On November 16, 2002 over 1000 enrolled members gathered at the DeJope Bingo Hall in Madison, WI for the Nation's annual General Council. Because the members present exceeded the needed quota of 855, business did take place. During the meeting, which began following the verification of the computer-generated registration, members voted on nine agenda items covering a variety of issues.

At the onset of the General Council, chaired by Alvin Cloud, President Troy Swallow announced that because the Nation's members have a right to be informed of the Nation's financial status and programs, a short video was prepared that featured spokespeople from the Treasury, Business and Housing Departments. Highlighted in the video was Business Director Tim Dooley's report that despite an uncertain economy, the Nation's net profits from gaming increased from $109 to $137 million. The net profits on the Nation's other businesses also increased to $2.6 million.

Following the video, members were allowed to submit resolutions following the guidelines set forth by the Justice Department. Following the placement of the resolution on the agenda, authors of the resolution were given time to explain the item. Others were also invited to give a further clarification or discuss the "pros and cons" of the resolution.

Tribal attorneys were consulted to make sure any item placed on the agenda did not conflict with the power given General Council in the Ho-Chunk Nation Constitution.

Though the agenda items were discussed and voted on individually, all the items were on one ballot, cast following a discussion of the final item. Counted and verified by the MIS Department, all resolutions on the agenda had more than the 855 votes required, mandating that on those items passed, action be taken.

The following resolutions were approved by the membership. The numbers in parentheses indicate the yes votes, the no votes and those who abstained from voting on the resolution.

• 11/16/02-1: That the Legislature vote to establish a Constitutional Task Force assigned to study suggested changes proposed to the Ho-Chunk Nation Constitution. (572-280-188).
• 11/16/02-3: That a Secretarial Election be held to establish a Membership Code. The Legislature cannot vote to remove members. (408-372-253).
• 11/16-/02-4: Removal of Michelle Kay Chamberlain from the enrollment list. (832-43-158).
• 11/16/02-6: Procedural Motion that at General Council the registration data compiled by the MIS Department does have to be verified with an oral roll call. (679-120-231).
• 11/16/02-7: Resolution against Garnishment. Wages cannot be garnished unless ordered by the Court. (730-174-123).
• 11/16/02-8: Resolution that the Nation terminate its contract with Marx Marketing as soon as possible. (642-161-222).
• 11/16/02-10: Ho-Chunk elders and those disabled are the first to be paid the $100 given those attending General Council. (317-10-697).

The following resolutions were rejected at General Council.

• 11/16/02-2: A resolution to request a Secretarial Election-Parentage. The item stated for a child to be considered for enrollment, one parent needs to be an enrolled member. (403-475-156).
• 11/16/02-5: Redistricting and Reapportionment. Item stated that the Supreme Court reverse its decision confirming the Lower Court's ruling that last year's Redistricting Election results were valid. (241-556-235).

An item proposed to the agenda that would have terminated certain employees was stricken following attorney Wendy Helgamo's explanation that the resolution would conflict with provisions in the Ho-Chunk Constitution.