Aurora Public Library hosts Native American history program July 17

Dressed in traditional Ojibwa regalia, author Kim Sigafus will share her knowledge of many aspects of Native American cultures.

Sigafus will discuss Native people who lived in Illinois in the 1800s and their traditions. She will describe Native American foodways, including the planting of the "Three Sisters": corn, beans, and squash. Drumming and singing, she will share a traditional lullaby with the audience and will teach them a song.

They will learn some Native American language and be able to view and handle Native artifacts. There will be opportunities for audience participation, including an invitation into a drum and rain stick circle.

Kim Sigafus is an award-winning Ojibwa author of children's picture books, plays, Native American nonfiction, and fiction, as well as co-owner of McIver Publishing. She travels throughout the Midwest sharing her Native culture through oral tradition, music, and food presentations. Her Ojibwa name, "Bekaadiziikwe," means "Quiet Woman."

Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Illinois General Assembly (through the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency), as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations, or our funders.

This event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 17, at the Aurora Public Library's Eola Road Branch, 555 S. Eola Road. It will be followed by another session at the Santori Library at 101 S. River St. from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Please register on the website at aurora.libnet.info/events.