Dear Channahon Families,
In our effort to thrive and grow as a school district, we often look toward the future. We are always seeking to improve Channahon 17 to become better tomorrow than we are today. However, making a brighter future for our students and our community can only be properly achieved by remembering our past - both the good and the bad. Our national and world history is indisputably filled with tragedy and triumph - sadness and success. Our beloved United States Constitution clearly states our goal to “...form a more perfect Union…” towards which we continually strive. However, our country has also experienced some dark days on our path to equality. As the Spanish-American philosopher and poet George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In order to both appreciate our beautiful country, while also learning from our mistakes, is precisely why we teach our children about our past.
One fascinating element of our past is the native American people who called this land home. As you likely know, the Potawatomi people lived on these lands and raised their families here. The very name ‘Channahon’ means “meeting of the waters” in the Potawatomi language, reminding us of the community that thrived here long before us. For our town and school district, "Channahon Indians" is much more than a name and a logo - it is a tribute to the deep roots of a storied past.
Last week, you may have noticed messages circulating in the community about Illinois House Bill 1237. This bill aims to restrict the use of Native American logos, names, and imagery in all K-12 schools in Illinois. Preserving the name “Indians” is not about overlooking the painful parts of history, but about remembering all of it — the struggles, the triumphs, and the legacy that shaped our town. In our school district, we’ve made this commitment real through our curriculum. Our students engage in a dedicated unit on the Potawatomi people, learning about their history, culture, and connection to our local community. In doing so, we teach our children the importance of respect, reflection, and appreciation for the past. It is the story of our community, and it deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
Regardless of whether HB 1237 passes or not, we will continue to teach our children about the real history of Channahon and the Potawatomi people. It is my hope that we can do this while remaining the “Channahon Indians”.
Warmly,
Dr. Nicholas Henkle
Superintendent, Channahon School District