Singing Bird and the Importance of Native American Women in Illinois History

Dressed in her native regalia, Kim gives a history of Natives in Illinois with a focus on Native women, or what was considered “The Hidden Half.” Her primary focus is women such as Singing Bird (Blackhawk’s wife), and Hononegah.

Kim will bring the audience into these women’s day-to-day lives, including courting, marriage, and child-rearing. She will also talk about their role in their husbands’ lives, and how those lives affected the history of Illinois.

Kim will discuss the role women played within the family unit. The audience will learn Native language and music, and get the chance to play native instruments in this interactive experience.