In the past few years, acknowledging American Indian tribal ownership of land has become a custom at synod assemblies and by some Lutheran congregations. New proposed legislation in the State of Illinois will give Lutherans an opportunity to do more than acknowledge, but to advocate for the return of state park land originally owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and illegally sold by the Federal government in 1849. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is located in DeKalb County.
State Representative Mark Walker (District 53) has submitted legislation, HB4718, that will return this land to tribal ownership. He will discuss this legislation at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, on Tuesday, April 23, from 7 to 9 PM.
Representative Walker will be joined by Prairie Band Potawatomi tribal historic preservation officer Raphael Wahwassuck. Feel free to join in person at the church or use the Zoom link at the end to attend remotely.
Rosemary Walter, co-leader of Our Saviour’s POWER advocacy ministry, said, “I hope that Lutherans throughout Illinois will participate in this event to learn, understand, and support Rep. Walker’s bill and correct a terrible injustice. It should be a very interesting evening to also learn from our Native brothers and sisters how they view this legislation and other matters.”
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85957396543?pwd=aHFLNFFFbFZIS3VodG45U0JGNDJxQT09?
Time: April 23, 2024, 7:00 P.M. Central Time (US and Canada)
For questions or concerns or technical issues email POWER@OurSaviours.org
For more information on the legislation, please click here.
