SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Many people across the country recognize October 14 as Indigenous Peoples Day and Illinois has implemented several laws in recent years to honor Native Americans. Although, advocates hope state lawmakers can do more to respect and honor those who lived in Illinois long before us.
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Chairman Joseph Rupnick spoke alongside Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) and other Native American advocates during a press conference on February 22, 2024.
Lawmakers have created strong relationships with Native American leaders determined to address wrongs of the past and improve lives for the future. A 2023 law required the Illinois State Museum and federally recognized tribes to return native remains and artifacts for proper burial. It also allowed the state to create a cemetery for unidentifiable remains.
"Illinois is proving that the government is capable of reflecting on the harmful past and planning for the future that respects and celebrates our interconnectedness," said Joseph "Zeke" Rupnick, Chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.Â
2024 is the first year Illinois school districts have been required to include native history curriculum in social studies classes. Students in sixth grade and higher now learn about the genocide and discrimination of Native Americans. Teachers can also include sections on U.S. treaties that led to forced relocation.
"In order for us to know where we're going, we gotta truly know where we've been," said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). "The Native American history is in the DNA of this state. So, I was really excited to work with you all on that and I am honored that we are here."
Still, lawmakers and advocates know there is still more work to do. A growing number of people want Illinois to ban K-12 schools from using Native American mascots and logos. Experts said these mascots create a hostile learning environment and perpetuate dehumanization.
"Their pervasive presence in schools has demonstrated time and time again to not only harm children, but they create a society that operates on inaccurate information and harmful perceptions," said Dr. Megan Bang from the Northwestern University Center for Native American & Indigenous Research.
Lawmakers have tried to ban racist mascots and logos multiple times, but those plans never gained enough support.
A separate bill could allow the state to transfer ownership of Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Bank Potawatomi Nation. Chief Shab-eh-nay is the great grandfather four generations removed of Chairman Rupnick.
"The government stole the land and illegally auctioned off more than 1,200 acres of land that was rightfully and legally ours," Rupnick said.
Senate Democrats passed the bill to return the state-owned land to the tribe. The Illinois House could vote on this plan when lawmakers are back in Springfield for veto session next month.
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