Freedom for Who: Indigenous Nations and the American Revolution

Event Summary

NOTE THIS EVENT HAS ALREADY OCCURRED

Date(s): Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Venue: Downtown Branch of AADL
Jump to Event Details

Event Description

Considered the most excellent breakup letter of all time, the Declaration of Independence is an indictment against the King of England and the oppression that the colonists seemingly felt by the King. But as Thomas Jefferson wrote these words, embedded in the 27th grievance against the King, Jefferson writes of the “merciless Indian Savages” and forever painted Indigenous people as the enemy of the country.

However, when broken down, the phrase reveals a deeper meaning and exposes the founders as land speculators. Learn what the phrase means and how it has shaped the course of United States history.

Heather 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 has researched the history of the Native American tribes of that region. Heather is a graduate of Madonna University of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in U.S. History. She currently travels and lectures on Native American history, including policy and activism.

For teens & adults. Held in 4th Floor Program Room.

Summer Bash Open House - The Future Innovators Academy Explore Our Classrooms - Meet Our Instructors - Have Fun with STEM - Aug9 1-3p - Ready, Set Build - join us - 3 kids with a tablet and a motorized lego set.

Summer Bash Open House at Future Innovators Academy

August 9 1-3p

Confused about the AADL Summer Game? Here’s How to Play It

Have you heard of the Ann Arbor District Library Summer Game and wondered what it is and how to play? Fear not, we have answers for you from several years of playing the game ourselves. Keep reading and you’ll be ready to play the Summer Game!

The AADL has taken the classic Summer Reading Challenge to a whole new level with the AADL Summer Game…

Event Details