Peoria Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle
Friday, February 7, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Peoria Women's Club, 301 NE Madison Ave., Peoria

In collaboration with Bradley University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), the PWC invites you to join the Peoria Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, recognized as the oldest continuous book club in the United States. Lynette Steger, a professional educator and Peoria Women's Club board member, is the moderator.

Registration is available through the OLLI website under Winter Semester: https://www.bradley.edu/academic/continue/olli/. A small fee includes membership in the national Chautauqua Institution, contributing toward CLSC graduation, and access to the discussion, snacks, and coffee.

What we are reading and discussing:

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to Present

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer offers a powerful counter-narrative to the traditional view of Native American history, which often ends with the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee. Treuer, an Ojibwe author and anthropologist, argues that Native American life did not end at Wounded Knee but instead persisted and thrived through immense struggles. Drawing on history, reportage, and memoir, Treuer traces the resilience and reinvention of Native peoples from the late 19th century to the present. He highlights their legal and political efforts, the creation of a unifying Native identity, and their adaptation to modern life, showing how Native communities have continued to survive and resist. This sweeping history is a testament to the resourcefulness and strength of Native American cultures. (Part 1 of 2 books relating to a broader discussion on Native American boarding schools).

Questions? Contact Lynette Steger at VicePres1@PeoriaWomensClub.com or (309) 642-2688