On Thursday, April 3, the Ho-Chunk Nation Healing to Wellness Court (HTWC) held a graduation ceremony for Tasha M. King. The Healing to Wellness Program is an evidence-based treatment program that offers alcohol and or drug addicted participants an alternative to extended incarceration and the standard probation model.  The ceremony took place at the Wa Ehi Hoci Trial Court located on State Highway 54 in Black River Falls. 

     The Ho-Chunk Nation HTWC exists to address a pervasive illness affecting our community, alcohol and drug addiction and its associated consequences.  The HTWC acts in partnership with several tribal and communal agencies and service providers to achieve the following goals: to create support systems and programs to foster employment, education, and communal, familial, and individual health and well-being, maintaining relationships and resources to continually assist program participation, and restore traditional values and languages.

     Tasha King completed the HTWC program which consist of four phases: Wiigus Conni (Phase I) Minimum of 18 weeks; Wiigus Nuup (Phase II) Minimum of 16 weeks; Wiigus Tanni (Phase III) Minimum of 12 weeks; and Wiigus Joop (Phase IV) Minimum of 12 weeks.

     The graduation ceremony began with Judge Michelle Greendeer-Rave providing a welcome address, stating that, “The Ho-Chunk people have always understood that healing is not an individual endeavor—it is a communal effort. Through the teachings of our elders, the support of this court, and the love of those who never gave up on you, you have found the courage to reclaim your life. You have reconnected with the traditions that have guided our people for generations, and you have shown that true wellness is not just the absence of addiction, but the presence of culture, spirit, and purpose.”

     Thereafter, there was a presentation of the Certificate of Achievement with a traditional wool blanket that was set aside especially for Ms. King. There were numerous heartfelt words of encouragement from the HTWC Team members, family, and friends to Ms. King.  When Ms. King was then given the opportunity to express herself, she explained how the HTWC changed her life and how she is preparing to go to college and open up her own business making arts and crafts.

     The celebration ended with a noon-day meal catered by the White Tail Crossing Convenience Store at the District One Community Center in the upstairs community room where Ms. King was provided cards, gifts and words of encouragement to continue her journey of sobriety.

     The HTWC considers proposed participants on a case-by-case basis for admission by addressing the following criteria:

         -A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation;

         -Resident of Jackson County;

         -18 years or older;

         -Post adjudication (after sentencing);

         -Agree to abide by the Ho-Chunk Nation Healing to Wellness Court rules;

         -Must meet diagnostic criteria for substance dependency according to the most current Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders;

         -Severity of prior criminal offense factors (including victim’s interests);

         -Convictions considered on case by case basis.

     Ms. King was the final participant that graduated under these specific criteria.  Moving forward, the HTWC can now consider a member of any tribe from the State of Wisconsin and any resident from the State of Wisconsin in any other jurisdiction versus only residents of Jackson County.  The amendment was recently made by the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature to address the growing demand of high-risk and high-needs services of such populations affecting our shared communities.

     On February 18, 2025 the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature did a Quick Passage Procedure to Amend the Healing to Wellness Court Code (4 HCC § 15) Resolution 02-18-25 D.

The amendment reads as such; “Whereas at the February 6, 2025 Government Administration Commission, the Healing to Wellness Court requested that amendments be made to the Healing to Wellness Court Code (4 HCC § 15) in order to allow members of other federally recognized tribes to be eligible and broaden the service area to include other Wisconsin counties on a case-by-case basis”.

     The quick passage of this amendment means that it went into effect immediately, which changes our program eligibility requirements which now reads;

     A. An enrolled Ho-Chunk Nation tribal member, lawful spouse of a Ho-Chunk Nation tribal member or birth child of a Ho-Chunk Nation tribal member or any member of any other federally recognized tribe to be eligible.

     B. Must be aged 18 or older and reside in the service area is defined as Jackson County, Wisconsin or any other Wisconsin county in which the Wellness Court is able to provide adequate supervision and services, as determine by the Wellness Court Team on a case-by-case basis.

     For more information on the program, contact the Healing to Wellness Court at Wa Ehi Hoci, P.O. Box 70, W9598 Highway 54 East, Black River Falls, WI 54615.  Their phone numbers are (715) 284-2722 or (800) 434-4070.  The fax number is (715) 284-3136.  The Project Coordinator and Case Manager can be reached via email at Robert.Mann@ho-chunk.com and Michelle.Oravez@ho-chunk.com, respectively.