The Ho-Chunk Nation’s 2025 New Year’s Eve pow-wow took place on December 31, 2024, at the Tomah Community Center Gym in Tomah, WI.  The pow-wow committee wanted to recognize, support, and encourage those living in recovery and those who want to.

     The festivities began with a meal at 5:00 pm.  Matt Mann was the master of ceremonies and Moses Cleveland was the arena director.  The head lady dancer was Autumn White and the head man dancer was Junior Green.  The invited drums were Bearheart, Little Thunder, and Eagle Feather.  Grand Entry was at 7:00 pm.  Merchant vendors were set up near the walls of the gymnasium.

     There were head dancer specials, intertribal spot check dances, a swan dance, a fish dance, a potato dance, and honor songs.  “The Best Dressed Couple” competition was introduced this year.  Any two people dressed alike or their dress could be categorized into a couple had a chance to win a prize.

     The Ho-Chunk Nation Behavioral Health recognized community members who are in active recovery with flowers, gifts based on length of recovery, and an honor song.  Regina HB Funmaker shared her recovery story, encouraging others to find their strength and move forward in a clean, positive way.

     Song and dance brought in the New Year for those in attendance and party favors were distributed.

     The event concluded with a traveling song.