MOUNT PROSPECT ICE ARENA – The Mighty Tetons hosted their annual family skate in early March at the Mount Prospect Ice Arena. This was the second consecutive year the event was held at this location. Attendance was above average with over 250 Big Water members, family and friends lacing up their skates. Parents who did not want to skate watched the action from bleachers, while others enjoyed pizza and a beverage upstairs at the Bricks Wood Fired Pizza Café, which overlooks the ice rink.

​Nation leader David Roe was in attendance and led a game of “musical chairs” on the ice. Similar to the regular game, music was played over the ice rink speakers while skaters ventured around the rink. When the music stopped, skaters had to skate to one of the 8 locations along the sides of the rink. A number was drawn, and if you were standing in that group, you had to skate to the center of the rink to watch the remaining rounds.

​The remainder of the two hour session was spent skating with parents and friends. The federation sandpainter was on hand (that’s me writing about myself in third person) and captured some of the fun on the ice. I witnessed Dad’s pushing their kids on the ice, Parent’s holding hands with their children, and even some of the kids forming a line with everyone hanging on to the skater in front of them. One common theme among many of the skaters was a smile on their face. Whether it was skating with your friends, with you dad or mom, or participating in the Musical Ice Chairs game – much fun was had by all.

More photos of this year’s event can be seen by clicking on any of the photos.

ROLLING MEADOWS -- The 2016-17 winter has been nonexistent this year in the Chicagoland area. The “Record Breaking Snow Drought” has caused many nations to cancel their annual cardboard sled race. However, one winter event was unaffected by the warm weather outside - the Teton Family Skate.

​Tribal Chief Mike Clarke reserved the ice rink at the Nelson Sports Complex in Rolling Meadows for Big Water members and their families. Just under one hundred people strapped on the ice skates for this annual event. Skaters of all levels had fun skating around the rink while listening to music from the ice rink speakers.

Patches for the event were sold by the Tetons during registration. In addition, if you could find Mr. Clarke anytime during the hour and forty-five minute event and tell him your name and tribe, you received an additional free ice skating patch. It was noted that the majority of attendees waited until Mr. Clarke stopped skating to get their additional patch.

Despite snow being a rare occurrence outdoors, the princesses did just fine with ice snow found inside.

MOUNT PROSPECT -- Big Waters Federation began the 2016-17 program year by marching in the Mount Prospect 4th of July parade.  This year’s theme was “Mount Prospect’s Birthday Countdown,” which will lead up to the Centennial Celebration in 2017. ​

​Over 125 Big Waters members participated in this year’s march, which began at 1 PM at Emerson Street and Prospect Avenue. Boys and girls ranging from pre-school to middle school walked the 1.3 mile parade route to Melas Park. 

A few children sat in the LMT, but the majority walked the streets and handed out candy to other children as confetti occasionally flew threw the air. With the warm, humid weather on this day, the Freezy Pop was one of the more popular items. Despite a few tired feet, a great time was had by all.

Big Waters would like to wish all Dads a very happy Fathers Day! Teaching your child an activity such as shooting a bow and arrow will create a memory that will last a lifetime!

CAMP ANOKIJIG - The Winnipeg and Great Elk Nations announce their council for the 2016-17 year.