Sauk County and Ho-Chunk partner on Indigenous People’s Day
Over a period of three days, Sauk County in partnership with the Hocak (Ho-Chunk), held events focusing on restoration, celebration, and commemoration.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, joined by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, signed Executive Order #50, declared the second Monday in October, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin. The executive order was signed on Tuesday at Indian Community School in Franklin.
In the executive order, Gov. Evers recognized the importance of the Native Nations to Wisconsin and reaffirmed the significance of Native Nations’ sovereignty, culture, and history.
“Through this executive order, we recognize and appreciate our tribal nations and Indigenous people and their resilience, wisdom, and the contributions they make to our state," said Gov. Evers. “Native Americans in Wisconsin and throughout our country have suffered unjust treatment—often at the hands of our government—and today is about recognizing that Wisconsin would not be all that it is without Indigenous people,” Evers said.
Lt. Gov. Barnes added, “Today, we seek to recognize and honor our state’s Indigenous communities while moving beyond a dated practice that perpetuates inaccurate teachings and honors genocide.”
Both Evers and Barnes strongly encourage Wisconsin businesses, organizations, public institutions, and local governments to be in solidarity with Indigenous people by recognizing, celebrating and cultivating strong relationships with Wisconsin Native Nations.
In keeping with that encouragement, the three day Indigenous People’s Day events began last Friday, with hands on seed gathering and prairie education at Maa Wakacak (Sacred Earth-former Badger Ammunitions plant), a community mural project with Hocak artist Kelly Logan at the Wanaįšgųnį Hocira (House of Wellness), and ended at White Mound County Park in Sauk County with a tour of the grounds and an oak savannah maintenance program.
Sunday, deemed a day of celebration, afforded the public to experience the culture and traditions of the Hocak Nation and other Indigenous Peoples at the Sauk County Fairgrounds in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The days event saw the Greendeer drum along with the Hocak Color Guard, and Hocak dancers perform, various cultural arts presentations, and an Elder native foods stand.
Monday, October 14th, saw the weekend culminate in a Day of Commemoration. At 10:00 AM on the steps of the Sauk Country Courthouse, Sauk County Board Division 13 Supervisor and Ho-Chunk Legislator Kristin White Eagle, read a Sauk County Resolution establishing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. A move by Sauk County that would also permanently afford a place for the Hocak Nation flag in the Sauk County Board room.
Opening the ceremony with a traditional Hocak prayer and cedar blessing, Ho-Chunk Nation Veteran Joe White Eagle Sr., encouraged the working partnership between Sauk County and the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Inspired by teachings of her elders, County supervisor and Hocak Legislator White Eagle spearheaded the resolution, and noted it was passed unanimously by the Sauk County Board.
Addressing those present for the historic event, White Eagle shared the significance of holding the reading of the resolution at the courthouse. In the 1870s, the Hocak people held a settlement on land about three blocks away from where the courthouse is located. She also shared her gratitude for the county’s effort to recognize Hocak history, and looks towards a partnership between the Sauk and Hocak Nation governments.
Sauk County Board Chairman Peter Vedro stressed the importance of celebrating the day as part of “One Sauk Naturally,” and stated that the county’s new motto intends to honor and include all residents of Sauk County.
Verdo noted the importance of the newly formed working partnership with the Hocak Nation, and how that could benefit the county’s environment and land.
He stated in part, “We stand together, honoring each other and all of the residents of this great land. A land which needs this partnership. For we are at a particularly precarious time in our county and our nation. A time of unprecedented challenge to the very health and well-being of the Earth we walk on.”
Melanie Tallmadge-Sainz, founder and Director of the Little Eagle Arts Foundation, or LEAF, felt it was a really good turnout for introducing the concept of indigenous people. LEAF played a pivotal role in pairing Hocak artists, and tribal members within the event.
“It’s really grown momentum throughout the state. To have our own governor proclaim Indigenous People’s Day on the 14th, I knew there would be other communities that would plan events. Sure enough, that happened,” Melanie said.
She acknowledged the groundwork laid by Sauk County in terms of holding a cooperative three-day event, and said it was like casting a broad net and see what appeals to the local community in terms of educational opportunities.
“That’s what we’ve been able to do. Everything that was hands on yesterday, I think we had people participating. The Oak-savanna walk was beautiful. The people who did the stuff at Badger Maa Wakacak really enjoyed that. The mural is going to be something that is used by the county, at different venues. The ripple effect in the audience will be very broad with that,” Melanie said.
With temperatures hovering around freezing, Melanie said, “Considering the temperatures and all the other things going on within the state to honor indigenous peoples, I think we are really happy with the turn out and it can’t do anything but grow.”
Editor’s note: Additional articles will be published covering a few of the weekend’s events.
