Superintendent Beth Schwarz introduced the ongoing discussion of recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day at the September 24, 2015 meeting of the ISD 166 School Board.
Board Member Deb White, who has been at the forefront of this effort for the last two years read the following statement, “Ninety-eight American Indian children attend Cook County School District. The importance of recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day was discussed at the last Local Indian Education Committee Meeting (LIEC). Recommendation is to adopt the following proclamation.”
White continued, “Whereas, American Indian children comprise 22 percent of the students at Cook County School District and the District recognizes and respects the contributions of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and all Indigenous Peoples, now therefore, be it resolved, by the Cook County School Board of Education that it hereby proclaims Monday, October 12, 2015 will be recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day throughout the School District. As the educational leader in Cook County, Cook County School District would like to encourage the other governmental agencies to consider recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”
In response to Board Member Chris Goettl’s question, Schwarz answered that the district does not currently have Columbus Day on its calendars. Goettl later added that Christopher Columbus was not necessarily who he is being portrayed as. Board Member Terry Collins expounded that the Columbus Day holiday was originally introduced by President Franklin Roosevelt as a way of getting votes from the Italian population.
White moved and Collins seconded the motion to bring the proposal to a vote. All five members of the board voted to accept the proclamation. White inquired if there will be any type of presentation at the school that day. Schwarz answered that LIEC will discuss that at their next meeting.
White, who was disappointed that the county board voted against the proposal, claims she will continue the effort again next year.
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