Woodland weekend planned May 24 and 25.

Julie Severn

4/29/2002 12:00:00 AM

Many Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort visitors never get the opportunity to become acquainted with Native American tradition, other than perhaps admiring various pieces of artwork and display cases within the facility.

The Woodland Spirits Native American Arts & Music Weekend is an annual attempt to bridge this cultural gap. The third annual event at the Entertainment Hall, slated for May 24 and 25 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., is free to the public.

"This originated two years ago to provide patrons with the opportunity to learn more about our cultural heritage and way of life," explained Entertainment Manager Mark Vasquez.

Weekend festivities include a first-time powwow hosted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College Student Council on May 25. Grand Entry will be at noon and performances will be conducted hourly until 6:30 p.m.

"Incorporating the Student Council fit together perfectly to gear this event towards education," said Vasquez. "We are able to provide firsthand education through arts, crafts and live entertainment."

Native artists interested in setting up booths to sell their creations during the two-day event must sign up by May 15. There are currently about 30 booths available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no cost to set up a booth, but vendors will be asked to donate a $20 to $40 item from their booth for a prize giveaway.

Native American actor Eric Schweig, who is of Inuit heritage, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the weekend events.

Schweig began acting in 1987 and has appeared in over 15 films including, "The Last of the Mohicans," "Tom and Huck," "Squanto: A Warrior's Tale" and "The Scarlet Letter." He has also appeared on different television shows and has recently begun producing.

Musical performers Red Earth and Natay will fill the house with their energetic Native American music on May 24 from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Red Earth is a band hailing from New Mexico that mixes numerous styles of music together to create a sound that shows off the band's variety of influences-including funk, metal, Latin rock mixed with reggae, ska, punkabilly and jazz. The Albuquerque-based band was awarded "Debut Artist of the Year" at the 2000 Native American Music Awards.

Navajo rapper Natay will also take the stage on May 24 to share lyrics of his struggle to retain his cultural heritage and identity.

Performers on May 25 include Star Nayea and Native Roots from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Native Roots is dedicated to the vibrations and vitality of Native American through a reggae-style of music. The band originated in 1997 in Albuquerque, N.M. and includes members from Red Earth.

Nayea, who has performed on the Isabella Reservation before, will once again bring her contemporary edge of bluesy rock with hints of folk and traditional Native American vocals to the Soaring Eagle stage.

She is responsible for bringing Native Roots, Red Earth and Natay together to form the Tribal Heat tour, according to Vasquez.

About 10 volunteers will be needed each day to help with registration and other preparations. To vounteer call 1-888-7EAGLE7, extension 50092. Vasquez may be contacted at extension 50092.