During a Regular Meeting of the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature
on March 23, a Legislative Recognition Citation presentation to honor Representative
Hope B. Smith was given. Hope Smith
served as District III Legislative Representative from July 2009 until July
2013 and served as the Tribal Secretary during her term. She passed away on December 27, 2020.
Per Resolution 02-09-21 E, “the Legislature finds it
appropriate to recognize Hope B. Smith’s hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and
commitment to the people of the Ho-Chunk Nation and finds this most timely,
that the members of the Legislature join in honoring the life and public
service of Representative Hope B. Smith and extends their condolences to family
and friends.”
Rep. Smith’s son, Lot L. Smith II, was in attendance to
receive the citation on behalf of the family.
Her brother, Gordon Thunder, and sister, Myrtle Long, were also among
those in attendance. Rep. Smith’s
daughter, Mary Smith, attended virtually and expressed her gratitude for her
mother’s recognition.
The Citation in Recognition of Hope B. Smith states, “Hope
B. Smith led a spiritual life dedicated to the Native American Church as a
church officer and proud member, she encouraged Waksik Wosga while respecting
the ways and beliefs instilled in her, she served as the NACNA (Native American
Church of North America) Executive Secretary and as the White Cross Native American
Church Treasurer/Secretary.”
Hope Smith worked for the Ho-Chunk Nation in other
capacities for over 35 years, including Education Director, JOM Coordinator,
Executive Assistant, and most recently as a Ho-Chunk Language Instructor. She graduated from UW – Eau Claire with a
degree in anthropology, earned a Bookkeeping certificate and worked on an
accounting degree.
Representative Paul Fox offered a word of prayer over the
meal. A cake decorated with the Ho-Chunk
Nation seal, yellow flowers, and the words, ‘In Honor of Hope Smith’ was
shared. Tiana Mallory cut the cake, and
Lance Long sang the Lord’s Prayer in the Ho-Chunk language.