Record #: R2021-1307   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 11/17/2021 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 11/17/2021
Title: Acknowledgment of land of City of Chicago as Native homelands and expression of commitment to promoting Native cultural heritage
Sponsors: Lightfoot, Lori E. , Waguespack, Scott, Moore, David H., Hadden, Maria E. , Villegas, Gilbert, Reboyras, Ariel, La Spata, Daniel , Mitts, Emma, Hopkins, Brian , Tunney, Thomas, Smith, Michele, Cappleman, James, Dowell, Pat, Sigcho-Lopez, Byron, Taliaferro, Chris, Vasquez, Jr., Andre, Maldonado, Roberto, Martin, Matthew J. , Gardiner, James M. , Hairston, Leslie A., Cardenas, George A., Harris, Michelle A., Nugent, Samantha , King, Sophia D., Brookins, Jr., Howard, Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos
Attachments: 1. R2021-1307.pdf

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OFFICE  OF  THE MAYOR

CITY OF CHICAGO

LOR I E. LIGHTFOOT

MAYOR

 

November 17, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Waguespack, Moore, Hadden, Villegas, Reboyras, La Spata, Mitts, Hopkins, Tunney, Smith, Cappleman, Dowell, Sigcho-Lopez, Taliaferro, Vasquez, Maldonado, Martin, Gardiner, Hairston, Cardenas, Harris, Nugent, King, Brookins and Ramirez-Rosa, a land acknowledgment resolution honoring Native Americans.

 

Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.

Mayor

 

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, the land that is now the City of Chicago has always been and remains an important place for Native Americans; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago is home to a vibrant urban Native community that is among the largest in the United States and that comprises over 120 Tribal Nations, including the Lakota, Cherokee, Navajo, and Choctaw; and

 

WHEREAS, November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native peoples, as well as the countless contributions of Native Americans, including the stewardship and protection of our land and waterways; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago acknowledges that Chicago is located on the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe, or the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. The City also acknowledges that many other Nations consider this area their traditional homeland, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo, and Mascouten; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago acknowledges Kitihawa ofthe Potawatomi Nation for her role in fostering the community that has become Chicago; and

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago is committed to promoting Native cultural heritage, and a formal land acknowledgement aligns with the City of Chicago's commitments to equity and social justice; now, therefore,

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and the Members of the City Council, assembled this seventeenth day of November, 2021, affirm that the City of Chicago will continue to acknowledge, respect, and honor the connection of Native Americans to this land; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following Land Acknowledgement be prominently displayed by the City of Chicago, and placed on the City's website:

 

"The City of Chicago is located on land that is and has long been a center for Native peoples. The area is the traditional homelands ofthe Anishinaabe, or the Council ofthe Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Many other Nations consider this area their traditional homeland, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo, and Mascouten. The City specifically acknowledges the contributions of Kitihawa of the Potawatomi in fostering the community that has become Chicago. We acknowledge all Native peoples who came before us and who continue to contribute to our City. We are committed to promoting Native cultural heritage."