On July 2, the Ho-Chunk Nation Election Board gathered newly elected Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature Representatives and Judiciary Branch Justices for a swearing in ceremony at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells.  These leaders carry the responsibility of representing our Ho-Chunk people with accountability, forethought, and revere for tribal sovereignty and tradition.

     Those members sworn into office are Rodney Rave, District 1; Phyllis Smoke, District 1; Paul Fox, District 1; Stephanie Begay, District 2; Damian Thundercloud, District 2; Kyle White Eagle, District 2; Lambert Cleveland, Jr., District 3; Shelby Visintin, District 3; Sarah Lemieux-White Eagle, District 3; David Greendeer, District 4; Sandra Whitewing, District 4; Ed Mullen, District 4; Todd R. Matha, Supreme Court Chief Justice; and Tricia Zunker, Supreme Court Associate Justice 1.

     The Master of Ceremonies Matthew Mann kept the festivities rolling. Kristin White Eagle offered a welcome address.

     The Bearheart and Winnebago Sons rendered appropriate honor songs. The Sanford WhiteEagle Post 556 and the Sanford WhiteEagle Auxiliary ceremoniously posted the colors.

     The Traditional Chief Clayton Winneshiek extended a prayer.

     The Election Board Chairperson Weeta Montelongo guided the newly elected leaders through the oath of office. 

     The Ho-Chunk Nation Election Board worked hard in organizing the 2025 election and preparing for the swearing in ceremony. Board members presented blankets to each leader after they were sworn in.

     The new Legislative body got to work following a lunch catered by Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells.

     During the Legislative Meeting, roles were established.  Representative Lambert Cleveland, Jr., was selected to be the Vice President of the Nation by an affirmative vote of 11 members, zero opposed, and one abstaining.  Representative Stephanie Begay was chosen to be the Tribal Secretary by an affirmative vote of 11 members, zero opposed, and one abstaining.

     The appointment of Presiding Officers and members to standing commissions was also formed.  The Government Administration Commission is made up of Representatives Paul Fox, Kyle White Eagle, Sara Lemieux-White Eagle, David Greendeer and Stephanie Begay to be the Presiding Officer. 

     The Development Commission is composed of Representatives Phyllis Smoke, Stephanie Begay, Lambert Cleveland, Jr., Edward Mullen, and Damian Thundercloud as Presiding Officer. 

     The Housing Commission is comprised of Representatives Phyllis Smoke, Damian Thundercloud, Shelby Visintin, Sandra Whitewing, and Sarah Lemieux-White Eagle to be the Presiding Officer.  

     The Health, Insurance, Education and Social Services Commission includes Representatives Phyllis Smoke, Damian Thundercloud, Shelby Visintin, David Greendeer, and Sarah Lemieux-White Eagle to be the Presiding Officer. 

     All Representatives are members of the Finance Commission and David Greendeer is to be the Presiding Officer.

     Thank you to all the outgoing officials and the Nation is hopeful for what’s yet to come.