This October 14th is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a time where we celebrate and honor the complex histories and many cultures of the Indigenous people of the United States.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes Native Americans as the original inhabitants of the land.
Here in Cook County, we are on the land of the Council of Three Fires—the Ojibwa, Ottawa and Potawatomi—as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sauk and Meskwaki peoples.
See the official Land Acknowledgement from the Forest Preserves of Cook County HERE.
Beyond commemorating the past, there is a necessity to celebrate Native peoples’ of today by appreciating Native art, culture, and continued environmental efforts.
As Indigenous nations still face inequity and discrimination, we all must share the duty of educating ourselves and continuing the spirit of care and community.
“Over 90 percent of the available lands in the Greater Chaco region of the Southwest have already been leased for oil and gas extraction. OUR STORY documents the ongoing Indigenous-led work to protect the remaining lands that are untouched by oil and gas, as well as the health and well-being of communities surrounded by these extractive industries.
OUR STORY emerges from a long-standing collaboration between local Diné leaders in the Greater Chaco region, Pueblo organizers, and a small team of community-engaged media makers to share the story of the Indigenous-led fight to protect this sacred landscape.”
"Throughout US history, Indigenous people have lost their lives and land because of colonization. But today, people across the country celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day. They honor the cultures and contributions of Indigenous nations while raising awareness about current issues that American Indians face. This title looks at how the holiday developed, exploring the effects of colonization, the work of Indigenous activists, and what the future holds for the holiday. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards." – Publisher’s website.
"Wesley's hopeful plans for Indigenous Peoples' Day (and asking her crush to the dance) go all wrong--until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her Indigenous family and community at the intertribal powwow"-- Provided by publisher.
“From the acclaimed Ojibwe author and professor Anton Treuer comes an essential book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native young readers alike. Ranging from "Why is there such a fuss about nonnative people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween?" to "Why is it called a 'traditional Indian fry bread taco'?" to "What's it like for natives who don't look native?" to "Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?", and beyond.”
“Extending his constellation of narratives into the past and future, Tommy Orange traces the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School through three generations of a family in a story that is by turns shattering and wondrous.” – Publisher’s website
