Deerfield Park District: Tree-Bending Ceremony To Honor Indigenous History

Press release from Deerfield Park District:

April 29, 2025

The Deerfield Park District invites you to a meaningful and educational event on Sunday, May 4, from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Trail Tree Park (375 Carlise Avenue) as we honor the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples in northern Illinois.

This Tree-Bending Ceremony will feature guest speakers and experts:

• Gail Spreen-Downes of the Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society
• Tom Smith, Tribal Peace Maker of the Brothertown Indian Nation
• Rob Sulski, Restoration Ecologist with Foot Stone Inc.

These speakers will lead a fascinating discussion about Native American Trail Marker Trees, their historical significance, and their role in navigation.

Following the discussion, guests will witness the commemoration of a new oak sapling, purposefully bent to serve as a future trail marker. This new tree is intended to carry on the legacy of the existing marker, which is approaching the end of its natural life. The program will conclude with a smudging and blessing ceremony to honor this transition.

Light refreshments will be provided.

We hope you’ll join us in preserving and celebrating this important part of our region’s history.

This press release was produced by Deerfield Park District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.