MILAN, Ill. — On Sunday morning, nearly 100 people gathered at Camp Milan Retreat Center to honor the leader of the Midwest Sauk Tribe, Black Hawk. The warrior was born in what is modern-day Rock Island and fought in many battles, including the War of 1812 where he aided the British.
"Black Hawk was a leader of his people," said Augustana College History Professor Jane Simonsen. The professor spoke at Sunday's service about the history of settlers taking Native American land.
"When we think about how we Americans acquired this land, it was through violence, and it was by taking over the homes of families," Simonsen said.
After the Black Hawk War of 1832, white settlers bought nearly six million acres of land from Native Americans, for dirt cheap. "I think we need to remember that we're guests on this land," Simonsen said.
Attendees of the service were led in song by Reverend Dan Lybarger who has been involved in Native American ministries for decades.
"Black Hawk became a symbol of strength, a symbol of resistance against things that are wrong in this world," Lybarger said.
Lybarger reflected on the connection Black Hawk had with mother nature. He says the warriors lasting legacy for him is about the love he had for the earth.