you join us!

📍 Location, location, location! Standing Bear Market is located at the bottom of the hill leading up to the Trackside Farmers Market in the Metra parking lot. Visitors walk through SBM on their way to Trackside, giving our vendors fantastic visibility and access to a steady flow of shoppers.

❤️ You do NOT need to be Native American to be a vendor. We welcome creators, growers, makers, and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

Why join us?

🌱 Connect with customers who value local products
🎨 Showcase your creativity and craftsmanship
🤝 Become part of a supportive vendor community
🛍️ Grow your customer base
❤️ Support a meaningful cause

All booth fees directly support the mission of the Midwest SOARRING Foundation, helping fund Native American cultural programs, educational initiatives, community events, and outreach that benefit Native people and allies throughout the region.

Whether you’re an experienced vendor or just getting started, Standing Bear Market is a great place to share what you do with the community.

Please share this post and help us spread the word to artists, makers, growers, bakers, and small businesses looking for a great market opportunity!

05/02/2026

MSF Standing Bear Market is looking for vendors to fill our spots at the new Trackside Farmers Market in historic downtown City of Lockport, Illinois,! Application link in comments.

04/27/2026

Watch this page for details!

04/27/2026