Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR in Libertyville recognizes November as National American Indian Heritage Month.

On October 20, 2020, Mayor Larry Hanson of the Village of Antioch, presented a proclamation to recognize November as National American Indian Heritage Month. The Proclamation presentation was made by the 7' bronze Trail Marker Tree sculpted by Dennis Downes on Main Street in downtown Antioch.

In Mayor Hanson's presentation, he noted that the Village of Antioch's proclamation was being made in recognition of the history and culture of the United States being significantly influenced by the American Indians and indigenous people; the contributions of American Indians enhancement of freedom, prosperity and greatness of America today; and their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part of a rich legacy throughout the United States. Mayor Hanson added that Native American Awareness Week began in 1976. In August 1990, Congress approved and President George H.W. Bush designated the entire month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. In honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, community celebrations as well as numerous cultural, artistic, educational and historical activities have been planned.

The Mayor concluded the reading of the proclamation saying, "Therefore, I Lawrence Hanson, Mayor of Antioch, do hereby proclaim November as the National American Indian Heritage Month in the Village of Antioch and urge all our citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities."

Accepting the proclamation was Rick Bond of the Potawatomie Trails Pow Wow committee, he thanked the Mayor for recognizing the culture, specifically around the Chain of Lakes Area. Rick said that this area has a rich heritage of cultural activities along all the lakes in the region.

In addition to the Village of Antioch's proclamation, Rick also received a proclamation from Mayor Terry L. Weppler of the Village of Libertyville. Pam Holmes from Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR of Libertyville, acting on behalf of Mayor Weppler and Ansel Brainerd Cook American Indian Committee Chair, Marilyn Prinzing, did the presentation.

After the presentation of the two proclamations from Antioch and Libertyville, Rick Bond and Cante' Wanbli Albach, members of the Moon Shadow Singers, drummed and sang two songs on a 100 year old elk hide stretched over a Cottonwood frame. They performed a "Healing Song" and a "Women's Song"

Also in attendance were Regent Diane Eubanks and Honorary Regent Gail Balsamello, of the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR, along with Angie McAvoy and videographer George Foster of North Point Digital Productions.

For more information about Ansel Brainerd Cook, NSDAR please contact us at ABC4DAR@gmailcom

Please visit facebook.com/Potawatomie Trails Pow Wow for more information.