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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.

After Mayor Hanson and the Village of Antioch declared November as National American Indian Heritage Month, he went on to read the following proclamation:

"WHEREAS, the history and culture of our great nation have been significantly influenced by the American Indians and indigenous people; and WHEREAS, the contributions of American Indians have enhanced the freedom, prosperity and greatness of America today, and WHEREAS, their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part of a rich legacy throughout the United States: and, WHEREAS, Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November, as National American Indian Heritage Month: and WHEREAS, in honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, community celebrations as well as numerous cultural, artistic, educational and historical activities have been planned; 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 was 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, did the presentation acting on behalf of Mayor Weppler and Ansel Brainerd Cook American Indian Committee Chairman, Marilyn Prinzing.

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 drum made of elk hide stretched over a Cottonwood frame. They performed a "Healing Song" and a "Women's Song."

Also in attendance were Diane Eubanks and Gail Balsamello, members 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 visit our website: ildar.org/chapters/anselbrainerdcook

For more information on the Potawatomie Trails Pow Wow, please visit their Facebook page Facebook.com/Potawatomie Trails Pow Wow

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