Native American tribe could reclaim its land in DeKalb County if a bill becomes law

Posted on May 21, 2024
Rebecca Oest spoke at the capitol Tuesday morning. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A long struggle by a Native American tribe to reclaim its land in DeKalb County would be resolved if a bill which has passed an Illinois House committee becomes law.

“The legislation before us rights an historical wrong,” said the sponsor, State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago), “and resolves these thorny questions of land ownership by simply conveying the park in its entirety to the Prairie Band (Potawatomi) Nation.”

The land in question is Shabbona Lake State Park. Rebecca Oest lives across the street.

“Myself and my family have put a lot of money and given up a lot to be where we are, in a small community, and enjoy the park the way that it is, she said.

Guzzardi says the park would remain open as is.

The bill now goes to the full House.

HB 4718 has passed the House Executive Committee.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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