RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 7, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing November as National Native American Heritage Month
Body
WHEREAS, the word “Chicago” is believed to be derived from the Algonquian word “Shikaakwa”, which was the name that Native tribes used to refer to the Chicago River because of the stinky wild leeks that grew along the banks of the river; and
WHEREAS, in the early 1830s, many Native tribes left the Chicago area as a result of the Black Hawk War of 1832 and the Treaty of Chicago that was signed in 1833. With the passage of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956, Chicago saw a resurgence in its Native population, as the Act’s purpose was to reintegrate Native Americans into urban areas; and
WHEREAS, as one of the original relocation sites, a thriving intertribal community began to form in Chicago. Currently, there are an estimated 65,000 Native Americans who live in the Chicago metropolitan area, representing approximately 175 tribal nations; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the monumental contributions made by Native Americans, on August 3, 1990, President George H. W. Bush issued House Joint Resolution 577 designating November 1990 as National American Indian Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, now known as National Native American Heritage Month, the celebration of the tribes that once inhabited this great land has proven to be an enduring tradition; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recognizes the tremendous contributions and sacrifices of people of Native American heritage; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: November 7, 2024