Our History
The idea of a Native American organization that would actively promote the culture of the Native American in the Chicagoland area actually began in 1950. At that time there were a number of Boy Scout Native American dance groups that followed the traditions of the Native Americans in numerous ways. In addition to dancing, camping using Tipis instead of tents, preparing Native American types of foods, playing Native American games, making their own clothing outfits and holding Powwows.
In the Milwaukee area a group of men led by W. Ben Hunt of Scouting fame, organized a group of men to establish the Wabeskiwa Indian Fair, (wabeskiwa, means white) and held their first Powwows in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, in 1949. Scouting dance groups and all interested groups were invited to attend. Actually, two Powwows were held that year, one in the spring and another in the fall. Both were small but attendance was good.
In 1950, the Wabeskiwa was moved to Elgin, Illinois which was .well attended thus bringing together the leaders of the Native American Dancers. Janesville, Wisconsin was the site of the Wageskiwa until 1964, when the Wabeskiwa was discontinued.
However, as early as 1953, mention of having a Native American Society of some sort was hinted at, but little was done. By 1956 it was a full-fledged organization. The leaders of active dancing groups were, Ray Douglas, of the Tribe of Delavan, Mrs. Edna Maloney of the Kodas, John Lotter, of the Hokshila Ska, the Lakotas, Tatankas, Mrs. Earl Staley of the Wici Cala Ska, and with other adults of various groups. The name "Mascoutin" was adopted, this name was given to us by Dick Becker, a long time student of the Native Americans. The name means, "People by the place of the little Fire". There are a number of interpretations of the name, such as Fire People. Plans were formulated to hold the Powwow in Bedford Park on the grounds that the Tribe of Delavan usually held their Powwow. The name of the Mascoutin Powwow is O-Sa-Wan, which means "This the Place", also given to us by Dick Becker.
Officially the birth date of the Mascoutin Society is February 16, 1956. The first president, called Chief at that time, and principle organizer was John Lotter, the leader of the Hokshila Ska Dancers, Explorer Post 691, Thatcher Woods Area, B.S.A. In August 1956, at the first Powwow, 24 new members were inducted.
Since then the Society has existed with no sponsor of any kind furnishing funds to hold any activity. We have had an annual Powwow, called the O-Sa-Wan, that has been held in various places that have been available. A Winter Pow Wow held every year to raise funds to support the O-Sa-Wan Powwow and to furnish money for the Family Aid fund that can be used to alleviate some of the problems that Native American Students have while attending College or trade school. This fund is small and is available only to those that can prove their necessity.
We have not and do not have the desire to have Powwows larger than any in the country. We feel that holding our O-Sa-Wan and Winter Pow Wow can be done in the fashion of a ‘close family relationship’ style which will continue to have friendly feelings for all those participating.
So for the past 50+ years we have in a general sense fulfilled the basic tenets laid down by the founding fathers, and hope that our successors will continue to enjoy their interest in the culture of the Native American.