On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Health organized a cultural and community-driven event, Green Corn, at the Tribal Office Building.
The celebration, which highlights the Ho-Chunk Nation's connection to their foodways and traditional practices, was a vibrant gathering filled with hands-on activities and community engagement.
The event opened with a meal prepared by the Community Health and Wellness team, which brought people together through shared food preparation and cooking over a fire.
Guests were invited to participate in numerous tasks, such as preparing veggie salads, placing foil-wrapped squash into the fire, cutting venison, making maple sugar candy, and preparing wild rice for the rice thrasher.
Prior to the event, the Health and Wellness Division also took on the role of harvesting and drying corn, which was used in the meal and symbolized the importance of seasonal cycles
and harvest time.
While the food was being prepared, the youth engaged in activities like practicing their Double Ball and Lacrosse skills, providing them with an opportunity to participate in traditional sports.
As the evening unfolded, the event ended with the Green Corn Dance, bringing the community together with singing and dancing.