There’s supposed to be an Indian reservation in northern Illinois. A bill sitting in Congress since November would recognize it, pay the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation at least $10 million, and clear any claims the tribe could make on land now owned by others.
St. Rep. Tom Demmer of Dixon is supporting a state legislature resolution calling on the federal government to follow through making amends.
Audio PlayerThe problem goes back to when the Potawatomi band agreed to leave the land, including its reservation, and join other Potawatomi in Kansas. The U.S. Senate rejected closing or moving the reservation, but the U.S. General Land Office moved the band anyway. The Potawatomi now own about 130 acres in Dekalb County, which would be recognized or reaffirmed as a reservation under the Senate bill. Partial compensation of $10 million would be followed by more compensation to be determined later and paid over a decade.
More information on the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Nationis at this link.