The Ho-Chunk Nation came together on October 9 for the annual Green Corn Celebration held behind the Tribal Office Building.
The event brought community members together to celebrate the year’s harvest and give thanks for the and medicines that continue to sustain the people. The celebration included traditional dishes, games, social dances, and demonstrations. Community members brought traditional dishes such as corn soup, venison, and squash. The event reminded people about the value of traditional foods and how they connect to health and identity. President Jon said gatherings like this should be open and welcoming to everyone. “When we do this together, we’re all learning from each other,” said. Greendeer shared that the Green Corn celebration has deep roots in Ho-Chunk culture. Years ago, he began learning from elders about the ceremony’s meaning and how it honors the harvest and the survival of the people. He said the celebration represents a return to old ways that were almost lost after the boarding school era. “We didn’t lose this tradition,” said. “It went to sleep, and now it’s awake again.” The event ended with dancing and and shared meals. “The Green Corn reminds us to be grateful for what we have today,” said. “We are still here, speaking our language, singing our songs, and keeping our ways alive.”