Ho-Chunk Flute Making Workshop at Indian Hill Manor

Friday through Sunday, August 23 – 25, 2019
Led by William Quackenbush, Deer clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, and Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer.
Cost: $150, including all materials to make your flute and carrying bag. Register below.

This 3-day instructional Workshop will teach you about the history of the Native American courting flute, then guide you on how to make, and play your very own flute. You’ll leave with a beautiful Ho-Chunk style courting flute and will have the skills to play the flute.

The Workshop’s location is at Indian Hill Farm at 7058 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, Illinois. The farm is located near the confluence of the Kishwaukee and Rock rivers, southwest of Rockford, that is the site of many historic Ho-Chunk cultural features.

The workshop will be held over 3 days: Friday, August 23, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.;
Saturday, August 24, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Sunday, August 25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

• The workshop is limited to 14 participants.
• A minimum of 7 participants are needed to hold the Workshop.
• Participants must be 18 years or older and be able to work with woodworking tools.
• Meals are on your own. Bring snacks and beverages or go to nearby sandwich shops. A refrigerator and microwave are available to use.

A limited number of beds are available at Indian Hill Manor, across the road from the farm, for $50/night/person (single bed, double occupancy), or $75/night (double bed), for Friday and Saturday nights. A down payment of the first night’s rental fee is required to reserve a room at the Manor. Bring your own food for breakfast and other meals (a refrigerator is available), or go out for meals at nearby restaurants.

The workshop is sponsored by the Smeja Homestead Foundation, Inc., a private foundation that owns and operates Indian Hill Manor and Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Foundation works to preserve the Manor and Farm and local history.

To reserve a place in the Workshop, and beds at the Manor, call 815-964-6464, or e-mail Jerry Paulson at Smejafdn@gmail.com. Your reservation will be secured when payment is received.
Checks should be made payable to: Smeja Homestead Foundation and sent to 6901 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, Illinois 61109.

For more information about the workshop contact: Kim Smeja, 815-994-0803, or via e-mail: iamcowgirl54@gmail.com.

Register For Workshop