Kim Sigafus McIver

Singing Bird and the Importance of Native American Women in Illinois History

Dressed in her native regalia, Kim gives a history of Natives in Illinois with a focus on Native women, or what was considered “The Hidden Half.” Her primary focus is women such as Singing Bird (Blackhawk’s wife), and Hononegah.

Kim will bring the audience into these women’s day-to-day lives, including courting, marriage, and child-rearing. She will also talk about their role in their husbands’ lives, and how those lives affected the history of Illinois.

Kim will bring items that women would have used in their daily lives, as she discusses the role women played within the family unit. The audience will be able to pick up and view the items, learn Native language and music, and get the chance to play the drum in this interactive experience.

Program Logistics

The presentation takes approximately 60 minutes, including a Q and A with the audience. Required items include a changing room for the speaker and a table to display items.