After 175 years, Illinois is contemplating returning land to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation that was taken from Chief Shab-eh-nay in 1848 while he and his tribe were visiting relatives in Kansas. The land, originally reserved for Chief Shab-eh-nay under a treaty signed in 1829, was sold to white settlers, leading to an ongoing dispute.
The proposed transfer involves a 1,500-acre state park named after Chief Shab-eh-nay, located west of Chicago. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation aims to preserve the park's natural state while Illinois would continue to provide maintenance.
The legislation, which awaits approval from the Illinois House, seeks to rectify the illegal sale of Chief Shab-eh-nay's reservation. The Interior Department confirmed the tribe's claim in a detailed memo from July 2000, dismissing previous rebuttals from Illinois officials.
State Representative Will Guzzardi, the bill's sponsor, views the park transfer as a significant compromise by the Potawatomi. The tribe has agreed to forgo claims on privately owned and county land within the original reservation boundaries in exchange for the state park.
The proposal, which has already received Senate approval, faces opposition from local residents concerned about potential development, such as a casino or hotel, that could alter the community's character. However, tribal chairman Joseph 'Zeke' Rupnick emphasized that a casino is unlikely, given existing gambling establishments in the state.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation sees the park transfer as an opportunity to maintain a cherished public asset and honor Chief Shab-eh-nay's legacy. The tribe's management agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is crucial for the park's upkeep and continued accessibility to visitors.
With the legislative session set to resume in November, proponents of the transfer remain hopeful that the bill will pass, resolving a longstanding injustice and fulfilling a promise made to the Potawatomi Nation.
