A Ho-Chunk Nation Experience: General Council

Seeking an immersive cultural experience? You’ve come to the right place. In today’s blog, we’re recalling a one-of-a-kind Ho-Chunk Nation experience–general council. Follow along and uncover cherished Ho-Chunk history, meeting processes, and tribal impact. You won’t want to miss this incredible, cultural Ho-Chunk experience.

History

Before we embark on a historic quest of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s general council, it’s important to note a key, revolutionary date for the tribe. In 1994, the Constitution was revised from its previous 1963 standing. Within this revision, their tribal name returned to the original Ho-Chunk Nation. 

Turning to the general council, Ho-Chunk Nation is the only tribe that has a general council within the structure of the Constitution. The general council traces back to the olden days of Ho-Chunk Nation’s beginnings, when the tribe would gather together in the same fashion. During these days, their discussions primarily revolved around establishing treaties.

According to former Ho-Chunk Nation President, JoAnn Jones, they have built their foundation based upon the fundamentals of traditional government. Traditional government, historically speaking, was composed of clan leaders, who worked diligently to keep the people together. They not only strived to keep coherence, but also made important decisions for the entire nation. 

Process

Fast forward to today, Ho-Chunk Nation’s general council closely follows a structured process. General council is defined as a separate branch of government, where people make policy. In addition, the council helps guide and change the direction for Ho-Chunk Nation.

Through a general council meeting, Ho-Chunk Nation can add or alter amendments to law, change the Constitution, reverse some–not all–judicial rulings, and establish policy for the nation.

As an integral part of the process, meeting quorum is a necessity to each meeting. In order to carry out a general council meeting to completion, a certain number of tribal members must be present and registered. The tribe opens up registration, when tribal members can receive voting cards. 

With a voting card, tribal members can vote for presented resolutions at each general council meeting. During general council meetings, tribal members are welcome to present resolutions; however, these resolutions cannot violate the Constitution, federal, or state laws. Then, members of Ho-Chunk Nation can accept or object to the resolution at hand. Although within any resolution, a policy must be embedded. 

While these structural components are important to keep intact, it is critical to Ho-Chunk Nation to keep cultural components at the heart of every meeting. At the start of each meeting, Ho-Chunk Nation conducts a prayer to set the tone. In addition, a drum group offers songs of praise. Within these songs, each word is intentional and intended to honor the flags entering the space, the people gathered together, and the Creator. 

Impact

To Ho-Chunk Nation, general council meetings stem deeper than just their structural and cultural processes. General council impacts the entire nation–in profoundly powerful ways. 

For one, the general council empowers people to have a voice and actively participate in government. While these meetings are structured and involve serious matters, the Ho-Chunk Nation tribe is family. They each are invited to bring any worries and concerns forward. 

Even though, throughout the course of history, the Ho-Chunk Nation has struggled to gain power, these general council meetings establish a sense of sovereignty. Ho-Chunk Nation treasures this sovereignty and channels it in an impactful, positive manner.

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Ho-Chunk Nation’s general council is a treasured tradition that promotes positive change. By recalling cherished history, general council meeting processes, and its tribal impact, you can begin to immerse yourself in a prized, cultural Ho-Chunk experience.

Watch this treasured tradition unfold first-hand by watching this Discover Wisconsin original short, ‘Unveiling the Ho-Chunk Governance: Inside the General Council Meeting’ now:

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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.