JANUARY
Surprise luncheon for
Judge JoAnn Jones’ 80th birthday
Friday, January 3, 2020, the Tribal Courts staff organized a
surprise luncheon in celebration of Judge JoAnn Jones’ 80th
birthday. The multi-purpose room at the
District 1 Community Center was bursting with people, favorite foods of the
Judge, and vibrant decorations.
The staff was able to surprise Judge Jones under the guise
that the clerks were having a staff meeting at D1CC. All the while, they were preparing dishes and
making the room festive.
Tribal Member creates
film about area Somali Immigrants and family separation stories
Gary Garvin, a UW-Eau Claire junior marketing major from
Black River Falls, was a cinematographer on a film, sharing stories of Somali
refugees who have settled down in Baron County and how U.S immigration policies
have directly impacted their families.
Joel Friederich, associate professor of English at UW-Eau
Claire, initially wrote the immigrants stories, which were published last May
in the UWEC-Baron County’s literary journal, Red Cedar.
Calverley named as
Executive Compliance Officer
Tracy Calverley, formerly the Contract Division
Administrator for the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Justice, recently was named
as Executive Compliance Officer by Ho-Chunk President Marlon WhiteEagle. Her
new role was effective on Monday, January 6, 2020.
Ho-Chunk Nation
reference on gameshow Jeopardy!
January 15, the clue was, “Deb Haaland of the Laguna Pueblo
& Sharice Davids of the Ho-Chunk Nation are the first women of this group
in Congress.”
The clue was revealed under the category title ‘U.S.
Representatives’ and presented in the Double Jeopardy! Round. Contestant Laura Thomason, an English
professor from Lizella, Georgia, responded, “What is Indigenous women?”
Eagle Summit closes
its doors for the last time
On January 6, Eagle Summit at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin
Dells closed its doors for the last time. Eagle Summit is an 18+ casino which offers a
full range of class ll games and much more.
Initially, planners wanted to use the space as a poker room.
Executive Management decided poker was not very profitable, so the decision to
put Eagle Summit in that space was ideal at that time.
Legislature Begins
2020 Budget Development
Each year, the Legislature must enact an appropriations bill
for the Ho-Chunk Nation in accordance with the Constitution. The process is
outlined in the Appropriation and Budget Process Act (2HCC§4).
The budget development process begins with an analysis of
the previous year of income generation, all expenses, and establishing funding
priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The Nation’s enterprises submit a
proposed budget to the Legislature’s Finance Committee by January 15 each year.
FEBRUARY
Kiana Beaudin
receives Forward Under Forty Award
Madison, Wisc. – Ho-Chunk Nation’s Kiana Beaudin received
UW-Madison Alumni Association’s Forward under 40 Award for 2020 at a Madison
Founders’ Day event on February 5. The
evening also included a blanketing ceremony and panel discussion.
Clarence
Boyce Monegar’s artwork put on display at the opening of the Ho-Chunk museum
and Culture Center
On Friday, January 24, the first art show at the new Ho-Chunk Art
Museum and Culture Center took place in Tomah, Wisconsin. The showcased art was created by Clarence
Boyce Monegar. Many of Clarence’s
watercolor paintings represented the Ho-Chunk landscape of central Wisconsin.
They focused on the forests and fields with a perception that is not only
accurate but tempered with knowledge and respect inherited from generations of
devotion.
Senior Basketball
Player Reaches 1,000 points
On Monday, January 13, senior point guard Elliot Bird
reached 1,000 points for his career playing basketball for the Black River
Falls Tigers. Elliot has received
multiple scholarship offers for both football and basketball and plans to
attend UW-La Crosse for football.
Criminal Complaint
filed against former General Council Deputy Advocate in the Ho-Chunk Nation
Trial Court
Former General Council Deputy Advocate Wendy L. Running
Horse, 39, has been charged with one Criminal Complaint in the Ho-Chunk Nation
Trial Court. She is accused of knowingly
and without authorization access the Ho-Chunk Nation Payroll System and
modifying payroll data by entering and approving personal work hours using the
login credentials of a deceased Tribal Employee.
Students showcase
Ho-Chunk picture book at Sandburg Elementary
On Thursday, January 23, fourth and fifth grade students at
Sandburg Elementary School located in Madison, had an author’s book release
party as part of their 2nd quarter showcase.
Students took what they learned and created an original
Ho-Chunk picture book, complete with original pictures and writings inspired by
their learning. Students took digital publishing software to publish real
books.
Stolen Sisters
Exhibition spotlight MMIW epidemic
An opening reception for the Stolen Sisters exhibit was held
in the Greenhill Center of the Arts atrium at the University of Wisconsin –
Whitewater on Jan. 30. The exhibition
features Indigenous artists and allies addressing a range of experiences and
emotions surrounding violence against, loss of indigenous women, and also
celebrates survival.
Largest Annual Teen
Summit gathers youth, parents, educators, activists, and mentors from all over
Wisconsin
Sunday, February 23 through Tuesday, February 25, the
largest annual Teen Summit to End Domestic Abuse was held at Chula Vista in
Wisconsin Dells. The Ho-Chunk Nation
Domestic Abuse Division sponsored 38 Ho-Chunk Nation youth and staff to attend.
Missing
and Murdered Indigenous Women Movement
While violence against women plagues many communities across the
country and around the world, the Native American Indigenous groups in North
America are particularly affected by this devastating problem. Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Women (MMIW) present some of the highest statistics for violence and
death. The situation has existed for generations and continues to harm
individuals and families to this day.
UAS Program
Administrator from Realty Division receives Emerging Leader Award from the
Wisconsin Land Information Association
Niklas Anderson from the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Realty Division
received the very first Emerging Leader Award from the Wisconsin Land
Information Association (WLIA) at their 33rd annual conference in Middleton,
Wisc. The Emerging Leader Award is given
to an individual in the first seven years of their Land Information/GIS career
who demonstrates exemplary individual technical achievement and/or leadership
within the Wisconsin land information community.
Kickapoo Reserve
Management Board welcomes new members
The Kickapoo Reserve Management Board (KRMB) recently
introduced two new Board members. Hocak (Ho-Chunk) Tina Brown of Black River
Falls, Wisconsin, has been appointed to represent the Ho-Chunk Nation’s
Cultural interests and Julie Hoel of Ontario, Wisconsin, has been appointed as
the Education Representative by Governor Tony Evers. These appointments filled
the only remaining seats left on the board which has not seen a complete board
since 2012.
MARCH
Sauk
County Historical Society creates new Sacred Sites Committee
The Sacred Sites Committee is a new committee of the board of the
Sauk County Historical Society (SCHS), created as an outgrowth of strategic
planning done in the summer of 2019.
The current SCHS board members on the new committee include Seth
Taft, Kristin White Eagle, and Executive Director Paul Wolter.
Ho-Chunk Nation
welcomes new GIS Coordinator
Scott Nesbit is the new GIS Coordinator for the Ho-Chunk
Nation in the Realty Division supporting the geospatial needs of the Ho-Chunk
Nation employees and tribal members.
Advantages of the
Tribal Member Benefits Program
The FSA has been working with American Indian Tribes for the
past 15 years, creating and administering tribal member benefit programs as
well as implementing investment management strategies to maintain and fund
these programs effectively.
Monitoring the Novel
Coronavirus
Over the past several weeks, the Health Department has
closely monitored the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. This includes
several weekly calls with our Local, State, and Federal partners.
The Health Department does have a Public Health Emergency
Plan for addressing communicable disease incidents and we have practiced our
Point of Dispensing plans with our internal and external partners, and we
continue to work with them to address identified issues.
COVID-19 causes
Ho-Chunk Nation policy and procedure adaptations
The COVID-19 pandemic currently changes our lifestyles, and
day to day activities adjust around updates on the disease. The Ho-Chunk Nation works diligently to
protect our communities, our employees, and our tribal members. President Marlon White Eagle declared a state
of emergency for the Ho-Chunk Nation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on
March 13.
The declaration included limitations on employment-related
travel outside Wisconsin and between work sites. It also presented a request for departments
to explore implementing communication technology and other solutions that will
limit social interaction. All meetings
of public boards and committees administered by the President are suspended
except for critical meetings.
Indigenous Movies to
watch during the isolation period
All over the globe, many people are being affected by the
COVID-19 outbreak. Schools, museums,
movie theaters, restaurants, bars, hair salons, and casinos: all closed. You are home and you need a distraction. Let
us help.
UW Parkside Hosts
New Exhibit by Sky Hopinka
From February 4 through March 20, the Mathis Gallery in the
Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts & Humanities at Parkside displayed
a series of videos showing Sky Hopinka’s works.
Sky Hopinka is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin
and a descendant of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. The announcement of
identity is significant to his work, revealing the layered strata of
information, presence, confusion, and history.
Social Distancing and
What it means! Yes, that means you too!
In the last week you may have heard a lot about social
distancing to help slow the spread of coronavirus. This is an effort that ALL of us must
undertake to slow the spread of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
WHY is this so important?
Social distancing means limiting the close contact with other
people. This is especially important to
protect our most vulnerable community members including elders, those with
health problems, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important that even younger healthy
adults practice social distancing because they are able to spread the disease
to other people.
WHAT should I do?
Limit trips out of the house to only getting groceries, seeking medical
services, and caring for elders. When you decide it is absolutely necessary to
leave the house remember to maintain a safe distance away from others, that
means 6 feet. Wash your hands with soap
and water or use hand sanitizer after you have touched any handrails, door
knobs, pens, or signature pads in public.
Try to complete errands at a time that it will be less crowded.
WHO should be practicing social distancing? EVERYONE.
Ho-Chunk Gaming facilities
temporarily close
Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease
Control, Wisconsin Department of Health, and the Ho-Chunk Nation Health
Department, multiple Ho-Chunk Gaming (HCG) facilities temporarily close for the
good of team members, guests, and the community.
HCG – Madison closed March 17. HCG – Wisconsin Dells, HCG - Tomah, and HCG –
Nekoosa closed March 18. HCG – Black
River Falls closed March 19. HCG –
Wittenberg closed March 20.
APRIL
BRF Youth Services
changes the dynamics of working with students to working with elders and
families
Ho-Chunk Youth Services are designed to educate youth and
provide recreational activities that promote healthy, mature lifestyles. The Youth and Learning Center located at
District 1 Community Center closed March 13 to protect youth, families, and
staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Staff compassionate about their jobs and the community continue to find
alternate ways to help.
Two Ho-Chunk Head
Start buildings offer pickup locations for Black River Falls School District
meals
Ho-Chunkgra and Puzaki Pei Cinak Head Start buildings near
Black River Falls are pick up locations for the free breakfast and lunch meals
that the Black River Falls School District (BRFSD) offers during the school
closure. Bus drivers, teachers’ aides,
secretaries, and the Nutrition team from the BRFSD packed 10,500 meals for the
March 30 deliveries.
Ho-Chunk Nation
Legislature suspends May 2020 rent and mortgage payments for Housing and HHCDA
Numerous individuals and families face financial hardships
as a result of layoffs and the economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic. The Legislatures plans to ease the burden during this time by
suspending all Department of Housing and Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development
Agency (HHCDA) rent and mortgage payments for May 2020.
Limited services and
program updates from the Department of Education
The Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Education continues
limited services during these uncertain times.
Like many other departments within the Nation, the workforce has been
temporarily reduced, and remaining employees take on additional
responsibilities.
The Education Department altered programs and services in
response to situations caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Each division within the department provided
a brief update.
HHCDA offers one-time
Rental Assistance in response to COVID-19
In response to the declared State of Emergency during the
COVID-19 Pandemic, the Ho-Chunk Housing & Community Development Agency
(HHCDA) offers one-time rental assistance to eligible households. The grant amount cannot exceed $700 and will
be released to the landlord.
Language Division
launches inaugural online Hoocak exercises
The Hoocak Waazija Haci Language Division developed a
self-guided, self-paced, language learning experience called the Hoocak Online
Independent Targeted Exercises (HOIT’E) Program. Lessons began April 6, runs eight weeks, and
geared towards beginner level Hoocak language learners.
Transport Division
and Community Health upgrade transport unit
Community Health in cooperation with the Ho-Chunk Nation
Transportation Division have upgraded a transport unit for the protection and
comfort of the driver and passenger.
Thank you, Roberto! This was a
direct result of input from our employees and concerned community members.
Food Distribution
Program remains operational
The Ho-Chunk Nation Food Distribution Program provides USDA
commodity foods to eligible participants meeting lowered income guidelines and
are federally recognized Native Americans or elderly persons residing on, or
near, reservation lands. The Food
Distribution Program offers up to 75 food items in canned, dried, or fresh
produce items. Products include fruit,
vegetable, dairy, pasta, poultry, beef, cereal, and flour.
The main office and warehouse is located in Black River
Falls and provide services daily.
Tailgate services are offered in Wisconsin Dells, Madison, Wittenberg,
Tomah, La Crosse, and Nekoosa.
HHCDA announces
Emergency Utility Loan Program
The Ho-Chunk Housing & Community Development Agency
(HHCDA) provides an Emergency Utility Loan of up to $400 to low or moderate
income HHCDA tenants or Ho-Chunk Nation members who own their own homes. This loan is intended to address members’
need for utility assistance resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
MAY
Life Skills
Coordinator collaborates with Youth Services to deliver planting project
packages
The Ho-Chunk Nation Social Services Family Services Program
teamed up with Youth Services to provide planting project packages to 73
Ho-Chunk youth. The program must remain
in compliance with their grants, and events they were supposed to hold are
canceled or postponed due to the pandemic.
The employees have been planning alternative activities.
The planting project packages include planting pots, seed
pods, soil, Popsicle sticks, paint pens, and instructions. Youth decorate the planting pots with the
paint pens and then add a seed pod and soil.
The Popsicle sticks can be used to label parsley, chives, or basil - the
three seed pods that are offered.
Purchase a printer
and ink with the Education Department’s COVID-19 Response Relief program
The Ho-Chunk Nation Education Department announces a new
COVID-19 Response Relief program that will purchase a printer and extra ink
cartridges for families. Due to the
pandemic and remote learning requirement, assistance is available for students
in grades K-12 attending public or private schools.
There are no options to change the make or model of the
printer. The printer will be the HP
Deskjet 3755 Inkjet Multifunction Printer Color Copier/Printer/Scanner with
additional black and color ink cartridges.
Executive Order May
4, 2020-1
“I, President Marlon E. WhiteEagle, modify the general
working times for Administration and Programs of the Ho-Chunk Nation Executive
Branch. See ERA, 6 HCC §§ 5.31, -32d, -69, -76.
The Ho-Chunk Nation Executive Branch employees (excluding the Ho-Chunk
Nation Department of Health, Ho-Chunk Nation enterprises, Executive Directors,
and contract, exempt, and grant employees) will be operational for 32 hours per
week until further notice; general working times for Administration and
Programs of the Ho-Chunk Nation Executive Branch will be Monday through
Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The
Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Health will remain open Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If there is a
need for additional critical staff and hours, then it must be addressed with
the Ho-Chunk Nation President as soon as practicable.”
Weaver approved as
interim HCN Department of Business executive director
Kelli D. Weaver has been approved as the interim executive
director for the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Business. The Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature approved
Weaver on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. She received
the vote from legislature members, six to six, with President Marlon WhiteEagle
breaking the tie for approval.
Ho-Chunk Nation
Veteran gravesites honored with flags
Starting on May 5, volunteers placed flags at the gravesites
of Ho-Chunk Nation Veterans at Blue Wing Cemetery. An additional two days were dedicated to
visiting Decorah Cemetery, Indian Mission Church Cemetery, Decorah Prairie
Cemetery, and Trempealeau Cemetery.
Ho-Chunk Nation
announces soft reopening of Madison casino
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Madison was selected to reopen on
Wednesday, May 27, 2002, utilizing an effectual safety and sanitation
plan. The staff at Ho-Chunk Gaming
Madison has implemented and will enforce the utmost health and safety of its
guests and employees.
With Dane County’s Public Health announcement of Forward
Dane yesterday, Ho-Chunk Gaming – Madison is following the advisement for a
cautious reopen. The casino will reopen
with a phased-in process and initially not including the general public.
Water Quality Reports
for the Ho-Chunk Nation Membership
Annual Water Quality reports are now available for calendar
year 2019 for those people living in a Ho-Chunk community that is served by a
Community Water Supply.
JUNE
Madison Casino
Reopens in Phases
The phased opening began May 27 at Ho-Chunk Gaming –
Madison. Guests formed a line around the
edge of the parking lot extending from the front door to the second driveway
before the doors unlocked at 10:00 AM.
The Department of Business, Department of Health, Department of Labor
Safety Division, and the Executive Management team at Ho-Chunk Gaming – Madison
collaborated for a safe, phased reopen.
2020 Annual Address
Verification – Notice from the Ho-Chunk Nation Office of Tribal Enrollment
In accordance to HCC § 12, Per Capita Distribution
Ordinance, Sec. 7c. Each member shall be
required to submit an annual verification form (either paper or electronic) to
the Enrollment Office in accordance with the procedures and instructions
promulgated by the Enrollment Office.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ho-Chunk Nation
leadership had to make the difficult decision to implement an emergency plan to
only maintain employees to perform the critical functions and services within
the Nation’s governmental structure.
Please take note of the AVF schedule.
Tomah Protests
Peacefully
June 2, protestors peacefully traveled alongside Superior
Avenue in downtown Tomah showing support of George Floyd, the Black Lives
Matter movement, anti-racism, peace, and the end of police brutality.
Approximately 135 men, women, and children of all ages and
races gathered at Gillet Park and listened to organizer Quinton Hanson’s
message. Per April 2019 Enrollment data,
Monroe County is home to 447 enrolled Ho-Chunk members. Multiple members
participated and marched.
Farm to Families
Program Food Distribution in various Ho-Chunk Nation locations
Farm to Families Food Box Program began May 29 thanks in
part to the Farm to Families Program, the Hunger Task Force, and the Ho-Chunk
Nation. The Ho-Chunk Nation Community
Health Team organized Nation workers and volunteers distributing foods to
families.
A limited number of boxes filled with fresh and nutritious
foods are available to Ho-Chunk Nation families in need during the COVID-19
pandemic. The program is based on a
first-come, first-served basis. Pick up
locations include Black River Falls, Tomah, Wisconsin Dells, Wittenberg, Green
Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Nekoosa, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
Flag Raising Ceremony
with No Memorial Day Powwow
May 25, 2020, was unlike any other Memorial Day holiday at
the Andrew Blackhawk powwow grounds near Black River Falls. The Ho-Chunk Nation did not sponsor a powwow
due to public health safety concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Andrew Blackhawk Legion Post 129
organized a Flag Raising Ceremony.
‘Justice for Kozee’
gathering in Wausau calls for upgraded charges
Family, friends, and supporters of Kozee Montana
Featherstone Medicinetop Decorah, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, gathered on
June 5 outside the Marathon County Courthouse in Wausau for justice. Decorah was murdered May 16 in a remote,
wooded area on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Winnebago, Nebraska. It is believed that Jonathan Daniel Rooney,
Decorah’s boyfriend and father of her children, was involved and is being
charged with Manslaughter in Indian Country.
The family believes the charge should be upgraded and that
the rally outside the Courthouse works to bring awareness to Murdered and
Missing Indigenous Women across the country.
The maximum punishment for Manslaughter in Indian Country is 15 years’
imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three year term of supervised release, and a
$100 special assessment.
Estebo nominated for
Ho-Chunk Nation Executive Director of Business
Andrea “Pepper” Estebo has been nominated by President
Marlon WhiteEagle for the position of Ho-Chunk Nation Executive Director of
Business. Prior to her nomination she
served in the Office of the President as the Executive Legislative Information
Officer since July 2019.
Requiring a face mask
becomes more common
Two top health agencies, Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the use of face masks while
in public. More nonessential businesses
are reopening, and several set a face mask policy for customers.
Numerous retail stores, grocery stores, hospitals,
pharmacies, public transportation, airplanes, and ride-hailing services make it
their policy to make it mandatory for both employees and patrons to wear a face
mask. The casinos operated by the
Ho-Chunk Nation require face masks for both employees and patrons.
Three Ho-Chunk Gaming
facilities reopen June 29
Casinos located near Black River Falls, Wisconsin Dells, and
Wittenberg reopen on Monday, June 29, with strict guidelines. The hours of operation vary at each location.
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Black River Falls operates Sunday through
Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and Thursday through Saturday 8:00 AM to
2:00 AM. Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wisconsin
Dells opens daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wittenberg runs Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 AM
to 12:00 AM, and Friday to Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Outstanding Native
American varsity high school athletes named
The 2019-20 Northern Indigenous All State Teams (NIAST)
recognize outstanding Native American varsity high school athletes. Several Ho-Chunk sportspersons made the
Wisconsin list.
Females named were Olivia Curley, grade 12, from
Wittenberg-Birnamwood for basketball; Kanani Blackdeer, grade 12, from Black
River Falls for softball; Allison Giroux, grade 10 from Black River Falls for
swimming; and Jenna Quackenbush, grade 12 from Black River Falls for golf.
Males included Elliot Bird, grade 11, from Black River Falls
for football; Joseph Pecore, grade 11, from Stevens Point for football; Bryson
Funmaker, grade 12, from Wisconsin Dells for basketball; Joseph White Eagle,
Jr., grade 12, from Baraboo for basketball; Cameron Logan, grade 12, from
Baraboo for hockey and Lacrosse; and Alexander Thundercloud, grade 12, from
Milwaukee for hockey and track and field.
American Red Cross
testing for COVID-19 Antibody Status when you give blood
The American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet, and
plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time. This testing may provide insight into whether
donors have possibly been exposed to the coronavirus and perhaps never
developed symptoms.
Showcase 2020
Graduates
Three pages displayed photos, names, accomplishments, and
future endeavors of Ho-Chunk Nation graduates.
The graduates range from head start through college.
JULY
Financial setbacks
hit the Hocak Worak
Like many other departments and divisions within the
Ho-Chunk Nation, the Hocak Worak experienced financial hindrances resulting
from the COVID-19 pandemic. The newest
approved 60-day budget resulted in a reduced number of pages published. Before the new budget year, the Hocak Worak
published 16 pages. Now the Hocak Worak
publishes 12 pages.
No August Per Cap
On July 7, 2020 there was a regular meeting of the Ho-Chunk
Nation Legislature at the Tribal Executive Offices near Black River Falls. A resolution regarding Per-Capita Declaration
for August 1, 2020 was on the agenda.
Those listening via Webex heard the resolution did not pass.
The Legislature looked at the revenue since the coronavirus
has started to close our casinos and current revenue projections. The Nation’s casinos had been closed for over
three months and it severely impacted revenues.
In facing the unprecedented threat, the Legislature had to consider
revenue shortfalls under the tribe’s revenue allocation plan. Another possible motivation for the action of
the Legislature was to save as much as possible due to the potential for
another shutdown.
This resulted in the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature initiating
an emergency relief program called CARES Act Emergency Relief Assistance to
Tribal Members. The program is intended
to assist adult tribal members that are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ho-Chunk Gaming
Wittenberg Reopening: A Triumph!
Wittenberg, WI – On Monday, June 29, 2020, after 14 weeks of
being closed, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg anxiously reopened the facility doors;
with new health and safety standards to help reduce the risk of the spread of
COVID-19 to both customers and employees.
Greendeer-Rave no
longer serving as Attorney General
Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle today regrets to
announce that Michelle Greendeer-Rave will no longer be serving as Ho-Chunk
Nation Attorney General for the Department of Justice.
Masks & Social
Distancing Required at District Area Meetings
July 8 marks the first District Area Meeting since the April
22 announcement that the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature discontinued Area Meetings
due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The
Legislative Branch were following the advice of health professional by
cancelling District Area Meetings.
Meet the Nominated
Attorney General
On July 14, 2020, President Marlon WhiteEagle nominated
David A. Wilson for the position of Attorney General. Mr. Wilson brings with
him a passion for justice and helping people resolve problems. Mr. Wilson
currently works for the Ho-Chunk Nation Judiciary as the Senior Staff Attorney
where he advises the Court on a variety of civil and criminal legal matters.
Mr. Wilson began working for the Ho-Chunk Nation Judiciary in February 2017.
La Crosse man
arrested after seven Ho-Chunk Nation vehicles vandalized
Seven Ho-Chunk Nation fleet vehicles were damaged near the
La Crosse Branch Office in broad daylight.
According to a Police report, Saturday, July 18, at 11:38
AM, a police officer was flagged down by an employee who advised multiple
vehicles were damaged on the south side of the parking lot. All vehicles had their windshields smashed
with what appeared to be a heavy object.
The Ho-Chunk Nation has video cameras pointing directly at
the vehicles, and the footage turned over to the La Crosse Police.
Danny L. Link, 39, of La Crosse was arrested July 20 with
Criminal Damage to Property, Disorderly Conduct, and Bail Jumping-Misdemeanor.
AUGUST
Funding allocated for
specific Pre K-12 Grants
The Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature allocated funding for the
Ho-Chunk Nation’s Pre K-12 Grant Program to assist students with necessary
costs for the upcoming school year. The
funding amount per student decreased and is for nine specific grants.
The limit for the 2020-21 year is $2,000 per student. This amount used to be $2,500.
HHCDA extends the
COVID-19 rental assistance program
The Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency
(HHCDA) announced a one-time rental assistance program in April in response to
the COVID-19 virus and the declared state of emergency. This rental assistant program now extends to
two payments for those applicants approved between April 24 and August 3, 2020.
Planning for the
Annual Meeting of General Council 2020 amidst COVID-19
The Office of General Council faces a unique, unprecedented
situation with planning the 2020 General Council amidst the COVID-19
pandemic. A volunteer General Council
Planning Workgroup debated meeting in person versus a virtual meeting for the
December 5 event.
As of an August 26, 2020, Enrollment Office query, there are
a total of 7,881 enrolled Ho-Chunk Nation members. Total voting-age members are 6,143. Twenty percent of the eligible voters
constitute a quorum. The quorum for
General Council 2020 is approximately 1,229.
The workgroup moves forward, planning a virtual meeting and
labeling it the GC2020 E-Meeting to ensure the safety and well-being of all
tribal members.
2020 ANNUAL ADDRESS
VERIFICATION - Notice from the HCN Office of Tribal Enrollment
In previous notifications, the Ho-Chunk Nation Enrollment
Office stated that it would be distributing the 2020 Annual Address
Verification form on September 1, 2020.
However, due to the lack of funding, the Enrollment Office
neither has the resources, nor the staff to ensure that it occurs as planned.
Therefore, the issuance of the 2020 AVF is suspended until
further notice. If the situation changes an update will be forthcoming.
Final Farm to
Families Distribution August 21
We are so very fortunate to have had the partnerships step
up and fulfill a need among our communities. The Food Box Program was
coordinated by the Community Health Office under Director Sara Peterson and the
HCN Department of Health under Executive Director Kiana Beaudin. With their
leadership, guidance, support and active participation, we were able to
assemble a variety of reassigned workers and community volunteers to make the
distribution of nearly 1,000,000 pounds of food to 11 different areas.
While the Department is committed to continuing to find
resources for our communities directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the
weekly program distribution will have its final day August, 21, 2020.
Michael Sallaway
serves HCN Legislators with a lawsuit
In the August 26 open session of the Ho-Chunk Nation
Legislative Finance Committee meeting, Michael Sallaway served the Legislators
in attendance with a lawsuit stating they violated the law concerning the
passage of a resolution to call a Special General Council meeting.
SEPTEMBER
Hoocak families
gather at Maa Wákacak perpetuating culture
Once hailed as the world’s largest ammunition plant and
having been turned back over to its rightful caretakers, the Hoocak (Ho-Chunk),
the Badger Ammunition plant recently played host to several Hoocak families for
a cooperative art project.
Judge Hunter
schedules possible Contempt of Court charges hearing for Sept. 17
On Monday, Aug. 31, Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court Judge Mary
Jo Hunter scheduled a “show cause” hearing telephonically for 10 am Thursday,
Sept. 17, of a court violation by the Ho-Chunk Legislature.
The hearing is to listen to argument why Judge Hunter should
not hold Vice President Karena Thundercloud and Legislative Attorney Mike
Murphy with Contempt of Court.
The “show cause order,” also called an “order to show cause,”
mandates that an individual or corporation make a court appearance to explain
why the court should not take a proposed action.
Injunction issued to
HCN Legislature on making any budgetary decisions
A legal action has determined that the Ho-Chunk Nation
Legislature must refrain from making any budgetary decisions until a hearing
can be made on Monday, Aug. 31
An “Ex Parte Temporary Restraining Order and Scheduling
Preliminary Injunction Hearing” has been issued by the Ho-Chunk Nation Trial
Court. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31.
The Honorable Associate Trial Court Judge Mary Jo B. Hunter
ruled on the matter.
Trial Court Judge
Mary Jo B. Hunter listens to an argument in show cause hearing
Thursday, September 17, 2020, Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court
Judge Mary Jo B. Hunter listened to why Judge Hunter should not hold Vice
President Karena Thundercloud and Legislative Attorney Mike Murphy in Contempt
of Court.
The Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court conducted the show cause
hearing telephonically due to the pandemic’s current status.
Two new Ho-Chunk
Nation Gaming Commissioners
September 22, 2020, two newly appointed Gaming Commissioners,
Michael J. Owen and Quentin R. Allen, were sworn into office behind the Tribal
Office Building near Black River Falls.
Ho-Chunk Nation Wins
Legal Challenge Aimed at Preventing Destruction of Wetlands
Monroe County Judge
Rejects Meteor Timber’s Request to Reinstate DNR Permit
Madison, WI—Today, a Monroe County Circuit Court judge ruled
in favor of the Ho-Chunk Nation, represented by Midwest Environmental Advocates
(MEA), and Clean Wisconsin in a decision that continues to prevent the out
of-state frac sand company Meteor Timber, LLC, from destroying 16 acres of
globally rare wetlands in Monroe County.
In his ruling today, Judge Ziegler found that the Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) violated state wetland laws when it issued a permit
to Meteor Timber in 2017 to build an industrial sand processing facility and
rail project in the Town of Grant in Monroe County.
Anthony Falcon
nominated for Executive Director of Treasury
Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle has announced
the nomination of Anthony Falcon to the position of Executive Director of the
Department of Treasury. His nomination
was delivered to the HCN Legislature on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020.
Notice of Special
General Council
“To date, there is no location, no date, and no budget for a
Special General Council Meeting that the Legislature called. Additionally, no safety measures have been
requested or approved by the Nation’s COVID-19 Response Team.”
OCTOBER
No November Per Cap
October 6, the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislative Branch announced
in a Facebook post that the Ho-Chunk Legislature has decided there will be no
November per capita and plan accordingly.
Tribal members are encouraged to apply for COFA and other available
programs.
In July, a similar decision was made at a regular meeting of
the Legislature regarding the Per-Capita Declaration for August. There was no August per cap. This action resulted in the Legislature
initiating an emergency relief program called Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (CARES) Other Financial Assistance or COFA.
Little Eagle Arts
Foundation reveals Hoocak mural at Maa Wákacak
Once hailed as the world’s largest ammunition plant, and
having been turned back over to its rightful caretakers, the Hoocak (Ho-Chunk),
the Badger Ammunition plant recently played host to the revealing of a cultural
mural.
The mural titled “Earth, Sky, Water”, a cooperative art
project, was placed on the Great Sauk Trail that skirts the property on its
eastern edge. The mural has been permanently installed to repurposed stem walls
on the Great Sauk State Trail, and the opportunity was afforded, intended as a
gift of appreciation and in recognition for the generous donation the Hoocak Nation
gave to complete the trail.
Ho-Chunk Nation Vice
President found in Contempt of Court
Ho-Chunk Nation Vice President Karena Thundercloud was found
in Contempt of Court by the Honorable Mary Jo Hunter, associate trial court
judge for the Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court.
The decision was handed down by Judge Hunter on Monday,
Sept. 28.
HCN Education
Department awarded grant to prepare students for higher education, careers
Executive Director of Education Nehomah Thundercloud
recently announced the award of a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) grant to the
Ho-Chunk Nation Education Department.
The grant will create three new positions whose exclusive
aim will be to promote career and college readiness for Ho-Chunk students and
families.
The first year of the grant has been designated as a
planning year, which will be funded by the grant for $765,673. One grant
administrator will be hired in January 2021 and two student services
specialists in May 2021.
Anthony Falcon begins
as OOP Business Service Auditor
Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle has announced
the addition of Anthony Falcon to the Office of the President as Business
Service Auditor. Falcon began his new
position on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020.
HCN Legislature
suspends rent and mortgage payments
The Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature has suspended rent and
mortgage payments for Department of Housing, HHCDA, and Nation Water and Sewer
through March 2021. Renters who miss a
payment will not be penalized but should set up arrangements to pay.
WilloWood Inn hosts
Native American Artisans
With fall in full swing, the Baraboo Artisan Backyard Art
Walk and Drive was a welcome option this past Saturday for folks to get out and
enjoy the outdoors and work of local artisans.
According to the Baraboo Artisan Backyard Art Walk and Drive
Facebook page, ten stops on the tour hosted different artisans around the
Baraboo, Wisconsin area. The public had an opportunity to talk with each local
artist and craftsman about their art making processes. It also stated, it was “a special day for
Baraboo's Creative Community with social distancing observed, following the
‘Safer in Sauk’ Guidelines.”
One of the stops was the WilloWood Inn located just South of
the downtown area, owned and operated by Hoocak (Ho-Chunk) Angie Lowe. The
venue offered the public the opportunity to view Native American artwork and
learn its significance to the artists and their cultures.
HHCDA currently
offering Rental Assistance, Mortgage Assistance, and Elder Utility Assistance
In response to those families economically impacted by the
Covid-19 pandemic, the Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency
(HHCDA) offers grant assistance programs.
These most recent grant programs include Rental Assistance
up to $1,400.00, Mortgage Assistance up to $2,100.00, and Elder Utility Grants
up to $350.00. At this time, the Rental
Assistance and the Mortgage Assistance are for new applicants only.
GC2020 E-Meeting
updates
This year, the General Council's annual meeting convenes on
December 5 in a virtual setting to ensure the safety and well-being of all
tribal members during the pandemic. Plans are in place to assist Ho-Chunk Nation
tribal members with the necessary tools and experience to make the event productive.
That plan includes a Mock E-Meeting scheduled for Friday,
November 20, and currently scheduled to run from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM.
Tribal members experience navigating the virtual meeting
during the Mock E-Meeting. Participants practice logging in, raising your hand,
using the microphone, and voting.
The 2020 Census
finishes collecting responses
The 2020 Census wrapped up last week on Oct. 15, with the
U.S. Census Bureau reporting that 43.7% of Ho-Chunk Nation households were
counted. The bureau ended operations
more than two weeks earlier than originally planned.
NOVEMBER
Harsher charges
against Nebraska man
A Winnebago, Nebraska, man accused of killing 22-year-old
Kozee Decorah on the Winnebago Indian Reservation, has now been charged with
murder. The murder charge replaces a
previous charge of manslaughter.
A grand jury on Oct. 23 filed a second superseding
indictment charging Jonathan Rooney with second-degree murder and tampering
with documents or proceedings in Indian Country.
2020 Election results
for three Ho-Chunk candidates
Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas wins a second term. The Ho-Chunk Nation member made history in
2018 as one of the first two Native women elected to U.S. Congress. Davids wins 53.4% over Amanda Adkins 43.8% in
Kansas District 3.
Democratic Tricia Zunker lost her bid to Republican Tom
Tiffany for the Wisconsin 7th District congressional seat. Zunker claimed 39.2% of votes to Tiffany’s
60.8%.
Amanda WhiteEagle came up short in the race against
incumbent Treig Pronschinske for the Wisconsin State Assembly to represent
District 92. Pronschinske wins 17,270
votes to WhiteEagle’s 12,197 votes.
Judge rules
legislative action unconstitutional
The Ho-Chunk Legislature has acted in an unconstitutional
manner, according to a ruling by the Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court.
The Honorable Associate Trial Court Judge Mary Jo Hunter of
the Ho-Chunk Trial Court issued the decision on Friday, October 30, 2020.
Michael Rave
confirmed as Ho-Chunk Nation Executive Director of Business
Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle nominated
Michael Rave on Monday, August 17, 2020.
Rave was confirmed on Monday, November 2, 2020. Rave was most recently the Director of
Planning and Development division.
Mock E-meeting
Provides Orientation for GC2020
Enrolled Ho-Chunk Nation members were invited to attend a
mock e-meeting on November 20, 2020. The
mock meeting provided attendees an opportunity to navigate the virtual meeting
space in preparation for the Annual Meeting of General Council scheduled for
December 5.
Circle of Excellence
Awards honor the American Indian Community Development Corporation in
Minneapolis
On November 17, the Minnesota Department of Human Services
(DHS) announced six winners of its Circle of Excellence Awards. Organizations that have partnered with DHS
and executed an exemplary job of providing food, shelter, and other assistance
to Minnesotans in need were recognized.
The winners are the American Indian Community Development
Corporation (AICDC), Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, CHUM
(formerly known as Churches United in Ministry), Family Wise, Olmsted County
Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and United Community Action Partnership.
COFA ends in December
and HELP begins in January
The Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature has established a new
optional program this month for eligible tribal members. They initiated an emergency relief program
called COFA (CARES Other Financial Assistance) back in July to assist tribal
members impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The final COFA payment disperses in December with the expiration of the
federal CARES Act appropriations. A new
program called the Ho-Chunk Economic Legacy Project (HELP) will begin, using
the tribe’s NPD funding.
The HELP payments are $700 and scheduled for monthly
distribution from January through June.
Enrolled tribal members interested in this new assistance are encouraged
to apply before December 18, 2020.
Laura LaMere Sustain
Dane’s Live Forward Award Winner
Madison, WI November 12, 2020 – Laura LaMere has been
honored as one of four Sustain Dane’s Live Forward award recipients. This is
quite an achievement as Sustain Dane is the sustainability organization in Dane
County. They are dedicated to creating a community based on holistic
sustainability, a healthy environment, a just economy, and equity & social
wellbeing for all. The seven other nominees included Dane County Executive Joe
Parisi.
DECEMBER
The Ho-Chunk Nation
Assembles Historic Virtual Meeting of the General Council
The Ho-Chunk Nation’s Annual Meeting of the General Council
convened in the first-ever virtual setting on Saturday, December 5. This Annual Meeting is one of the largest and
most vital events of the Ho-Chunk Nation because the tribal membership meets to
set policy for the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Meeting virtually has become a useful tool in preventing the
spread of covid-19. Governments, businesses,
schools, individuals, and the world has had to adjust their daily lives to stay
safe during the pandemic. Wisconsin
became a hot spot for the virus in the past few months and community spread is
uncontained.
The Office of General Council coordinated and broadcasted
the E-Meeting from Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wisconsin Dells with assistance from Lumi,
Majic Productions, and the Ho-Chunk Nation IT Division.
Like past in-person General Council meetings, the
determination of quorum for this year’s E-Meeting was to be established through
registration and electronic vote.
Although quorum was not met this year, Emcee Matthew Mann announced that
there were 1,239 individuals registered at one point during the meeting. A total of 727 individuals participated in
the final quorum vote.
Fire in Tomah causes
damage to the Ho-Chunk Museum and Cultural Center
A structure fire broke out just before 5:00 AM on November
29 in downtown Tomah, Wisconsin. Two
historic buildings located at 1110 and 1112 Superior Avenue were a total
loss. The Ho-Chunk Museum and Cultural
Center is located at 1108 Superior Avenue and is next door to where the blaze
happened.
The Ho-Chunk Museum and Cultural Center suffered smoke and
water damage. The Heritage Preservation
staff stored the museum collection in the basement, and part of the collection
was submerged in water. The roof of the
Museum sustained fire damage.
Ryan John Crain, Sr.
receives a Rising Stars Under 40 award
The River Valley Media Group and The 7 Rivers Alliance selected
28 recipients from three states as the 2020 Rising Stars Under 40. The Rising Stars is a program recognizing and
celebrating rising stars’ achievements and encouraging them to remain in the
region. This year, Ho-Chunk Nation
tribal member and motivational speaker Ryan John Crain, Sr., of Sparta,
received an award.