About Big Waters Federation
Big Waters Federation is one of the largest parent-child programs in Chicagoland. Our programs have been developed to educate children and their parents on the traditions and heritage of the Native American Indian while building strong character, strengthening bonds, and creating lasting memories.We provide tremendous opportunities for parents to spend one-on-one time with the kids. Whether it’s hiking, camping, fishing, or simply eating smores around a warm campfire, there is no better opportunity to build lasting memories than through Big Waters Federation Indian Guides and Princess Programs.
Big Waters Federation, Inc. is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3), volunteer run, parent-child organization whose mission is to develop responsible, honest, respectful, and caring youth and adults through the promotion of healthy spirit, mind, and body in an open membership association organized to serve its diverse community. To provide a cross-cultural education to children and their fathers in Native American Heritage and Traditions; provide developmental activities to children; and to strengthen the parent – child relationship between children and their fathers.
Indian Guides and Princesses
Join us for memories that last two lifetimes. The Indian Guides & Indian Princesses program has long held the Native American traditions of building and fostering strong bonds between parent and child. Unlike "drop off" programs, all activities include both parent and child. Together, you will learn the ancient aims of an honorable culture and hear the voice of the Great Spirit in the winds of the earth. Together, you will journey together to places near and far: camp deep in the woods, catch a ball game at Wrigley field, sleep overnight at a museum. Wherever you go, you and your children will carry this gift of time together in your hearts forever.
How is our program unique?
How is our program unique?
- Affordable: Only pay for events you can participate in.
- Flexible: Both parent and child can fit most of the events in.
- Enjoyable: Both parent and child are involved and have bonding experiences.
Trailblazers and Trailmates
As children grow older and enter middle school, their schedules tend to become more crowded. Their capabilities and interests also expand. Our Trails Programs are designed for these older kids. The events are more challenging, intellectually and physically, and don't involve the ceremonies or tribal segregation of the Indian Guides & Indian Princesses.
Federation
The Federation is the governing body of the Nations and Tribes. Leaders from each Nation are nominated to represent their Nations at the Federation Longhouse. The Federation is responsible for providing general guidance, standardization of programs, policies and procedures, and ensuring the longevity of the program.
Nation
The Nation is the governing body of the Tribes. Each Tribe Chief will represent their Tribe at the Nation Longhouse. Each Nation has at least one volunteer Nation Chief and frequently other Nation Officers as well. Nation events are a highlight of our program. All nations go on four overnights each year to nearby camping facilities. In addition, many organize other activities such as skate parties, swim parties, sports outings, pinewood derby’s and more.
Tribe
Tribes are the heart of the Indian Guides and Indian Princess Programs. Each participant is placed in a Tribe shortly after registering for the program. Most Tribes are organized by geographic location, and are mixed in school and age. Tribes consist of 10-20 father/child pairs and meet monthly throughout the school year at a time agreed upon by the Tribe members. Each Tribe has an Indian name and volunteer Tribal Chief; sometimes other volunteer officer positions are used as well.
The Federation is the governing body of the Nations and Tribes. Leaders from each Nation are nominated to represent their Nations at the Federation Longhouse. The Federation is responsible for providing general guidance, standardization of programs, policies and procedures, and ensuring the longevity of the program.
Nation
The Nation is the governing body of the Tribes. Each Tribe Chief will represent their Tribe at the Nation Longhouse. Each Nation has at least one volunteer Nation Chief and frequently other Nation Officers as well. Nation events are a highlight of our program. All nations go on four overnights each year to nearby camping facilities. In addition, many organize other activities such as skate parties, swim parties, sports outings, pinewood derby’s and more.
Tribe
Tribes are the heart of the Indian Guides and Indian Princess Programs. Each participant is placed in a Tribe shortly after registering for the program. Most Tribes are organized by geographic location, and are mixed in school and age. Tribes consist of 10-20 father/child pairs and meet monthly throughout the school year at a time agreed upon by the Tribe members. Each Tribe has an Indian name and volunteer Tribal Chief; sometimes other volunteer officer positions are used as well.
Program |
Nation |
Indian Princesses (Father / Daughter) |
|
Indian Guides (Father / Son) |
|
Braves (Mother / Son) |
|
Maidens (Mother / Daughter) |
Akela |
Trailblazers (Father/Daughter (12+)) |
|
Trailmates (Father / Son (12+)) |
The Six Aims
At the forefront of our program are the Six Aims, which give members a sense of direction and an inspiration for positive behavior and activities both in the program and at home. These points are broad enough in scope to allow for the parent to expand on the ideas with their child in their own words and with with their own experiences or beliefs.
- To be clean in body and pure in heart
- To be friends always with my parent/child
- To love the sacred circle of my family
- To be attentive while others speak
- To love my neighbor as myself
- To seek and preserve the beauty of our Creator’s work in forest, field and stream