Kim Sigafus

We the Native People

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.

Audience Recommendations

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.

Program Logistics

This presentation is 50 minutes long with a 10-minute Q&A. Recordings can be done and left online for 2 weeks. The host should provide one long table up front.