Indian Summer Festival wraps up Sunday at Summerfest grounds



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Music, dance, and worship took over the Marcus Amphitheater Sunday, September 8th, as Indian Summer Festival began its final day with Mass.

"It was so emotional -- just the different dances that they do with the music and the prayers, the types of prayers, and who they pray to. It brought tears to my eyes," says Indian Summer Festival visitor Catherine Lazzaro.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki led the service, which also honored the first Native American Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.

"This is our first big time to celebrate and that Mass is going to celebrate her life and the work that she did her when she was alive," says Indian Summer Festival board member Mark Denning.

Throughout the weekend, visitors got to learn how the Native Americans lived and the differences between the tribes.

"If they were to learn something from one tribe, they could see the beauty of Native America, learn about that culture, and go to another tribe and have to learn all over again because we are different from each other," says Little Big Mountain of Gonativenow.com.

Lacross was played at Indian Summer Festival as it's a native sport, which was used to solve disputes and heal.

"Things were settled on a ball field rather than in war and it was really terrific, another reason why we would play is if someone was sick. All of that energy, all of that power to the game goes out to that person who we're playing for," says Denning.

There were artifacts dating back 8,000 - 10,000 years on display, canoe rides, and pow wow competitions.

"I love it that the Native Americans are able to share their culture, where years ago they were told to hide and now they can share it and teach people what's real," says Indian Summer Festival visitor Cindy Young.

Something new this year at Indian Summer Festival was a boxing tournament.

More than 100 Native American boxers from all over the country were a part of the competition.

Indian Summer Festival runs through 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds).

CLICK HERE to learn more about Indian Summer Festival!