George R. Lewis
Ho-Chunk Wonk Sheek we la

On February 17, 2004, the City of Madison and Dane County made a decision to vote NO on a Referendum to expand DeJope into Class III.  I was very proud to be your President the evening of the Referendum vote because of how the Ho-Chunk members presented themselves as proud people with honor, dignity, united self-assurance and respect.  I felt this strength from all who were there and by knowing all that was taught to me growing up as a Ho-Chunk person.  While we did lose the Referendum battle, we will win the war of economic survival.  We Ho-Chunk people are very innovative and we will succeed.

As I told the news media that evening, we no longer had to be concerned about the additional payments to the other government agencies and it was their loss, not ours.  We came into the Referendum open-minded and with honor and dignity.  Inside I was thinking, as Native people, we are used to losing.  For example, in the past, we gave up one of our most sacred symbols, the Eagle, which is our upper clan, to represent the United States emblem.  Also, in the past, the loss of our lands never had a referendum and these people did not know our history of Indian gaming that we have participated in for centuries.  We lost the DeJope Referendum long before the vote was counted just because of how the voters felt about gambling issues in Madison, and how the mayor’s office, with the help of the non-gamblers and local newspapers, challenged our government’s honesty and dignity in the agreement with the city.

Indeed, one local newspaper tried to scapegoat us as bringing in drugs and crime and supporting taverns being open 24/7.  This was far from the truth.  We know, as Ho-Chunk people, that we have not produced alcohol and harmful drugs in our entire history, but we did have Indian gaming such as dice, moccasin, la crosse and horse racing.  Our opponents just do not know our history, but, regardless of that lack of knowledge, gave us negative press because we put up good fight in their realm.  Nevertheless, during this Referendum battle, we made some good friends who will be with us forever.  These are people who understand our rights as a sovereign government and know that we can compete in their world of business.  I certainly believe that the mayor is afraid of us competing in Madison, even though he would have taken the money we offered if the Referendum would have passed.  On the other hand, I need to sincerely thank the county executive, Kathleen Falk, for her support in standing by us.

Also, I need to thank our Ho-Chunk Nation Legislators for presenting a good format on the Referendum and all the effort they put forth.  I know there will be good decisions made by our Legislature to expand in other ways to deliver the message that we are here forever.  We know we can compete in their realm and succeed.  This should tell the rest of the world that Ho-Chunk is starting to grow in the competitive job market and we can make a difference.

As your President, I will present myself as an honorable leader and lead our businesses into the 21^st century.  With our Ho-Chunk Nation’s nature for competition, we will survive.  Early in my term as President, I said we would develop all of Ho-Chunk country and teach our neighboring communities what Ho-Chunk culture is all about, and we are doing it.   Thank you for your support.  Pinigigi.

On a completely separate note, my office recently received a letter from one of our Ho-Chunk youth.  In her letter, this 17-year-old student expressed concerns and asked questions that go to the heart of how the Ho-Chunk Nation needs to listen to the needs of our youth.  It gives me a feeling of great pride in knowing that our young people want to become involved in our Nation’s government.   Her questions are right on target.

She wants to know if the Nation can help prevent misuse and unwise spending by our young and inexperienced members when they become eligible to receive their trust funds and per capita payments.  The Ho-Chunk Nation is fortunate to be able to provide to our members many services and a per capita distribution.  Many tribes are unable to provide what we can do for our tribal members, for that matter, not many people are fortunate enough to receive such a monetary “windfall” at any age.  This young student asked if the Nation could create a procedure to provide information, guidance and financial advice regarding the wise handling of the “windfall” of tens of thousands of dollars received by our young members.

Under these fortunate financial circumstances, the Nation needs to listen to the voice of our youth and help protect their interests.  We must teach them the ways of the world so that they may, someday, assume the duties of managing the many complex businesses of the Ho-Chunk Nation.  Prudent and wise money management must begin at a young age.  The economic future of the Ho-Chunk Nation is with our youth.  Please help them learn.  Pinigigi