Ald. Burke Under Fire For "Peace Pipe" Comment
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jun 5, 2012 9:30PM
In a resolution recognizing the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Dearborn on August 15, Ald. Edward Burke (14th) made some comments that upset the Native American community, who say it was a "very one-sided stereotypical resolution that does not give credit to the native people at all." Burke was proposing a "Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation" to mark the anniversary of the battle between the Potawatomi tribe and the U.S. military and early area settlers.
Joseph Podlasek, executive director of Chicago's American Indian Center, said Burke did not mention a single Potawatomi in his resolution, while singling out three white soldiers.
"He said maybe we should all sit down and smoke a peace pipe," Podlasek said, saying the term "peace pipe" is derogatory. "That's very offensive. Our pipes are very sacred items to us."Burke said he meant no offense.
"If I've insulted him, I apologize," Burke said. "I think the term peace pipe is something that is commonly understood in North America to be a symbol of reconciliation and conciliation. That was my only intention. . . . I viewed it as an opportunity, if that is a symbol of reconciliation and friendship, to incorporate that into the commemoration ceremonies."
In the 1812 battle, 28 Potawatomi were killed and 38 captured. Fourteen civilians were killed and 13 captured.