Hocaak Language Division manager, Richard Mann, presented ten Nintendo DSi XLs with language learning material cards compatible with the units to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Children & Family Services.  The Nintendo units and language material will be available for Ho-Chunk Nation children who are in Out of Home Placement.  Mann said, “I know a lot of kids need help (from Children & Family Services), and I know it’s a difficult task.”  Mann hopes language learning on the Nintendo will remind the children that “you belong to us, the Ho-Chunk Nation.”

Elizabeth Haller, Social Service Department Executive Director, and Sara Whiteeagle, Children & Family Services Office Manager, accepted the donation on behalf of Children & Family Services.  Also on hand for the donation presentation was Christine Yellowthunder, Child Protection Supervisor, and Robert Mann, Heritage Preservation Department Executive Director.  Yellowthunder said, “Children in out of home placement, always received language material. I’m so excited for this opportunity.”  She continued, “The kids are visual learners, and audio (materials) will help them learn.” Yellowthunder said the Nintendo DSi units will be signed out and available for home use only.

Richard Mann also announced that Ho-Chunk Distribution will add the Nintendo DSi and Language cards to their product listing once a distribution plan is in place.  He said, “the Language Division owns the program to update the language material on the card. We worked with Thornton Industries to make the program available.”  Mann was at the 2010 National Indian Education Association Conference in San Diego when he learned about the opportunity.  Mann continued, “I want to thank the Heritage Preservation Directors, Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature, and the Ho-Chunk Nation President for their support for this (Nintendo DSi) project.

The Ho-Chunk Nation recently debuted the first Ho-Chunk Nation Police Department patrol car (one and two); presented on February 2, 2012, at Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa during the Law Enforcement Commission quarterly meeting. 

Back in the ‘70s, most police cars were black with white doors and roofs, with big red and blue lights on top so that they would stand out from other vehicles.  The Ho-Chunk Nation police vehicle may not be as bright, but is decorated with unique lettering such as “Warukos”.  If you live in the Jackson county area, keep your eye out for this newly designed car by Ken Lewis, Ho-Chunk Nation Business Department Graphic Designer.  Thanks to Joe’s Auto Body who worked on the custom paint of the vehicles.

Ho-Chunk Nation Police Department Chief of Police, Dan Libke, said, “They are not fully equipped, but one thing I’ve learned on the job is to take baby steps.”  While directing his attention to Carson Funmaker, a Law Enforcement Commission board member, Libke said, “We are getting there (to be a fully functional police department).” 

John Pettibone, Ho-Chunk Nation Law Enforcement Commission board member, served as the emcee for the event.  He gave a brief historical account of his work with the Law Enforcement Commission. Pettibone said, “In 1985 or 1986, counties were receiving grants for law enforcement committees; I joined the committee at that time.  Years later, the committees grouped together and formed this Law Enforcement Commission.  We had a lot of jumps and hurdles to get over, but our main goal was to have law enforcement by our own tribes.”  Pettibone announced the event’s speakers, Ho-Chunk Nation President, Jon Greendeer; Area III Representative, Hope Smith; and Chief of Police, Dan Libke.

President Greendeer recognized and welcomed representatives from other counties and law enforcement agencies.  He talked about how it seemed so short of a time since Dan Libke was sworn in as Chief of Police up to now.  Greendeer said, “A lot of work went into this, these two vehicles sit here because something else happened before (this moment). We try to give credit to people who have pioneered these big adventures the Nation is taking.”

Representative Hope Smith thanked the Law Enforcement Commission for all their work. She said “Today, we get to see the fruits of their labor,” and, “Someday, you’ll get a whole police force.”

Mark Moen, Chief Deputy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, said, “This is an important day; not only for the Ho-Chunk Nation, but for law enforcement.  This is not a duplication of services, as some might say, but an enhancement to all the counties and communities (where Ho-Chunk Nation tribal members live).  We (the law enforcement community) are always looking for more law enforcement, because it’s a tough job.”  Moen was thankful for the opportunity to work with Chief Libke. He said, “Chief Libke is doing great things. As this goes and grows, it will be a great thing.”

Menominee Nation Chief of Police, Mark Waukau said, “This is a historic event for the Ho-Chunk Nation. The tribal law enforcement community of Wisconsin is very, very proud of it.  I hope we can work together and do good things for our communities.”

After those in attendance viewed the police vehicles, Joann Jones, Law Enforcement Commission board member, and Representative Hope Smith, cut a cake to commemorate the occasion.  The Ho-Chunk Nation Police Department gave away bags with the department’s logo on it and Ho-Chunk Gaming travel coffee mugs.

How often do you hear of women in Mixed Martial Arts, let alone Ho-Chunk women training in the sport; a sport that has been becoming more and more popular these days.  On January 27, 2012, Ho-Chunk tribal member, Sharice Davids, defeated Chandra Engel  at the Voodoo Lounge located at the Harrah’s Casino in Kansas City, Missouri; taking home the Ultimate Blue Corner Battle – 135 pound Championship belt. 

Davids is the daughter of Crystal Herriage, a retired U.S. Army Veteran with twenty years of service.  Davids is the oldest of three and has two brothers, Matthew and Joshua.   At age 20, Davids began studying capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that is based on dance and music which involves kicks, punches, acrobatics, leg sweeps, knee and elbow strikes, and take downs.  While studying capoeira for six to seven years, Davids earned her blue/brown belt.  In 2006, she began studying tae kwon do and judo.  She also holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which she began studying during law school.

Not only does Sharice Davids spend her time training; she also kept her head in the books with hours upon hours of study time.  In 2010, Davids earned a law degree from Cornell University Law School.  Since then, she has been working for SNR Denton, an international law firm based in London, UK and Washington D.C.  Currently, Davids works out of the Kansas City office doing corporate transactions specializing in mergers and acquisitions.  She also does Indian Law and Tribal Financing specializing in bond offers. 

When she’s not crunching numbers or in a meeting, Davids trains with Fight University six days out of the week, working on improving her style at least an hour to an hour and a half on the weekdays, and three hour work outs on the weekends.  She focuses on cardio and conditioning on Sundays.  Davids said she gets about a month and a half or more notice of her fights.  She also noted that she only gets a minute worth of panic about two to three weeks before her fights, but that thought leaves her mind nearly immediately because of her good ground skills and strong striking power.  She is definitely confident of her skills.

Prior to the fight, Davids said, “I hope to keep the fight standing.” She also said, “I’ve been offered a pro fight.  I work at least 50 hours a week.  Sometimes more and it gets crazy.  That's the biggest reason I'm not sure I could handle taking on a pro fight.”

Using the triangle choke, Davids won the fight at 2:36 (two minutes, 36 seconds) in the first round.  Davids improved to 6-1 in the octagon; she faced Chandra Engel, who is primarily a wrestler, leaving her with an 8-7 record.  Davids said, “Engel was pretty strong and she is a wrestler.  I had worked on not getting taken down but she took me down pretty quickly.  I just worked my ground game from the back.”

In a post fight interview, Davids noted, “I was back in the gym on Monday.  I train because I love martial arts and regardless of whether I am competing I am always striving to be a better martial artist and person.” 

Other family cheering and rooting for Sharice were Cari Spera, Ericka Fay, and Alice Wood, who made their way down to Kansas City to show their support.  Congratulations Sharice and many more to come.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2012 the Tribal Aging Unit Advisory board sponsored a Conference to educate elders on Hoarding; held at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells Convention Center.

Elder Parmenton Decorah welcomed everyone present with a morning greeting spoken in Ho-Chunk, and asked Martin LittleWolf to offer a word of prayer. The Sanford WhiteEagle Post brought in the Eagle Staff and Colors as Wazi Jaci sang the Welcome Song and the Flag Song of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Decorah then introduced Professional Organizer Brendan McDaniel who has been featured on the A & E Channel, Discovery Channel, and TLC. His specialty is diagnosing behaviors in common every day people whose habits turn from hobby collecting to serious compulsive shopping and hoarding.

An estimated fifty tribal members attended; many of those were Elders who travelled from Milwaukee, Madison, Wisconsin Dells, Waksikma, Nekoosa, Wittenberg, Green Bay, La Crosse, Tomah, Dells Damn and Black River Falls.  They all attended to listen to the information presented by McDaniel.

First of all let’s define Hoarding, a clinical diagnosis would describe someone as a person with low self esteem, suffering from depression, and becomes withdrawn and most suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. There are five levels to indicate the degree of household clutter and hoarding:

Level 1

• All doors & stairways accessible
• 1-3 spills or pet accidents evident
• Light evidence of rodents/insects
• Clutter not excessive
• Normal housekeeping
• Safety & healthy sanitation
• No orders

Level 2

• 1 Exit blocked
• 1 major appliance or regionally appropriate heating, cooling or ventilation device not working for longer than 6 months
• Some pet order
• Cat spray or pet waste puddles
• Light pet dander in evidence
• 3 or more incidents of feces in cat box
• Limited fish, reptile or bird pet care
• Light to medium evidence of common household rodents/insects
• Clutter inhibits use of more than two rooms
•  Unclear functions of living room, bedroom
• Slight narrowing of household pathways
• Limited evidence of housekeeping, vacuuming, sweeping
• Tolerable, but not pleasant odors
• Overflowing garbage cans
• Light to medium mildew in bathroom or kitchen
• Moderately soiled food preparation surfaces

Level 3

• Visible clutter outdoors
• Items normally stored indoors evident outside (TV, sofa)
• 2 or more appliances broken or not functioning
• Inappropriate and/or excessive use of electric and extension cords
• Light structural damage limited to 1 part of the home; recent (less than 6 months)
• Pets exceed local Humane Society limits by 1-3 animals, excluding well-cared-for puppy or kitten litter less than 4 months old
• Stagnant fish tank
• Poorly maintained reptile aquarium; odor and waste
• Bird droppings not recently cleaned
• Audible, but not visible, evidence of rodents
• Light flea infestation
• Medium amount of spider webs inside house
• Visible clutter outdoors narrowed hallways and stairs
• 1 bathroom or bedroom not fully usable; i.e. items stored in shower
• Small amounts of 1-2 obviously hazardous substances, chemicals, substance spills, broken glass
• Excessive dust
• Bed linens, including pillow, show evidence of dirt, long time use
• No evidence of any recent vacuuming or sweeping
• Heavy soiled food preparation surfaces
• Obvious and irritating odor
• Unused, full or odorous garbage cans
• Dirty or soiled laundry throughout house, exceeding 3 hamper-size baskets per bedroom

Level 4

• Structural damage to part of home (longer than 6 months)
• Mold or mildew on walls or floors
• Inappropriate use of appliances: storing paper in oven: storing nonfood items in refrigerator (beyond batteries, film)
• Evidence of damage to 2 or more sections of wall board
• Faulty weather protection: deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roof, foundation or floors, including broken windows or doors; missing or damaged gutters/downspouts
• Hazardous electrical wiring
• Odor or evidence of sewage backup
• Pets exceed local Humane Society limits by 4 animals (any type)
• Obvious aged animal waste exceeding 2-3 recent “accidents”
• Pet dander on all furnishings
• Pets have free range with evidence of destructive behavior, clawed furnishings, chewed doors or frame excessive spiders and webs
• Bats, squirrels, raccoons in attic or room
• Flea infestation
• Designated bedroom unusable; living area or sleeping on sofa or floor
• Hazardous materials stored inside of home, e.g. gasoline, aged, rusted and leaking paint or household chemical cans and bottles
• Excessive combustible & highly flammable packed material in living area or attached garage
• Rotting food on counters
• 1-15 aged canned goods with buckled tops and sides
• No covers on beds, sleeping directly on mattress, lice on bedding or furnishings
• No clean dishes or utensils locatable in kitchen

Level 5

• Structural damage, structural damage obvious in home
• Broken walls
• No electrical power, except for rural homes not serviced by power companies
• No water connections
• No sewer, septic system nonoperational
• Standing water in basement or room
• Fire hazard, hazardous material or contaminants storage exceeds local ordinances
• Pets dangerous to occupants and/or guests
• Rodents evident and in sight mosquito or insect infestations
• Regional “critter” infestations; i.e. snakes in interior of home
• Kitchen and bathroom unusable due to clutter
• Client sleeping elsewhere as house is not livable
• Human defecation
• Rotting food
• More than 15 aged canned goods with buckled tops and sides

Decorah stated that the CHR’s that visit the homes of many Elders had shared the concern about Elders maybe living in many of these said conditions.  So with that, the TAU Advisory Board met and decided to hold the conference on hoarding. Tribal member Ernestine Helgesen said with a big laugh, “I see myself in the first couple of stages.”  Like many of us, Ernestine likes to go to the waruhaha second hand stores and mentioned, “The information was very useful.”

The overall message that McDaniel kept reiterating during his presentation was to "Pay it forward" and by example he meant when you are given an item, when the use for that item wears out "pay it forward"; donate it, give it to someone else who can hoard it for awhile, just kidding but allow someone else to get use out of it so you can relieve some clutter in your home.

There are many tips for proper storage, but that is where you need to separate logical items over obsessive items. You don't need to keep receipts from your Walmart splurges from three years ago. Keep your tax papers for as long as seven years, and your personal tax, wages, bills, home and utilities for one year. Otherwise empty your clutter.

While many Elders come from an era where storage and handing down precious heirlooms were common, some feel the need to distinguish between junk and OCD behaviors. An old Ho-Chunk carved ice fishing lure may be valuable, however that Dollar Tree knick knack may not be the glue that holds your collectables together.

An interesting fact from McDaniel’s presentation is, when facing clutter take your time to clean and organize. It is recommended not to take on your whole house in one afternoon, but realistically start with one room. If it does not hold museum quality value, throw it away. Often people set themselves up for failure by saying “I’m going to sort it, donate it, or plan a rummage sale.” As the saying goes, “It’s easier said than done.”

Most people who do really suffer from these symptoms cannot often be told they are living in these conditions and an attempt to fix their clutter is at times a struggle and it is recommended that these individuals be seen by a counselor or Professional Organizer.  It can be emotionally devastating to the affected person if they are improperly addressed, so do not gather the family and go to Choka and Gaga’s house and throw all their stuff away.  Seek out professional help that addresses their emotional needs and physical needs to help prevent hoarding.

On January 18, the newsletter staff took a detour from everyday Hocak Worak operations and travelled to Madison to tour the Wisconsin Historical Museum and Wisconsin Historical Society.  Years upon years of history are stored at the Wisconsin Historical Society; from ancient arrow heads to a fully beaded bandolier bag that was sold for only six dollars in 1915, to baskets made by Ruth Cloud in 1986 that still have their beautiful color today as if it was still new, an old pair of woman’s moccasins decorated with silk that were donated to the museum in 1955, and a pair of moccasins made by Mountain Wolf Woman, also known as Stella Stacy.  The Hocak Worak staff also saw the Treaty of 1837.

The opportunity to visit allowed us to see the above stated artifacts, which brought back many memories.  Each piece shown had an extra little story and family history to all of us.  Although we were only able to see a handful of Ho-Chunk artifacts dated back before the 1900’s, there are still over 300 pieces in storage that have already been photographed and cross-referenced with name, date, and any other information they were able to obtain to describe the piece. 

Many of the artifacts have been donated or purchased from non-Ho-Chunk tribal members.  For example, an old wood pipe stem was presented to Colonel Zachary Taylor (commanding officer at Prairie Du Chien from 1829-1837), by Winnebago Chief Decorah.  Walter E. Jones donated the pipe to the State Historical Society of WI in 1857.

The below stories were also available to view in the archives section, and thought you’d be interested.  If you ever get a chance, stop and check it out; you could be there for hours just reading old letters and stories of the Ho-Chunk people in the society’s archives. 

The Story of Devils Lake
By Ulysses S. White, Winnebago Indian, of WI Rapids, WI

The Winnebago formerly had their winter quarters on the north shore of Devils Lake, 3 miles south of Baraboo.  In those days a young Winnebago went on a fast.  Then fasting was the only thing they depended on.  In fasting, the Indians put up a wigwam out where no one could bother the person who was fasting.  As a general rule no one was allowed to visit it, excepting the old men, warriors and medicine men, or those who had experience in fasting and had been blessed by some spirit.  These can advise him.  He fasts in order that he may be blessed by certain spirits and become a warrior or medicine man among his people.  Fasting months are December, January, February and March.  In the summer time the Indians fast just as the corn is ripe.

This particular young man and his people put up a wigwam on the south shore of the Lake, where the C. & N.W. Ry.  Tracks now are.  He was blessed by a water spirit.  This spirit told the young Winnebago to come to the Lake, that the water spirit would there show himself to him on a certain day.  He would tell him what medicine to use to heal general sickness, what war paint to use, etc.

When the day came the young Winnebago came to the lake near the place where was fasting, on the southeast shore of the lake.  The day was clear, nothing but blue sky above.  At noon the water of the lake began to move and become wavy.  Then the water spirit appeared and the waters became quiet.

There was a small cloud moving towards them from the west.  Just as soon as this cloud came above them a streak of lightning from the sky struck the water spirit and he was raised from the water; all of the water coming up with him like gum or syrup.  From this the water spirit could not separate himself.  A thunder bird did the striking, the thunderbird and the water spirit being enemies; they struggled for some time, pulling each other four times into and above the lake.

The Thunder bird said to the young man, “My Brother, shoot this water spirit for me.  He is getting me exhausted.  He may take my life.  I will bless you with everything I have control of above and on the earth.”  (These Winnebago were a thunder clan.)

The young Indian had a bow and arrows but he was confused because each of them wanted him to kill the other. The water spirit said, “Don’t shoot me.   If you shoot me don’t ever come near any water on this earth.  This Thunder bird should have blessed you long ago.  He knows that you were fasting all winter.”  The Thunder bird said, “Don’t mind him.  He is not the only one who has water.  I have water too.”

But finally the young Winnebago shot the Thunder bird who was drawn down until he could be heard under the water.  Then a great thunder storm came from the west and lightning struck all around the lake bluffs.  The cliffs were all struck, and the rocks rolled down as we now see them.  The young man received many blessings from the water spirit.  This is the reason why the Winnebago call this lake by a name meaning holy lake or sacred lake.  But the white people call it Devils Lake.

February 17, 1930

The Ho-Chunk Nation will soon have its first Forest Management Plan which is required by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for all trust lands. The Ho-Chunk Nation is one of the last tribes in Wisconsin to implement a Forest Management Plan.  Mark Gawron, Forester for the Division of Natural Resources of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Heritage Preservation Department, and Nathan Goodwin, Environmental Scientist for Environmental Express Services, Inc., have been working together preparing the plan for the Ho-Chunk Nation.

The Forest Management Plan was developed in accordance with the 53 Indian Affairs Manual, Chapter 2, Forrest Management Planning, Release #128, September 1, 2006. A written description of the plan ensures that forest management is environmentally sensitive, sustainable, and economically viable. Without a Forest Management Plan in place, only six activities are allowed on trust lands: preparation of a Forest Management Plan, Emergency sale of timber on allotted land, free use cutting without permit, fire management measures, trespass protection and prosecution, and insect and disease control.

The plan will set standards and guidelines, is based on our current resources, and aims to benefit all the Ho-Chunk Nation’s forestland. The plan hopes to help maintain all indigenous species in their natural range. The management plans to reduce any excessive woodcutting and will plant new trees in the event of flooding, fire, lightning, disease, or excessive woodcutting. The management will also implement, maintain, and improve practices, guidelines, and regulations to stay up to date.  Most importantly, the management will be cultural aware when dealing with forestland near and around the Ho-Chunk Nation cultural sites and resources. Recreation and tourism use of forestland will be sought after options.

The Forest Management Plan is aligned with the Ho-Chunk Nation goals and objectives as follows: 

1. To preserve Ho-Chunk Traditions through natural resource management. Where soils permits, grow more: black ash, tamarack, basswood, red maple, sugar maple, silver maple, white oak, northern white cedar, jack pine, black oak, bur oak, northern pine, red oak, swamp white oak, and white oak.
2. Maintain the health and vigor of the Ho-Chunk Nation forest through sustainable silvicultural practices on over-mature or neglected forest stands; establish and maintain annual allowable cut to ensure a portion of the forest is regenerated through commercial timber sales; lands with heavier soils will be managed for high quality oak and northern hardwood sawlogs; lands with sandy soils will be managed for quality red pine, white pine, jack pine, white oak, boltwood, and sawlogs; continue with management objectives stated in Kickapoo Valley Reserve management plan.
3. Protect and preserve unique cultural features of Ho-Chunk Nation lands (to include): the springs on the O’Conner parcel, Hopinkah allotment spring, forty acres of Pine Barren off of Brockway Road in Jackson County, Black River Falls and Wisconsin Dells powwow grounds, the mounds at Kingsley Bend, Kimball I, and Muscoda, and the petroglyphs at Nine Eagles by providing a shoreline buffer.
4. Maintain quality white-tail deer habitat that is open to all Ho-Chunk members by executing sustainable forestry management.
5. Allow for removal of trees when housing or business developments are desired or warranted.

The Ho-Chunk Nation Forest Management Plan is a Category 2 plan.  The plan’s content will include an inventory, requires Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal Resolution approval, Tribal Goals and Objectives, forest description, protection, forestland management, forest history, social and economic benefit assessment, document retention, and compliance of other federal mandates.

An inventory will be completed using the U.S. Forestry Service’s Forest Inventory & Analysis program, which ensures a forest’s sustainability. Forest description will include resource assessment and general location map. Forest history will have chronology of events, harvest record, and maps and charts.  Social and Economic benefit assessment will include income, Indian benefits, non-indian benefits, regional economic impacts, economic trends, and a social assessment.  Document retention will require archival copies of the plan and supporting documents in a central office.

The Ho-Chunk Nation lands currently consist of 12,760 acres; with 4,014 acres of land in trust status, 5,117 acres of fee simple lands, and 3,629 acres of individually owned allotment/homesteads. The Forest Management Plan will cover all 12,760 acres.

On December 1, 2011 members of the Fitness Staff from the House of Wellness began accepting non-perishable food items from Guests who already use the House of Wellness facilities and to increase and gain new members.

Current H.O.W. members who donated a non-perishable food item or paper good received one month free, extended onto their current membership; if they donated in the month of December. New members who signed up for the Holiday promotion received 25 percent off any annual membership and by donating a non-perishable food item or paper good, received one additional month free. By donating 2 non-perishable food items, with 1 paper product, guests and prospects were able to enjoy a onetime promotion of a free two week pass.  “Class Only” participants were able to enjoy a class of their choice if they donated one non-perishable food item or paper product.

Jodel Treetop, Fitness Specialist, who has been employed with the House of Wellness for almost as long as it has been open, took her time and really did a lot of good research that made the Food Drive very successful; not only from a promotional stand point, but from knowing specifically what the local food pantries would accept.  After good communication with Fitness Staff, the donations began to roll in.  Like many events, it was slow at first, but with great customer service and an option for prospective guests it was pretty much a bargain that very could pass on.

There has been somewhat of a fitness boom locally with competitors setting up prime locations in the Baraboo, Lake Delton and Reedsburg areas. However, those franchise locations close just as fast as they open; or until the next fitness craze kicks in. It is hard for other fitness centers to compete with the HOW, as they have so many amenities such as a variety of classes, an Olympic size lap pool, sauna, hot tub, therapy pool and children’s aquatic play area, and the gym in the fitness center is constantly updated to the most recent equipment.

The total weight of food donated and collected came to a grand total of 465.2 pounds. The Staff divided the food and will deliver to Baraboo and Lake Delton Food Pantries.  A couple boxes were filled with household items like laundry soap and dish soap with personal hygiene toiletries, toilet paper, paper towels, and much more. There was also canned and dried foods that were donated to the Social Services department for a Ho-Chunk Family in need.

All together there were 85 Members, 43 Guests/Prospects (new members), and four HCN Employees who donated, equaling 132 donations received. Many donated multiple items and some brought in whole grocery bags full of goods.

The Fitness Center Staff would like to make this drive an annual one and hope to reach 500 pounds of food donations next year. From all the staff, it was a great experience!

On January 9, 2012, Jo Deen Lowe was sworn in as the Chief Judge of the Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court at the Tribal Office Building in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. This makes her the Ho-Chunk Nation’s first female Chief Judge and the fourth Chief Judge in the court’s history.

Lowe is filling the seat of former Chief Judge Todd Matha, who resigned from his position on April 30, 2011. Matha was elected to the Ho-Chunk Nation Supreme Court in July 2011. Since the court inception, in 1995, others appointed to the Chief Judge position are Mark Butterfield and William Bossman. Associate Judge Amanda Rockman served as the court’s first “Interim” Chief Judge from May 2011 to January 2012.

The Ho-Chunk Nation Constitution “grants the Legislature the power to appoint the Chief Judge and any Associate Judges of the Trial Court.” The Ho-Chunk Nation’s Judicial Act reads: If the Legislature fails to fill any vacancy on the Trial Court within ninety (90) days of its occurrence, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall have the authority and the duty to appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy. The Chief Judge position was in the Ho-Chunk Nation Job posting from May 2011 into January 2012.

Chief Judge Jo Deen Lowe is the daughter of Chloris Lowe Sr. and Anita Lowe, the granddaughter of the late Martin and Mable (Davis) Lowe of the Indian Mission, and the late Will and Bessie (White) Nemitz of Alma Center.  Her Ho-Chunk name is Ahugiparawinga. She graduated from New Lisbon High School, Winona State University (B.S. Paralegal Studies in 1981), and University of Wisconsin Law School (1985).

Her biography read: She has served the Ho-Chunk Nation as a staff attorney, having worked with the Constitutional revision and gaming litigation support, then subsequently served as the Nation’s first Attorney General. Additionally she has previously been elected to the Nation’s Supreme Court as an Associate Justice. Her legal career has also taken her to the Menominee tribe where she served as a tribal prosecutor, to the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin where she worked on transactional business matters, membership and housing issues and served as legal counsel to that Nation’s investment board. She has also work for Wisconsin Judicare’s Indian Law unit representing tribes and tribal interests in the days prior to the advent of gaming in Wisconsin, and played a role in assisting with the training of lay advocates for tribal courts. Jo Deen is a former District Attorney for Jackson County appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin. Most recently she served as the Deputy Attorney General for the Forest County Potawatomi Community where she secured a tribal courts development grant to fully fund a prosecutor position for three years to allow for a consistent in-house legal advisor for the Indian Child Welfare and Child Support offices.

Ms. Low has served the State Bar Board of Governors for many years and was a member of its Access to Justice Committee, which secured funding from the State to expand the access of lower-income residents to legal counsel.

She lives near Tomah, Wisconsin. She has two brothers, Chloris Jr. of New Lisbon, Wisconsin and William (Rebecca) of Reedsburg, Wisconsin and she enjoys gardening, golf, and spending time with her family.

Lance Long, Buffalo clan member, served as the emcee for the Oath of Office Ceremony. Andrew Blackhawk American Legion Post 129 presented the colors, as the Ho-Chunk Nation singers rendered a welcome and Ho-Chunk flag song. Chloris Lowe Sr. gave an invocation prayer.  President Greendeer gave the opening remarks and congratulated Lowe. As he read her biography, he said, “She enjoys gardening, golf, and spending time with family. And I hope she likes spending time at work.”

Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jo B. Hunter administered the oath of office. The Chief Justice had a slip of the tongue when she asked Lowe to “raise your right hard.”  Chief Judge Lowe gave remarks; she said she looks forward “to working with old friends, working for her people, and being close to family.”

The Healing to Wellness Court is the Ho-Chunk Nation Judiciary’s newly installed Drug Treatment Court, which is designed to treat participants for alcohol and drug abuse instead of harsh jail and/or prison sentences for non-violent crimes. On December 28, 2011, Ho-Chunk Nation Interim Chief Judge Amanda Rockman joined Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Lister on the Jackson County Treatment Court in the first dual session.  Jackson County has had its Treatment Court since 2008. The two courts have been working together since summer 2011.

The Ho-Chunk Nation Judiciary Act is currently out for 45 day Review with changes to provide for the Healing to Wellness Court. The proposed changes are as follows:

A Healing to Wellness Court consisting of a Treatment Team made up of a Trial Court Judge, a prosecutor, a public defender/advocate, a Treatment Team coordinator, a Researcher, a law enforcement official, a representative of the Legislature, a representative of probation, a representative of substance abuse treatment providers, a representative of Traditional Court, a representative of social services, a representative of compliance, and other members to be determined by the Judiciary and/or Treatment Team.

The Judiciary shall provide for the establishment, operation, and funding of the Nation’s Healing to Wellness Court to assist the Judiciary in providing alternatives to prosecution and incarceration for Tribal Member criminal offenders who abuse alcohol or other drugs. This program is based upon principles of restorative justice that takes into account the traditions, culture, and customs of the Nation.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Drug Treatment Court first appeared in 1989 at Kings County (Brooklyn) New York. DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson said, “Drug Treatment Alternative-to-Prison program demonstrates the tremendous success we can have helping addicts heal and in reducing the demand for drugs in this country. Under a system of accountability and compassion, this program is rebuilding lives and families and strengthening New York’s communities.”

The Healing to Wellness Court will have a judge hear each participant’s case from the beginning, traces progressions and lapses, order random drug testing, and monitor attendance to treatment sessions. Participants will be accountable to follow the clearly defined rules and chooses their own path to recovery.  Failing to meet the minimum requirements set forth by the court will result in immediate sanctions.  Treatment team members follow the National Drug Treatment Court policies, models, and trainings.  Participants work their way through four phases and up to fifteen weeks in each phase. Depending on their adherence, participants can petition to advance through weeks or be held at weeks for an extended time.

The Healing to Wellness Court team is Judge Amanda Rockman, Margaret Falcon, Stephanie Lozano, Ruth Garvin, Roxanne Whitegull, Bill Gardner, Chief of Police Dan Libke, Caralee Murphy, and Nicole Homer. Rockman and Falcon are from the Tribal Court, Lozano and Garvin from Social Services, Whitegull and Gardner are serving as public defenders/advocates, Libke and Murphy are law enforcement, and Homer is the special prosecutor.

The Jackson County Treatment Court is Judge Thomas Lister, Captain Mike Ring, D.A. Gerald Fox, Bill Poss (Defense Attorney), Nick Lee (Counselor), Heidi Helm (Dept. of Corrections), Judy Luttio (Coordinator). At the first dual session, the Jackson County treatment team assured each participant in their court that “at least three clients are waiting in line to replace them” and “it’s a privilege to be in here (the treatment court).”  During the session, each participant updates on their week and results of their assignment(s), followed by comments from the treatment team.  Some participants were ordered to deal with health concerns, set goals, find an apartment, take a test, or make appointments. Participants keep a calendar and notebooks to stay organized and accountable for assignments.

Participants receive frank talks about their actions and issues. Jackson County D.A. Gerald Fox said, “if you go to prison, you won’t get meaningful treatment (for drugs and alcohol abuse).” Sanctions can be nights or weeks in jail, doubling meeting requirements, or various other tasks based on the offense.  A graduate of the Kings County Drug Court, who earned her GED, driver’s license, and office manager training, said, “I thank you for giving me the tools I needed to learn how to live life on life’s terms. You taught me how to be a human being I never knew I was capable of being.”

On December 15-17, 2011, Ho-Chunk tribal members (comprised of apprentices, teachers, and members of the traditional court) made their way to the Mohican Northstar Casino; not to play their favorite penny machine or to check out the craps table, but to attend the Wisconsin Tribal Language Teacher Training Workshop titled, “Accelerated Second Language Acquisition” (ASLA). The main purpose was to learn a new technique for effective language instruction and acquisition in the classroom which was led by Dr. Stephen Neyooxet Greymorning.

According to the University of Montana Website, Dr. Greymorning holds joint positions in Anthropology and Native American Studies. Professor Greymorning's research interests include Native American language maintenance and restoration, Indigenous sovereignty issues and contemporary Native American issues. 

After receiving his Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1992, he served as the Director of the Arapaho Language and Culture Project for the Wyoming Indian Schools.  He has also been a faculty member at the University of Montana since 1994. While maintaining academic interests in Native sovereignty issues, his work in developing strategies toward Native language restoration has continued.  In this capacity Neyooxet serves as the Executive Director of Hinono'eitiit Ho’oowu' (Arapaho Language Lodge) in Wyoming, a position that has been instrumental in his development of a break-through method for second language instruction and acquisition called Accelerated Second Language Acquisition (ASLA). 

With assistance from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Native American Center’s Director Andrew Gokee, who coordinated and organized the event in collaboration with the CREATE Wisconsin American Indian Student Achievement Network, the training would not have been able to take place.  Gokee said, “Dr. Greymorning is in high demand and is not an easy guy to nail down.”  With a limited number of participants able to register, some were turned away due to reaching maximum capacity.  Luckily, sixteen of our Ho-Chunk tribal members were able to join in and attend. 

Upon checking in, all participants were required to sign an agreement that acknowledged Dr. Greymorning as the developer of the ASLA methodology, assuring in writing that participants will agree to respect his copyrighted materials. According to Gokee, Dr. Greymorning developed his unique language instruction methodology over a period of eight years. 

Gokee made mention that some language instructors may have entered into the training a bit skeptical. He explained however, that “seeing is believing”; to really understand the technique and to know it was going to work took patience, and seeing it in action.  Acquiring language through this method is not through memorization, this approach “attempts to replicate natural language acquisition through the use of imagery,” explained Gokee.  For example, Dr. Greymorning described how a baby learns their first words.  They understand words before they can say the words themselves, through association with images.  They know that their mom’s face means “mom”, and they associate meaning with mom’s image.

The following is a very basic description of the methodology:

ASLA is comprised of 20 Skill Sets, however through the 3 day training, only the first six sets were covered.  Each skill set scaffolds off the previous skill set(s) to produce a sequence of experiences which assist the learner in acquiring the desired concepts.  All concepts are represented by pictures which attaches images to the associated word or phrase.  The images form a landscape that in a way replicates that of the natural world. It should also be noted the instructor insist on no repetitive drilling, which might encourage the student to think in English.  In time the students begin to acquire additional language concepts while thinking in the target language.

From Day one to Day Three, a total of 180 images were learned in the Arapaho language through this process, which began with four simple pictures.  Going back to “seeing is believing”, Ho-Chunk tribal member Cecil Garvin put Dr. Greymorning to the test.   While using the same imagery, Garvin tried his hand at utilizing the technique, but this time in Ho-Chunk.  Assuming the role of student, Dr. Greymorning was able to demonstrate that his technique works; in a matter of minutes he was understanding and speaking several Ho-Chunk words.

The purpose of the ASLA training is to assist tribal language teachers with producing proficient tribal language speakers. It stands to reason that if we begin to produce more proficient tribal language speakers, we might someday hear our tribal languages used more regularly.

Kerejusep, otherwise known as Eli Youngthunder, commented on the need to increase regular use of the Ho Chunk language:   “As we all know, Indigenous people around the world are losing their culture by means of discontinued use of the native language.  Ho-Chunk is no different. With the loss of language comes the loss of culture and identity.  The goal is to revitalize and make the language a living language to be used on a daily basis, not a separate entity to be used in isolation.”     

Ho-Chunk tribal member and language apprentice, Rita Kingswan said, “the Black River Falls and Tomah High School will be using what we learned this coming semester, and they'll be trying to use the technique at the Immersion Daycare as well.”  She also noted that some apprentices/teachers that have their own Hocak classes are also going to attempt to use the method.

In closing, Kerejusep said, “The session was helpful and gave us another tool to use on students, family and ourselves.  The overarching concept, immersion, I agree with.  It is important that we as the teachers use the language more than we do, and this would be good practice.  My personal concern was keeping a students’ attention on a daily basis using the same method, however I have not tried so I cannot disagree.  As stated above, this will be another way for us to learn and/or teach the language.”