By Connie Schmidt
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage, Village of Glen
Ellyn, and Midwest SOARRING (Save Our Ancestors Remains and Resources
Indigenous Network Group) have signed an agreement for the long-abandoned McKee
House in the East Branch Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn to be a Native American
Cultural Arts and Nature Center. This is particularly poignant because the
mission of Midwest SOARRING is to facilitate repatriation concerns, educate the
public about various American Indian cultural issues, environmental issues, and
build community among all people.
With gratitude to Joseph Standing Bear Schranz of the Ojibwe
Nation, a ceremony was held on the McKee House site on the Fall Equinox 2023.
This site hosts burial grounds of original people and was a significant meeting
site for various indigenous tribes. Last year, Forest Preserve President Daniel
Hebreard hosted a land acknowledgment with Midwest SOARRING at this site,
acknowledging the original stewards of these local lands.
The terms of the agreement require a diligent effort by
Midwest SOARRING to fundraise. $1 Million must be acquired by January 1, 2026,
or the district will demolish the building. The group then will have until
January 1, 2030, to occupy the structure. Both the village of Glen Ellyn and
the Forest Preserve District of DuPage are behind this effort to offer them
success. Now it is up to the people and businesses of local communities to
support these fund-raising efforts as well. You may donate to this effort on Midwest SOARRING Foundation's website at https://www.midwestsoarring.org/ Be sure to select "McKee House" when donating.
Photo credits: Connie Schmidt
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