For thousands of years, the place now known as Chicago was a thriving center of Indigenous life. Potawatomi people lived on and took care of the land until they were forced out by non-Native settlers. The Ojibwe, Odawa, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Miami, Mascouten, Sac and Fox, Kickapoo, Ho-Chunk, Menomonee, and tribes whose names have been lost due to genocide also lived, gathered, and traded in this region. 

Chicago today still owes much to the Indigenous peoples of this land. In fact, the city’s name comes from “Checagou,” likely derived by French traders from the word “Zhegagoynak.” In Potawatomi, “zhegagosh” means “wild onion” and “nak” means “the place of. 

In commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, we invite you to join us for activities celebrating Native histories and the Indigenous peoples who continue to thrive in our city. Learn about the ongoing work Native American organizations and individuals do in Chicago and how they use the arts as a tool to share their cultures and to promote social change.  

2:00–3:00 p.m. – Livestreamed author talk with Dr. John N. Low discussing some of the history of the Potawatomi people and the factors that led to their forced removal from this land and its subsequent effects on the population. Registration is required for all attendees.

• Register to attend virtually on Zoom, which is free.
• Register to attend in-person, which is free with general admission to the Museum.

Header image: ST-30003011-0003, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum