The Ho-Chunk Nation (HCN) sponsored multiple outdoor activities that took place in and around Black River Falls over the 2023 Labor Day weekend.  The weather ranged from the 90 to 104 degrees.

The Rise Above Recovery Rally

     The weekend kicked off with Prosperity in Recovery’s Rise above Recovery Rally on Friday, Sept. 1, at the Lunda Community Park by the Upper Shelter and Band Shell.  September is Nation Recovery Month.  The Prosperity in Recovery group promotes family activities for those who are in recovery.

     The rally opened with registration, introductions, a prayer, and a meal.  The War Cloud Nation provided songs.  There were informational booths and memorial items on display.

     Sponsors of the rally included the Labor Day Pow-Wow Committee, Ho-Chunk Health & Wellness Division, District 1 Community Center, Jackson in Action, McDonald’s, KC Fitness, Riverside Nutrition, and an anonymous donor.   Additional support came from the HCN Division of Behavioral Health, HCN Department of Social Services, Andrew Blackhawk Legion Post #129, and Ho-Chunk Housing & Community Development Agency.

     The event speakers included Evangeline Suguet, James Allen Cross from Natives Against Heroin, Charles Kagigebi from Sober Driver Project, Sherri Larsen from We Do Recover, John Henry Skenandore from Project Lights Out, Tena Quackenbush from Stop the Stigma.  There was a comedy act by Justina Hindsley.

     The evening closed with a candlelight memorial, prayer by Mary Ann Dick, and honor song.

Labor Day Pow-Wow Fun Run/Walk

     The Ho-Chunk Nation Health & Wellness Division hosted a fun run/walk on Sept. 2 at the District 1 Community Center.  The goal was to promote health and wellness and foster positive community feelings.  Participants could choose to complete 1.5 or three miles and the route was stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Haapo’taiiga Applique Iron Woman Special

     On Sept. 3, the family of Bridgadine (Garvin) Spiegler sponsored a dance special intended to give Bridge and all others battling cancer the strength to continue to persevere.  Spieger was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.  The dance special was for women, ages 18 plus, applique dancers.  The challenge was last woman standing, winner takes all.  Elimination was done by walking off or fallen regalia.

     Over 35 dancers participated in the challenge.  After twenty plus songs, five dancers were honored with Pendleton blankets.  The finalists were Tiffany Warner from Winnebago, NE and breast cancer survivor, and Cameryn Collins from Plover, WI.  Both received a jacket and paaxge earrings.  The champion was Jovena Scabbyrobe from White Swan, WA and she was awarded $3,500, a jacket, and a pair of paaxge earrings.

     The challenge lasted over an hour and a half in ninety degree weather, for twenty six songs.

     George Garvin and Tim Decorah spoke on behalf of the family.

Co-Ed Softball Tournament

     The 24^th Annual Labor Day Co-Ed Softball Tournament took place Sept. 2 – 3 at the Sandpillow Softball Fields.  Andi Jo Cloud organized the event.

     The Wakajaxete (Big Thunder) Home Run Derby winners were Sophia Anderson from Team Sophia and Daben King from ED’s Drain Cleaning.  The Thundercloud family funded the award money in honor of the late Zack Thundercloud, who was the announcer and coach of the local little league team called the Bulldogs.  Nehomah Thundercloud-Pucel represented her brother and family by presenting the awards.

     Sponsors of the tournament included Ho-Chunk Gaming – Black River Falls, Whitetail Crossing – Black River Falls, and Ace Scholze’s – Black River Falls.

     Individual awards went to Kyle from ED’s Drain Cleaning for Home Run Chief, Kallen from Closing Time for Strikeout Chief, and Lena from New Bread for Girls Can Play Ball (most RBIs). Anita Naquayouma of New Breed was selected for the Nacgepii (good heart) Award.

     Seventh place went to Bad News Bears.  The sixth place team was New Breed.  Closing Time took fifth place. The fourth place winners was Team Sophia and they were the furthest travelers, hailing from Suttons Bay, Michigan.

     BJ’s Airport took third. Second Place went to Warstic. The Champions were ED’s Drain Cleaning from Oneida.

Moccasin Tournament

     Sampson Funmaker organized the moccasin tournament.

Traditional Lacrosse & Double Ball Draw Tournament

     On Sunday, Sept. 3, there was a traditional lacrosse and double ball tournament near the District 1 Community Center.  Teams were randomly drawn from players.  There were cash prizes and contests for longest throw and accuracy.  All levels of players were welcome and sticks were available on site.

     Randall Blackdeer II organized the games.

Book Signing

     Hattie Walker coordinated an all Ho-Chunk book signing event on Sept. 3 at the pow-wow.  United States Representative Sharice Davids, Musician Irene Keenan, Jr., and Ria Thundercloud were the honored authors who attended.  Musician Corey White was invited.  Davids created “Sharice’s Big Voice”, Thundercloud penned “Finding My Dance”, Keenan wrote “Dave Goes to the Moon”, and White authored “Kunu’s Practice Pays Off.”

Labor Day Contest Pow-Wow

     The HCN Labor Day Contest Pow-Wow took place Sept. 2, 3, and 4 at the Andrew Blackhawk Memorial Powwow Grounds near Black River Falls.  The public was invited and there was no entry or camping fee.

     Emcees for the weekend were Dylan Prescott and Lance Long.  Dave Russell was the arena director.  Head Veteran was Robert Mann.  Hoki Clairmont was the head drum judge.  The head man dance judge was David Cleveland.  Shandiina Jack was the head woman dance judge.  Host Drums were Bearheart and Iron Mound.  Waylon Pettibone organized the event.

      The contest winners were: