Unlikely Conductors - Underground Railroad

Wed, 06/20/2018 - 3:24pm

When: April 24, 2018 at the Downtown Library

We learn in history class that the Underground Railroad was extremely instrumental in aiding slaves escaping captivity and searching for freedom. What we don't learn about is the role that Native Americans, who sometimes were slaves themselves, played in helping those slaves get to freedom. 

Join Heather Bruegl, a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and learn about the important role that Native American people played in the Underground Railroad.

Bruegl, inspired by a trip to Wounded Knee, South Dakota, quickly developed a passion for Native American History. Curiosity for her own heritage led her to Wisconsin, where she researched the history of the Native American tribes of that region. 

She has spoken for audiences at Salem-South Lyon Library, Shawano County Historical Society, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohicans, and the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Ms. Bruegl was invited to speak at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for Indigenous Peoples Day, 2017 and gave opening remarks at the Women’s March Anniversary in Lansing, Michigan. 

Bruegl is a graduate of Madonna University of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in U.S. History. Heather currently travels and lectures on Native American history, including policy and activism.