SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Three pieces of legislation have been signed into law by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker that he says aim to help support Native Americans in Illinois.
One, Pritzker says, prohibits restrictions on cultural representations at high school graduation ceremonies – inspired by an Evanston High School graduate who wasn’t allowed to walk across the stage because of a sacred eagle feather on his cap.
“That student, Nimkii Curley…thank you for being a catalyst for change,” said Pritzker. “You should never have been denied to walk alongside your classmates. We will all work tirelessly to protect and expand your right to be who you are.”
Another law allows Native American remains to be buried on state land. It’s called the “Human Remains Protection Act.”
“(This measure is) directing the Department of Natural Resources to create state burial sites, in collaboration with tribal nations, while increasing criminal penalties for those who disturb human burial sites, remains, and grave artifacts.”
The third law, the Governor says, requires Native American history to be taught in schools, focusing on what he says is the genocide and resettlement of Native Americans.
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