Kim Sigafus: “We the Native People" at the Butterworth Center -- October 12.
Monday, October 12, 6:30 p.m.
Butterworth Center, 1105 Eighth Street, Moline IL
Appearing at Moline's Butterworth Center as part of the IHC Road Scholar Program, Kim Sigafus will present the special program We the Native People on October 12, the speaker an award-winning Ojibwa author who writes Native American fiction, non-fiction, and children’s and young-adult books.
Sigafus' family is from White Earth Reservation in Minnesota, and the author of more than 20 published works routinely travels throughout the Midwest to give presentations on her culture. Sigafus is the CEO of Quiet Souls Events and Education, a nonprofit organization that promotes native culture through educational programs and special events. When not working, Sigafus enjoys crafting items such as dream catchers and talking feathers, singing, and drumming.
Captivating audiences with her stories, knowledge, and Native regalia, Sigafus, in We the Native People, will discuss what was happening in the country regarding Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. Sigafus will emphasize the impact the document had on the lives of the Native people, including how Native people viewed their land, the loss of which negatively impacted them. The author will also discuss how Native people once lived, explaining what was lost of their culture as Western expansion moved forward, and will tell about the lives of the Native people through traditional story and song. In addition, Native foods will be discussed, and an audience Q & A session will conclude the program.
Katherine Deere, granddaughter of John Deere, married William Butterworth, and their home was built as a wedding gift by her parents, Mary and Charles Deere. The original house was much smaller and looked significantly different from what you see today. Sitting just a block from Charles Deere’s home “Overlook,” the home was named “Hillcrest.” The Butterworths had no children and chose to expand their home for the purpose of entertaining, filling it with fine furniture, art, and music. The Butterworths' attitude of philanthropy, community involvement, and wish to bring culture into the Quad Cities led to the establishment of the William Butterworth Foundation, which maintains the house today. Guests of the houses are invited to explore what life was like for one of Moline’s most influential families.
Kim Sigafus will present her IHC Road Scholar Program We the Native People in Moline on October 12 at 6:30 p.m., and more information on the evening is available by calling (309)743-2700 and visiting ButterworthCenter.com.
