In a powerful act of justice and reconciliation, Illinois has officially returned 1,500 acres of land to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, righting a wrong that dates back nearly two centuries. The land, now known as Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, was originally promised to tribal leader Chief Shab-eh-nay in an 1829 treaty—but was later sold off while the tribe was away visiting relatives. Despite the treaty never being formally revoked, the U.S. government had never restored the land—until now.
The transfer was finalized by a new state law signed by Governor JB Pritzker, allowing the tribe to reclaim their ancestral homeland while keeping the land open for public recreation. Tribal chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick, who has long worked toward this outcome, called the return a meaningful step in the Land Back movement. He emphasized the tribe’s commitment to maintaining the park and fostering community trust, assuring neighbors that the land will not be used for a casino.Instead, the focus is on healing, stewardship, and honoring a legacy that was nearly lost.