The day started under cloudy skies, but later, when the sun came out, so did the people. As the Ho-Chunk Nation celebrated its "First Annual Ho-Chunk Heritage Day" at Governor Nelson State Park near Madison, WI on September 8, 2001 visitors were treated to displays and live demonstrations explaining the tribe's history and traditions. The event, sponsored by the Department of Cultural Resources and hosted by State Park officials was created with the goal of "giving the public the opportunity to experience Ho-Chunk Culture and create a better understanding and appreciation for the mounds located in the Four Lakes Region".

The event combined education and entertainment as demonstrators focused on not only detailing the Nation's history in the region, but also gave those present a look of how the certain Ho-Chunk traditions live on. As the Cloud Singers and Dancers performed traditional and fancy dances, Master of Ceremonies Doug Long explained the meanings of the dances and costumes being demonstrated. Later the public was invited to watch and participate in the original "Indian Gaming" featuring Indian Dice and Moccasin Games enjoyed by tribal ancestors.

Governor Nelson State Park Director, Donna Schmitz welcomed all those present and explained the day "was a public education day", a day "on which we can learn from each other".

Ho-Chunk Nation President, Troy Swallow stated "that events like this help us build a better tomorrow for all of us". He encouraged everyone to participate in the events and learn why the Ho-Chunk people are so proud of the ties they have to the land in the Four Lakes Area (DeJope to Ho-Chunk people). The area lakes provided ancestors with plentiful fishing and a convenient means of travel. For some the land was a final resting place, distinguished by the marker trees and effigy mounds that are scattered throughout the area. Long added that he was grateful for the chance to bring recognition to the ways of tribal ancestors whose mounds remain a legacy to their presence in the area.

Visitors saw first hand traditional skills passed on to other generations as current tribal members and volunteers demonstrated basket weaving, moccasin making, deer tanning and food preservation. Samples of smoked buffalo meat, homemade soup and fry bread kept everyone's energy level high for the Woodland Trail hike that featured some of the remaining mounds.

Tribal Reseacher, Nettie Kingsley detailed the history of the tribe in the area assuring those attending that as the Ho-Chunk Nation tries to reclaim some of their historic sites they are doing so to preserve their history and culture, not to built casinos on the properties, as many people have been led to believe.

Recently there has been a growing interest among non-Native people anxious to learn more about Native cultures and traditions. As the coming of casino gaming has put more tribes in the public eye, many people are curious to learn not only how and why the tribes gained permission to operate their businesses but also gain a knowledge regarding the history of the country's first people. Cultural Resources Division Manager, Susette LaMere, the Coordinator of the event, stated the site was chosen because of the historic mounds present in the park.

She said that the mounds, often located near or on the park's hiking trails have been walked on for many years and that she wanted to create an awareness of the mounds' significance to the general public. She also stressed that events like this enable people to learn more about the traditions of the Ho-Chunk people. She added that hopefully the event can become an annual affair. As the Nation attempted to relive part of its past for at least one day, non tribal members in attendance were asked why they came and what they hoped to learn from the day's activities.

Dick Schmitz, Waunakee, WI - "I believe the Indians got shafted all along and I want to learn more about their culture."

Randall and Laura Crow with children Emily and Charlie, Middleton, WI - "to see the dancers and their demonstrations"

Myron Eshowsky and Karen Berger, Muscoda, WI - "tour the mounds"

Gary and Marie Messinger, daughter Sophie, Madison, WI - "wanted to expose Sophie to Native dancers.  She loves the dancers."

Dale Hopkins, Madison, WI - "I want to learn more about the traditional ways.  Event is a learning experience"

Ron Pluim, Waunakee, WI - "I came to learn, listen and learn about the past"