Overview
This scholar is fully booked through 2023. This scholar will be available in 2024 for booking.
You may also book them outside of any Illinois Humanities affiliation using the contact information provided in the “Book This Road Scholar” section below.
Kim Sigafus believes that education is an ongoing process for everyone. An accomplished writer and speaker, Kim Sigafus has presented programs about Native culture to children and adults at various venues across the state. A returning Road Scholar, she captivates audiences with her stories, knowledge, and Native regalia.
Presentation 1
Singing Bird and the Importance of Native American Women in Illinois History
Dressed in her native regalia, Kim will be giving a history of the natives in Illinois with a focus on native women, or what was considered “The Hidden Half.” Her primary focus will be 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 native 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 Topics
- Native American
- Women
- Illinois
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.
About the Road Scholar
Kim Sigafus is an award-winning Ojibwa author who writes Native American fiction, non-fiction, children’s and young adult books. She has presented on native history, food, and music, and has traveled all over the Midwest in her native regalia, bringing native culture to life. Kim’s family is from White Earth Reservation, located in the northwest corner of Minnesota. She sings and drums, as well as crafts dream catchers and Talking Feathers.
Kim owns Quiet Souls, a Native American Inspired Gift store in Freeport, where she offers native presentations several times a year.
Learn More and Follow Kim
- Website
- Native Voice: Kim Sigafus on Writing About Bullying
- Kim owns Quiet Souls, a Native American Inspired Gift store in Freeport, where she offers native presentations several times a year.
- Quiet Souls on Facebook
Book this Road Scholar
Follow the steps below to book a presentation.
Step 1
Contact Kim to schedule a date and time via email at qsouls@hotmail.com or phone at (815) 297-2293.
Step 2
Once you and Kim have agreed upon a date and time, complete the Road Scholars Host Organization application.