As I sit here collecting my thoughts that have been bombarding me these last few days, memories of an event in Ho-Chunk Country that happened 20 years ago take precedence.

This was an event that has changed the lives of our entire Ho-Chunk Nation.  For twenty years ago the Ho-Chunk opened the doors of the bingo hall in Sauk County, welcoming avid bingo players from near and far.  If you were there and/or are still involved in this enterprise, I salute you. 

As many of us, I believe there were up to 100 employees at that time who commuted some as far as Black River Falls, some as far as Milwaukee and some of us simply “jumping the creek”, regardless, we were part of a committed group of Ho-Chunks who proved that we had what it took to do it.  We not only did it the best way we knew how but we did it so good we were rated highly, according to the “Kickingbird Report”.  I wish I knew where a copy of that report was today just to prove my point.  Anybody out there recall our standing in comparison to the rest of “Indian Country”?   And to recall when the Stockbridge Mohicans in Bowler area called our delegation of trainers to assist with the development of their bingo hall?

I remember my comrades. I miss some of them as they have gone on before us.  That makes me sad but, golly did we have some good times, and I’m not just talking about the “bingo babies”, proud as I am of my own three.  It was the camaraderie and the everlasting friendships with the players, some to this day have never given up on Ho-Chunk Bingo.  For you patrons, especially Charlie’s Charter from Madison, I give a hearty thank you.

Please my relatives can we honor ourselves those who took a gamble on working in this industry those who remained at home keeping the fires burning as we endured the trials and sometimes error in the prosperity of this endeavor? 

The seed was provided and I know and remember well who these people were and are as they discussed the possibility of such a venture.  But keeping the dream alive, and watching it flourish should not be taken for granted either.

Today as I watch the news, another leap of prosperity in Ho-Chunk Country will depend on the voters of Dane County.  All kinds of possibilities are before us should the vote be on our favor.  And if this becomes a reality, are we prepared or should I ask, how long will it take for us to pull the manpower together?  Another question I ask, can we convince the next generation and ourselves that we, “Ho-Chunks preferably” pull this together? Are we even as committed can we pull the long haul like those before us did?  Can we pool our rides or can we create a pool so that Ho-Chunks will have dependable means of getting to Madison?

On February 17^th, when the voters of Dane County make their decision and the majority vote is in favor of DeJope; the machines, the tables, the games, the patrons will come but are we going to be there to greet them, to serve them and bid them good night and thank you as we have so sincerely ever since Ho-Chunks have been the hosts longer than twenty years?

Our history reveals this:  Ho-Chunks have the natural ability, call it a gift, refer to it as “he-lush-ka” and our young people need to be a part of this too. 

I hope this letter to you Mr. Editor and relatives in Ho-Chunk Country and beyond will give this endeavor as well as any existing or future endeavors some strong thought.  Certainly I have asked school district personnel how they “teach” these skills to our young people, non-native alike and they, educators “make do with what they have”.

The stepping-stones have long been placed and now I am anxious for those who will now walk.

Thank You,
Roxanne Johnson
Area IV

Dear Editor;

I would like to offer a suggestion to the Ho-Chunk Nation in plain English.  A Ho-Chunk Elder Center must be built on a priority basis.  If we wait too long we won’t have traditional tribal elders to share their thoughts, ideas, and knowledge to pass on to our young people.  We have been having tribal youth programs, plus summer employment where our Whirling Thunder Ranch is located.  What a beautiful centrally located site that would enable our elders and children to exchange ideas and knowledge.

The other suggestion is a very simple formula.  Dividing one million dollars among our four gaming installations.  De-Jope, Ho-Chunk, Majestic, and Rainbow could receive $250,000 each to provide a scenario such as awarding $1,000.00 to 250 people at each site, in lieu of giving one million to only one individual.  Can you imagine the good will and happy experience of our people here in Wisconsin who enjoy Indian gaming.

Thank you,
A Tribal Elder (teh)

Greetings Tribal Members;

I wanted to thank everyone that helped some else this past year in some way.  We sometimes forget to be thankful for the pleasantries of others.  I feel grateful for all the wonderful people that I encountered this past year.  I want to express my gratitude in this written letter.  I would like to thank everyone who purchased a pick-a-sucker win a prize at the pow-wow at Black River Falls.

At the Nekoosa Community gathering and I especially thank the people who supported our fund-raising event.  I want to extend a special thank you to Mr. Alvin Cloud and Mr. Doug Long for their giving our fund-raising a boost by announcing our project.  These two gentlemen have helped our project immensely.  Pi Na Gi Gi!

I want to extend my gratitude for the many people who donated their clothing to Waza Pi Sto He.  I want to thank people from Nekoosa who sent us gifts to give to children for Christmas (You know who you are).  I delivered these toys and gifts to Ho-Chunk Nation Social Services.

I feel happy to announce that thanks to your purchasing a pick-a-suck-win-a-prize and donations we were able to give twelve $50 food/gift certificates to 12 families.  This year's goal is reach 20 families.  I am happy to say that we did not receive any money from the Ho-Chunk Nation.

The Waza Pi Sto He will be open for families to purchase or leave a donation for the clothes they receive.  These funds will go into a general account, which will be used for the Christmas project.  I want to thank those that contributed when they picked up clothing.  I want to especially thank the following ladies, gentlemen and youth, who have volunteered their time in this project Mrs. Christine Mann, Ms. Annette Powless, Ms. Barbara Goodbear, Ms. Sandy Dela Rosa, Mr. Marty Ybarra, Mr. Jim Dela Rosa, Mr. Francis Decorah, and these youngsters Tomah Youth, Michael and Manual Carriaga.  I know God works in mysterious ways by sending these people to help.

I have many thanks and I hope that I have neglected thanking you.  If anyone would like to donate sometime to our clothing center we are always looking for volunteers.  I will be taking contributions for little items for the pick-a-sucker win a prize.  I appreciate your donations and I look forward to building this project.  Please and thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Please keep our project in your thoughts and prayers.  Have a Happy and Joyous New Year!  May God Bless You All!

Respectfully,
Roberta Decorah
Home Telephone (608) 372-3038