The Village of Skokie has spent years discussing its new seal, with strong opinions on both sides. After much debate, the village is finally moving forward with a new design. This marks an important milestone, as the updated seal symbolizes Skokie’s commitment to inclusion and equality. 

The previous seal was removed because it inaccurately portrayed Native imagery and did not reflect the true history of the Potawatami people who once lived in the area. Additionally, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to prejudice and discrimination against Indigenous people.

Northwestern University’s Director of Native American and Indigenous Affairs Jasmine Gurneau comments on the previous seal, stating that it had a significant impact on the Indigenous community. 

“Some in the Native American community have found the chief’s depiction problematic,” Gurneau said. “They have held that the depiction of Native American logos is not a source of pride, but reinforces harmful stereotypes and prejudice and discrimination.”

The new village seal features a flame, broadleaf cattail plants native to the area, the year of incorporation, and the Pottawami word “Wabskoke,” meaning marsh, which inspired the village’s new name. According to Skokie Historical Society President Richard J. Witry, the new seal was based on a historic 1978 campaign to boost civic pride in Skokie. 

The flame symbol is drawn from the 1977 Skokie Spirit program, which arose in response to a planned march by the National Socialist Party of America. This event was set in a predominantly Jewish community with many Holocaust survivors, becoming a defining moment for the village’s history. 

“The Skokie Spirit is important to us and we want to embrace it, and we want to show it in the seal,” Witry said. “This is not an old concept. It’s not a 46-year-old concept that shows up every once in a while. It permeated the village from 1978 when it first showed up to today.”

Furthermore, Niles North students were involved in the decision to change the logo. As an 8th grader, Senior Tulsi Shah, wrote a letter to the Village of Skokie to retire the logo. Her letter was supported by many North students. 

“I am super happy that it is finally changing,” Shah said. “It took such a long time and I really didn’t expect them to change it but I’m really glad they did.”

Many North students during their middle school years signed a letter advocating for a change in the name of the Skokie league baseball and softball name and logo. The league, formerly called, “Skokie Indians,” was renamed to “The Skokie Baseball and Softball League.”  

As an 8th grader, Senior Kailey Cabrera was featured in multiple news stories regarding the name and logo of the team. 

“It makes it okay to be blatantly disrespectful,” Cabrera said. “The younger generations now are our future, and it is our job to make sure that they are impacted in a way that will create woke and respectful adults.”

On April 14, 2021, the Village of Skokie announced that they would be retiring the name and logo of the baseball and softball league. 

As middle schoolers our seniors weren’t the only ones who were driving change. Sophomores Ikea Lipman and Coby Martinez, along with freshman Lettie Samuel and voices from one of North’s feeder schools, McCracken’s Social Justice Club wrote a crowdsourced poem and a letter that was sent to the Skokie Village Board and Mayor George Van Dusen.  

There have been several changes made recently to support indigenous rights beyond just the logo. One significant change was the renaming of “Columbus Day” to “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” Additionally, there had been board votes to rename Skokie parks that honor tribal nations reflecting a border movement to recognize and respect Indigenous heritage in public spaces. 

The new village seal marks a significant step toward honoring Indigenous heritage and promoting inclusion. The changes made, including renaming parks and adopting Indigenous People’s Day, reflect a broader movement for respect and recognition of Indigenous communities. The Village of Skokie’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to fostering a more respectful and equitable future for all.