Black River Falls, Wisc. – On May 28, the Ho-Chunk Nation gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Cultural Resource Center, a space dedicated to preserving and honoring the rich culture, history, and community for generations to come.  The facility represents a significant investment that has been in the works for fifteen-plus years.

     Within the Ho-Chunk Nation Executive Branch, the Heritage Preservation Department includes the Cultural Resources Division, which serves as a preservation advocate and vital resource for the Ho-Chunk Nation’s government, tribal members, and the public.

     Building on these responsibilities, the Cultural Resources Division provides professional preservation services by representing the Nation in Section 106 and NAGPRA matters, conducting tribally sensitive archaeological work, providing public educational outreach, and ensuring cultural oversight. The division also conducts research, manages archiving, and supports the development of accurate information specific to the Ho-Chunk people.

     In ongoing initiatives, the division is establishing a research library and archival area to support both tribal and external researchers interested in Ho-Chunk history and culture.

     Furthermore, it is developing a comprehensive preservation code to safeguard cultural objects, burial sites, and historic or prehistoric sites unique to the Nation.

     At the groundbreaking ceremony, John Stacy served as the Master of Ceremonies, while the Little Thunder Singers rendered honor songs.

     Continuing the ceremony, the Ho-Chunk Nation Traditional Chief and Heritage Preservation Director, Clayton Winneshiek, offered an invocation and a ground blessing.

     Following these opening moments, the Cultural Resources Division Manager and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Bill Quackenbush, highlighted the events that brought the building site to fruition.

     Additionally, Lambert Cleveland, Jr., Ho-Chunk Nation Vice President and District 3 Legislator, acknowledged the hard work of individuals prior to the groundbreaking ceremony and highlighted the importance of the Cultural Resource Center project.

     The theme of honoring the future continued as Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer remarked on the project’s benefit for future generations of the people. He believes this represents the beginning of a way to teach and share traditional cultural values of the Ho-Chunk people.

     Representatives from project partners also contributed to the ceremony. Andrew Daniels, Senior Vice President at Miron Construction, recognized the ongoing partnership between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Miron Construction, highlighting previous collaborative projects. Miron Construction Co., Inc. is a family-owned business based in Neenah, WI.

     Alongside construction partners, Senior Architect from ISG, Alyssa Campbell, shared her excitement about working on the project.

     Looking ahead, the future Cultural Resource Center will be located at N7259 Branched Antlers Avenue in Black River Falls, WI. The Ho-Chunk Nation anticipates construction on the new center will be complete as early as next year.