Ho-Chunk Nation

Culture and beliefs have sustained the Ho-Chunk Nation for centuries! With over 7,500 citizens, the tribe’s elders play a crucial role in passing traditions to younger generations. Ho-Chunk Nation uses Discover Wisconsin’s platform to share stories of their rich history, vibrant present, and promising future. See below how the partnership balances cultural narratives with engaging content, showcasing the greatness of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Learn About Ho-Chunk Nation Culture!

Videos

Discover the incredible story of how one determined Ho-Chunk woman fought tirelessly to secure federal recognition for 14 Ho-Chunk Code Talkers who played a crucial role during WWII. Through exclusive interviews and compelling narratives, this short documentary delves into her journey from advocating for acknowledgment to receiving medals for the families and pushing through vital government legislation. Witness the monumental moment when a stretch of I-90 Highway was dedicated to these unsung heroes, a tribute signed into law by Governor Tony Evers. Join us in honoring the legacy of the Ho-Chunk Code Talkers and celebrating the relentless efforts of this remarkable woman for federal recognition.

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#HoChunkNation #CodeTalkers #WWIIHeroes #Documentary #NativeAmericanHistory #WomensHistory #HighwayDedication #TonyEvers #FederalRecognition #MedalsOfHonor

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The passing of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was a pivotal moment aimed at addressing these tragic cases. ICWA's mission is clear: to keep Native children within their families, tribes, and culture. In this video, we delve into the significance of this act, exploring its passage and the
transformative impact it can have on maintaining Native culture and family bonds.

Citation: NARA, Jimmy Carter Library, Naval Photographic Center Collection (Carter Administration, 1977-1981) - NAID 562763, 8M-0635

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We sit down with Loa Porter, a member of the Ho-Chunk tribe, who shares her personal journey of being taken from her home, along with her siblings, and placed in the foster care system. For four years, Loa experienced isolation from her culture and language, profoundly impacting her connection with her Ho-Chunk heritage.

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#NativeChildWelfare, #ICWA, #IndianChildWelfareAct,
#PreserveNativeCulture, #HoChunk, #Ho-Chunk,
#Ho-ChunkNation, #CulturalIdentity, #HoChunkResilience, #IndigenousVoices, #NativeHeritage

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From the shadows of historical suppression to the present-day classrooms, witness the unwavering efforts of the Ho-Chunk Nation to revive their ancestral language. Through heartfelt interviews with educators, explore the triumphs and challenges of this linguistic revival, as the Ho-Chunk language gains recognition in educational systems. This documentary is more than a story—it's a testament to cultural resilience, identity, and the vibrant resurgence of a language once on the brink of silence.

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Embark on a profound exploration of the Ho-Chunk language revival in this documentary journey. Uncover the historical suppression inflicted by boarding schools and witness the inspirational resurgence led by the Ho-Chunk Nation. Through heartfelt interviews with educators spanning high schools to colleges, delve into the collective effort to revive a language once on the brink of silence.

This documentary goes beyond the shadows of cultural suppression to expose the impact of assimilation and the triumphs of cultural reclamation. Join us as we navigate the intricate narrative of resilience, witnessing the relentless dedication of individuals breathing life back into the Ho-Chunk language. As the language gains recognition in educational systems, a powerful narrative unfolds—one of identity, pride, and a community rewriting its linguistic legacy.

"Resilience in Words" is more than a documentary; it's an immersive journey into the heart of a cultural revival, where the Ho-Chunk language transforms from a whisper of the past to a vibrant force shaping the future. Join the conversation, as we celebrate the resilience and resurgence of a language that was once on the verge of silence.

As the nation’s longest-running travel & tourism TV series, award-winning Discover Wisconsin highlights destinations, adventures, and local initiatives that bring our communities together across America's Dairyland.
1. #HoChunkLanguageRevival
2. #CulturalResurgence
3. #LinguisticLegacy
4. #IndigenousLanguage
5. #BoardingSchoolImpact
6. #LanguageRevitalization
7. #EducationalRecognition
8. #CulturalReclamation
9. #ResilienceInWords
10. #IdentityandPride
11. #HoChunkNation
12. #LanguageRevivalists
13. #RevivingHeritage
14. #PreservingAncestralLanguage
15. #VoicesofResilience

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Experience the essence of Ho-Chunk governance in this short documentary. Journey through the intricate workings of the General Council Meeting, showcasing the rich history and contemporary challenges faced by this Native American community. Immerse yourself in the voices and decisions shaping the Ho-Chunk government, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity in a captivating exploration of their cultural significance.

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Embark on an insightful documentary journey delving into the multifaceted governance structure of the Ho-Chunk community. Explore the intricacies of the General Council Meeting, an integral platform where the Ho-Chunk nation collectively addresses contemporary challenges while upholding their rich cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in the nuanced voices, decision-making processes, and traditional values that underpin the essence of the Ho-Chunk government, revealing a unique blend of historical significance and modern adaptation. Discover a captivating narrative that sheds light on the dynamic interplay between tradition and governance, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Ho-Chunk people's enduring legacy and their ongoing commitment to sustainable progress.
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1. #HoChunkGovernance
2. #GeneralCouncilMeeting
3. #HoChunkCommunity
4. #CulturalHeritageChronicles
5. #TraditionalValuesToday
6. #IndigenousDecisionMaking
7. #SustainableProgressJourney
8. #HistoricalLegacyUnveiled
9. #ContemporaryChallengesExplored
10. #NavigatingModernTraditions

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Join us for a fascinating exploration of the life and work of Ho-Chunk native artist Truman Lowe. A dedicated teacher of the arts, Truman inspired and mentored countless Native students, encouraging them to explore their creative talents and embrace their cultural heritage. In addition to his work as a teacher, Truman was a celebrated artist whose unique style and vision captivated audiences around the world. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Arts building has been renamed and dedicated to the "Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts," honoring Truman's contributions to the arts and his impact on the lives of so many. Discover the incredible story of this visionary artist and educator and learn more about his artistic process in this must-see video.

Truman Lowe was a visionary Ho-Chunk Native American artist whose unique style and creative process captivated audiences around the world. But his contributions to the world of art extend far beyond his own work. As a teacher and mentor, Truman inspired countless Native students to explore their creativity and embrace their cultural heritage. In this captivating video, we'll take a closer look at Truman's life and work, and explore the incredible impact he had on the art community and beyond.

Truman was born in Wisconsin in 1944 and grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ho-Chunk Nation. From a young age, he was drawn to the arts and found inspiration in the world around him. After studying art in college, Truman went on to become a celebrated artist and teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion with students at various institutions across the country.

One of Truman's most significant contributions to the art world was his development of a unique sculptural technique that combined traditional woodworking methods with modern materials like PVC pipe and fiberglass. This innovative approach allowed him to create stunning, large-scale pieces that reflected his cultural heritage while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.

But Truman's impact extended far beyond his artistic achievements. As a teacher, he inspired and mentored countless Native students, encouraging them to explore their creative talents and embrace their cultural roots. He also played a significant role in advocating for Native artists and creating opportunities for them to showcase their work.

Truman's dedication to the arts and his impact on the lives of so many was recognized by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, which recently renamed and dedicated its building to the "Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts." This incredible honor reflects Truman's legacy as a visionary artist, a dedicated teacher, and a tireless advocate for the Native art community.

In this video, we'll take an in-depth look at Truman's artistic process and explore some of his most significant works. We'll also hear from some of his former students and colleagues, who will share their insights and personal experiences working with Truman. Through their stories, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact Truman had on the lives of so many.

Whether you're a fan of contemporary art, interested in Native American culture, or simply looking for inspiration, this video is a must-see. Join us as we explore the incredible life and work of Truman Lowe and discover why he continues to be a revered figure in the art world today.

#HoChunk #NativeArt #TrumanLowe #ArtInspiration #ArtCommunity #IndigenousArtists #NativeAmericanArt #Sculpture #Woodworking #CulturalHeritage #UniversityOfLacrosse #ArtsCenter #NativeTeachers #ArtMentors #WisconsinArt

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Explore the cultural and community-building significance of the Ho-Chunk Nation's ancient game of "Snow Snake." Through interviews with Bill Quackenbush, a Ho-Chunk Native, we'll gain insight into the importance of reviving this lost game for future generations. We'll also highlight the artistry and craftsmanship involved in crafting Snow Snakes sticks. At the intertribal event at Kickapoo Valley Reserve, we'll witness the excitement and energy as people of different backgrounds and tribes come together to celebrate this unique winter sport. Join us on this journey as we discover the cultural and community-building significance of "Snow Snake" for the Ho-Chunk Nation and beyond.

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The Ho-Chunk Nation is one of the indigenous nations of North America that has preserved its traditional games for thousands of years. Among the many traditional games that the Ho-Chunk people play, "Snow Snake" is one of the most popular and significant. This ancient game has been passed down from generation to generation, and it has played a vital role in building community and preserving cultural traditions.

In this video, we'll explore the cultural and community-building significance of "Snow Snake" for the Ho-Chunk Nation and beyond. We'll also delve into the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating the snow snakes themselves, using traditional materials and methods.
First, let's look at the game itself. Snow Snake is a traditional winter game played on a long, straight track made of ice or snow. Players use a long wooden stick or "snake" to slide a cylindrical object, also called a "snake," as far down the track as possible. The object of the game is to throw the snake as far as possible, while keeping it on the track and avoiding obstacles.

Snow Snake has been played by indigenous communities in North America for thousands of years. It is believed that the game originated among the Ojibwe people, but it spread to other tribes, including the Ho-Chunk Nation. The game has deep cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous communities. It is said to represent the journey of life, and the obstacles and challenges that people face along the way.
Snow Snake has also been used as a tool for community building and cultural preservation. For the Ho-Chunk Nation, Snow Snake is not just a game, but an important cultural tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their culture and history, and to pass on their traditions to younger generations.

To make the snow snakes themselves, traditional methods and materials are used. The snakes are made from wood, usually birch or cedar, and are cylindrical in shape. They are then decorated with traditional designs and colors, using natural materials like ochre and plant dyes. The snakes are a work of art in themselves, and are often seen as a reflection of the culture and spirituality of the Ho-Chunk people.

At the intertribal event at Kickapoo Valley Reserve, people of different backgrounds and tribes come together to celebrate this unique winter sport. The event is a chance for the Ho-Chunk Nation to showcase their cultural traditions and to connect with other indigenous communities. The energy and excitement of the event are palpable, as people come together to play Snow Snake and to celebrate their cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Snow Snake is an important cultural tradition for the Ho-Chunk Nation and many other indigenous communities. It has played a vital role in building community and preserving cultural traditions, and it continues to be an important part of indigenous culture today. Through the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating the snow snakes themselves, and the community-building aspect of the game, Snow Snake serves as a powerful symbol of indigenous resilience and cultural identity.

1. #HoChunkNation
2. #SnowSnakeGame
3. #IndigenousGames
4. #CulturalTraditions
5. #CommunityBuilding
6. #NativeAmericanHeritage
7. #WinterSports
8. #IntertribalEvent
9. #KickapooValleyReserve
10. #TraditionalCraftsmanship
11. #ArtOfSnowSnake
12. #SpiritualSignificance
13. #IndigenousIdentity
14. #RevivingLostGames
15. #CelebratingCulturalHeritage
00:00 Introduction to the Game
00:49 History of Snow Snake
02:10 Making a Snow Snake
03:11 Reviving Snow Snake

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Welcome to the world of Randall Blackdeer II, a talented woodworker and lacrosse stick maker from the Ho-Chunk Nation. Randall is on a mission to revitalize the traditional Native American sport of lacrosse, using his skills as a woodworker to create lacrosse sticks in the traditional Ho-Chunk manner.

As a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Randall is deeply connected to his cultural heritage and is passionate about preserving the traditional way of playing lacrosse. He believes that by reviving the sport, he can help connect the youth and fellow Ho-Chunk natives to their past, and promote a sense of community and pride.

But lacrosse isn't just a sport for Randall, it's a way of life. He has dedicated himself to mastering the art of woodworking, and the process of creating a lacrosse stick is a true labor of love. From selecting the right wood, to shaping, sanding and finishing the stick, each step is done with precision and care. And the end result is a beautiful and functional lacrosse stick, unlike anything else on the market.

Randall's lacrosse sticks are not only visually stunning, but they also perform exceptionally well on the field. And he's not just making them for himself, he is also sharing his skills and knowledge with others, regularly hosting lacrosse games and clinics to encourage youth and fellow Ho-Chunk natives to continue playing the sport. He wants to help grow the popularity of lacrosse and make it accessible to everyone.

In this video, you'll get an inside look at Randall's process of creating lacrosse sticks, and see how he is working to revitalize the sport of lacrosse within his community. You'll also get a glimpse of the lacrosse games he hosts and how they bring people together and create a sense of community.

But more than just showcasing his woodworking skills and love for lacrosse, this video is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Ho-Chunk Nation and the importance of preserving it. It's a story of tradition, passion, and community, and it's one that you won't want to miss.
So, if you're a fan of native American, lacrosse, woodworking or the Ho-Chunk nation, this video is definitely for you. Click now to watch and discover the world of Randall Blackdeer II, a true master of his craft and a true ambassador of the traditional Ho-Chunk lacrosse. By watching this video, you'll not only learn about lacrosse sticks making and the traditional Native American sport, but also get to see the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and how sports can bring people together and create a sense of community. This video is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning about traditional lacrosse, woodworking, Native American culture and, the Ho-Chunk nation. So, don't miss this chance to learn from the best and be inspired by the passion and dedication of Randall Blackdeer II.

#nativeamerican
#lacrosse
#woodworking
#hochunk
#tradition
#handmade
#heritage
#revitalize
#community
#preservation
#lacrossestickmaking
#lacrossehistory
#nativeamericanlacrosse
#traditionallacrosse
#culturalheritagelacrosse
#indigenouslacrosse
#discoverwisconsin
#wisconsinlacrosse
#hochunklacrosse
#traditionalstickmaking

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00:00 Introduction
00:24 How to play Native Lacrosse
01:06 Lacrosse Stick Making
02:50 Reviving Native Lacrosse
03:50 Teaching the Next Generation

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Ho-Chunk Gives Back

In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, Discover Wisconsin is releasing a series of four original shorts created in partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation. Throughout this series, we will meet members of the Ho-Chunk Nation and learn about their efforts to be upstanding tribal members and good neighbors in their communities at large.

In this segment we meet Dave Abangan, a Ho-Chunk tribal member and volunteer firefighter with Delton Fire Department. Dave is striving to set a positive example for his daughters and believes that everyone should be finding ways to give back to the communities that they call their own. Join us to hear about Dave’s own experiences, family history, and interest in giving back!

#discoverwisconsin #hochunknation #wisconsin #deltonfd #firefighter #lakedelton #giveback #volunteer #goodneighbor #community #positiveexample #family

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Ho-Chunk: A Game Changing Career

In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, Discover Wisconsin is releasing a series of four original shorts created in partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation. Throughout this series, we will meet members of the Ho-Chunk Nation and learn about their efforts to be upstanding tribal members and good neighbors in their communities at large.

This segment features Becky Albert-Breed, a Ho-Chunk tribal member who currently owns and operates her own business, Integrity Audit & Tax, while also being the Executive Director of First Nations Community Financial. Becky began her career working in the Ho-Chunk Nation Government and has continued to build on her skillset with an interest in helping everyone better understand finances and reach their goals. Join us to learn more about Becky and her own game changing career!

If you’re feeling inspired, learn more at: ho-chunknation.com

#discoverwisconsin #hochunknation #wisconsin #integrityauditandtax #firstnationscommunityfinancial #hochunkgov #career #education #goodneighbor #community #financialwellness #finance

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“I am happy and excited for Discover Mediaworks and the Emmy Award they received for ‘Exploring the Artistic Process
of Truman Lowe.’ I am extremely satisfied with the partnership the Ho-Chunk Nation and Discover Wisconsin have forged over the last couple of years and am looking forward to the many years that will come. It is through their knowledge and talent we have been able to share some of our stories and culture not only from the past but who we are today and who we are in our communities.”

Robert Reider

Senior Marketing Director for Ho-Chunk Nation

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