Land Acknowledgment, Touch a Truck, Go! Skokie + | |
District begins process of honoring Tribal Nations | |
In 2022, as part of the Skokie Park District’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), staff began to discuss a new responsibility –– honoring the ancestral homelands of Native American tribes.
To kick off this new effort, district staff first reached out to the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. Located in Evanston, the museum is one of only a few across the country that focuses exclusively on the histories, cultures, traditions, and arts of Indigenous people from the United States and Canada.
Park names
Working closely with the staff of this local education center, park district staff developed a plan to seek the input of Tribal Nations regarding the park district’s 11 existing Native American park names. At a public listening session in June 2023, park district staff, the board of commissioners, Mitchell Museum staff, and public attendees discussed a future review of Native American park names, and whether the names accurately and respectfully represent Tribal Nations and their cultures, traditions, and contributions to Skokie and this region. There was also discussion regarding park signage that would honor the Tribal Nation history of each park.
Mitchell Museum staff then provided the district with a list of translations of Skokie parks with Tribal Nation names, to include in the official names of each park. Those enhanced names may now be found on the Skokie Park District website.
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Land acknowledgement
District staff also worked with the Mitchell Museum to help develop a “Land Acknowledgment Statement” honoring Indigenous peoples whose presence on this land came long before Skokie’s current residents, and who continue to impact park district land to this day. At the June listening session, a draft of the statement was presented and discussed. At their monthly meeting three weeks later, the district’s board of commissioners unanimously approved the district’s new Land Acknowledgement Statement. (See it here.)
“We will continue to work with the Mitchell Museum as we begin outreach to individual Tribal Nations regarding our park names,” said Skokie Park District Executive Director Michelle Tuft. “We expect that working with each Nation will offer a unique learning experience for both our staff and our residents.”
For more information regarding this Skokie Park District DEI initiative, please contact Mary Amato at (847) 929-8515.
To learn more about The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, click here.
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See and touch the big rigs up close for free!
Trucks and machinery from the Skokie Park District, the Village of Skokie and more, will be on hand for children to explore.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during this event.
Saturday, September 9, 9:30–11 a.m.
Oakton Community Center
4701 Oakton St.
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Fall Into Health Fair
Learn how to take charge of your health and feel great!
This annual morning health fair offers:
- Physical, emotional and mental health education
- Free admission and parking
- Free use of the Fitness First health club
- Free Starbucks coffee
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, BMI and other checks from 9-11:30 a.m.
- Free samples and health tips
Saturday, September 9, 9 a.m.– noon
Weber Leisure Center
9300 Weber Park Place
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September Flea Market Frenzy | |
Browse hidden treasures and find great prices on items such as antiques, holiday decor, dishes, clothing, tools, electronics, video games, jewelry, books, music, movies, art, vinyl, and other totally weird stuff! Flea Market Frenzy is held one Sunday a month through October.
Free admission!
Sunday, September 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oakton Community Center Parking Lot
4701 Oakton St.
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Skokie Heritage Museum events! | |
Free Gallery Walk: Le'Ana Asher
Meet the artist of our newest exhibit and learn about her works on display! Le’Ana Asher is an award-winning contemporary artist known for her powerful representations of Native American culture. With a profound connection to her Ojibwe heritage, she creates vibrant and evocative paintings that explore themes of memory, identity, and resiliency. Her exhibit will be on the second floor of the Skokie Heritage Museum through Dec. 6.
Free to attend! No pre-registration required.
Saturday, September 9, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Skokie Heritage Museum
8031 Floral Ave.
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Grandparents' Day & Ice Cream Social
Bring the whole family! Enjoy some ice cream while discussing, exploring, and strengthening intergenerational relationships through the lens of indigenous philosophy and history, led by Pamala Silas (Menominee). After, join us for a collaborative craft or two and make a family keepsake to take home.
Saturday, September 10, 2-4 p.m.
Skokie Heritage Museum
8031 Floral Ave.
Perfect for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: $5
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Extending Your Gardening Season | |
Find out how to extend your garden season beyond common mid-summer crops! Matt Ryan, urban garden expert and founder of Interseed, will talk about fall in the garden and early plantings to consider for next spring.
Ages: 16+
Thursday, September 14, 6:30-8 p.m.
Emily Oaks Nature Center
4650 Brummel St.
Residents – $25
Non-residents – $32
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Get ready to move in September – it's free! | |
Commit to be active this September! During the entire month of September, we are asking you to commit to walk or move for 30 minutes every day!
Free incentive walking events and programs will 'pop-up' in September, including Skokie Story Stroll, walking meet-ups, free open skate, BOGO mini-golf, fitness classes, and much more, to encourage you to keep moving!
Register now! All ages are welcome to participate.
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Skokie Story Stroll at Peccia Park | |
Bring the family to the final Story Stroll of the summer and read the free children's stories on display at Peccia Park!
As you stroll along the trail, you are directed to the next page in the story. Enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time!
Through September 29
Peccia Park – "Fry Bread"
Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, "Fry Bread" is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by award-winner Juana Martinez-Neal. The New York Times says, “A wonderful and sweet book. Lovely stuff.”
Peccia Park is located at 5425 Brummel St.
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Check out the district's September Happenings calendar! | |
If you are looking for new and unique ways to have fun in September, the Skokie Park District offers great one-day events, workshops, outings, special events and more.
Click on the calendar below to view it and access its links.
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Your Fall Program Guide is here!
Register now!
The Skokie Park District's fall classes and events are now online and with them the district's online Fall Program Guide.
The Fall Program Guide offers you and your family an enormous variety of recreational, educational and fitness alternatives, including many special events.
Celebrate fall by finding a new passion at your Skokie Park District!
Click on the guide cover to join the fun!
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