Ho-Chunk Elder to share native perspective on Starved Rock History

On Sunday, May 17, Ho-Chunk Nation tribal elder Gerald Savage will present “Starved Rock History from a Native Perspective.”

It will begin at 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Lisle, 1006 Ogden Ave. The program, sponsored by the Lisle Heritage Society, is free and open to the public.

Savage’s formal Native name is Ho-Chunk Ska Ga (White Winnebago.) He learned the Native customs and ways primarily from his grandparents, Chief Walks with the Wind and Stands on a Cloud. His family lived in Starved Rock for many years.

The program includes the history of local tribes, the legend of Starved Rock, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps at the park, the Starved Rock murders, and Native ceremonies held at the park.

Savage is an Illinois Humanities 2025 Road Scholar Speaker and an Illinois America 250 Commissioner.

Learn more at lisleheritagesociety.org.