In this presentation, Kim will discuss what was happening in the country regarding Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. She will discuss how the signing of that document affected the Native people and whether it mentioned them. She will also discuss how the government and its people viewed Native Americans and the consequences of those views. Kim will emphasize the impact the document had on the lives of the Native people and what ultimately was lost, and how those fundamental differences between the government and the Native people ultimately led to conflicts. Kim will also explain how Native people viewed their land and why the ultimate loss of it negatively impacted them. Kim will discuss how they once lived, worked the land, and raised their children, and explain what was lost of their culture as western expansion moved forward. Kim will lead the audience into the lives of the Native people through a traditional story and song. The audience will have the chance to learn music, drum, sing, and play other Native American instruments. Traditional native foods will also be discussed, and a recipe will be handed out. This presentation will end with a Q&A with the audience. This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life. This presentation will appeal to children, adults, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of Native Americans, their culture, their connection to the land, and the devastating effects of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on them and on their future. Bio: Kim Sigafus is an award-winning Ojibwa author and speaker and Illinois Humanities Road Scholar. Her family is from White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. An author of over 20 books, Kim writes Native American fiction and nonfiction, YA (young adults), and children’s books, and travels throughout the Midwest to give presentations on her culture. Kim is the CEO of Quiet Souls Events and Education, a nonprofit organization that promotes native culture through educational programs and special events. When not working, Kim enjoys crafting Talking Feathers and singing and drumming. https://www.kimberlysigafus.com/
Cost: Free
Source: WC Public Library