Exchanging traditions and gaining knowledge of other cultures has been a tradition between several Native American tribes in Wisconsin and a group of Koreans based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the latest exchange took place over three days before culminating in a public showcase July 23 at the Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek Center in Keshena.
The Korean delegation presented a feast to its hosts that included rice, marinated beef and other cultural delicacies, and after that, everyone gathered in the gymnasium as the visitors showcased talents that encompassed both their Korean past and their modern ties in the United States. The youngest in the visiting group of almost 90 people was 8 years old, and the oldest was 84.
The 84-year-old, Jung Hong Kim, wowed the audience with a saxophone rendering of “Amazing Grace” as others in the group did skits, performed in the orchestra, sang in the choir and more.
Chun Hi Roh, the delegation’s arts and crafts director, said that providing a place for knowledge and cultural exchange to flow is important, and the majestic beauty of the Menominee Nation helps to facilitate that.
“It is a great honor and a privilege to serve you, Menominee Nation,” she said. “This year, we have 89 people, all from Maryland at the same church. We came to learn from you, and we did. We had cooking demos, hair weaving, finger weaving and the history museum of Menominee.”
Because the use of tobacco in sacred ceremonies is important to the Menominee, the Korean delegation presented an original Korean tobacco pipe to Menominee representatives. Roh said it was important that the visitors leave with more of an awareness and appreciation for the Menominee tribe.
“This year, we especially go away with more awareness and thankfulness for the preservation of Menominee culture,” she said. “The herbs and the plants and everything, they explained to us the Menominee is the only tribe that preserves their traditions for thousands of years. They withstood government and won. They’re preserving the culture, and we applaud you for that effort. We go away honored, Menominee Nation, that we can be a part of your nation.”
Menominee Tribal Legislator Samantha Grignon said she felt she got a lot from having the Koreans visit the “beautiful reservation that we call home” and teach about the similarities and differences between the two cultures.
“You’re welcome to come to the Menominee Reservation and visit us anytime,” Grignon said.
Jay Yoon, 74, is in his fifth year visiting the Menominee and feels there’s more to learn every year. He said it’s worth the 20-hour bus ride from Maryland to Wisconsin.
“One of the main reasons why we like to share our love to the different people,” Yoon said. “Without any conditions, we just show our love. We like to share our cultures, and we like to learn about culture from you. That’s one of the main reasons we come here.”
He added that the Korean delegation was welcomed the afternoon of July 20 with an assortment of Menominee food. He said the food made the newcomers who hadn’t visited the Menominee Reservation before learn about the hospitality the Menominee provide to visitors.
Yoon noted that some of the younger people in the delegation had been corresponding with Menominee counterparts for about a year before meeting each other in person. Everyone soon discovered there were many similarities between the two cultures, including the deep respect for elders.
“Some of them would say that we have similar difficulties so that they can share each other and feel they’re more understandable with others,” Yoon said. “It’s one of the ways they can begin to heal their wounds.”
Besides the Menominee, Korean visitors also spent the week on the Stockbridge-Munsee, Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi reservations.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
Several Korean dancers show off some modern K-Pop moves July 23 at the Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek Center in Keshena as part of a public exchange between a group of Koreans in Maryland and the Menominee Nation. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
Music is a similarity across many cultures, and the Koreans demonstrated their talents as part of a symphony orchestra July 23 at the Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek Center in Keshena to conclude a three-day cultural exchange. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
A Korean choir performs with a symphony orchestra July 23 at the Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek Center in Keshena. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
Jung Hong Kim, the oldest in the Korean delegation at age 84, performs “Amazing Grace” on the saxophone as part of an evening of cultural demonstrations. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
A group of Koreans perform a skit titled “Creator’s Pursuit” based on Korean creation myth July 23 at the Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek Center in Keshena as part of a cultural exchange. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
