Ho-Chunk Traditions will help families connect with the Wąąkšik Woošgą (Ho-Chunk Way of Life).

This option will expose you to cultural traditions, ceremonies, art, kinship, societal structure and social mores of the Ho-Chunk people. Traditional teachings are designed by the Heritage Preservation Department. This course will allow you to learn more about Ho-Chunk traditions and help participants create a positive self-image.

Please refer to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s requirements for Journaling & Reflection.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Traditions Class 1 – Ho-Chunk Kinship

Ever been confused when people say that all Ho-Chunks are related?  How is it that you seem to have so many naanis and jaajis out there?  Why is your teega expected to be the disciplinarian?  If you have ever wondered about those things, you’re not alone. During “An Introduction to Hoocąk Kinship”, Dr. Marcus Lewis will answer those questions by focusing on the most fundamental unit of Ho-Chunk society, the family.  Our tribe is fortunate to have a unique, complex kinship that has given us a powerful cultural support system that has enabled us to thrive for centuries.  This workshop will provide an overview of our unique kinship system, discuss the spiritual underpinnings of that system, and help you improve your understanding of how Ho-Chunk People are related to one another.  Whether you are familiar with our kinship system or you are brand new to the discussion, there will be something for everyone in this workshop.

Please refer to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s requirements for Journaling & Reflection.

Traditions Class 2 – Ho-Chunk History: Past, Present, and Future

Bill Quackenbush, THPO. Is your presenter. “Oral history we are told our Ho-Chunk presence here reaches as far back as the last several glacial episodes which took place throughout what is now known today as Wisconsin. Our origin stories refers to a place known to us as Moogasuc – Red Banks, where it is said among other things, our first fires were lit. From then until now, the Ho-Chunk have lived and prospered here, enjoying a life and culture unique only to us. This presentation touches upon this steeped history, focusing on how we as a People continue to retain many traditional practices and cultural processes, which serves as perceptible guidelines to safeguard our heritage as a sovereign People.”

Please refer to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s requirements for Journaling & Reflection.

Traditions Class 3 – Ho-Chunk Food Sovereignty

This week, we focus on the topic of Re-engineering Indigenous Community Health & Wellness with Science and Indigenous Knowledge, which will be presented by one of our past tribal presidents, Mr. Jon – Jon Greendeer, HCN Health & Wellness Coordinator. Mr. Greendeer comes to us with a professional portfolio of experience serving the Ho-Chunk Nation at many levels & capacities throughout his extensive career to date. 

Please join us know, as we enjoy the privilege of listening in and interacting with Mr. Greendeer on the cultural subject matter of how we take into consideration our mental, physical & spiritual health as a tribal community.

Please refer to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s requirements for Journaling & Reflection.

Traditions Class 4 – Reading, Beading, and Believing: A Librarian’s Journey

This week, we touch upon a topic that may sound familiar to many Ho-Chunk who find themselves considering heading off to higher education, living at large or working away from family and Ho-Chunk communities. 

Please join us now, as we enjoy the privilege of listening in and interacting with Janice M. Rice, Hinuk Wijawi (Changing Seasons Woman) (Bear Clan), Emerita Librarian, UW-Madison as she shares her journey and turning points that took her from a rural country school student to becoming an ethnic studies librarian on a large college campus. Learn about the values, challenges and role models who brought balance and inspiration to her life. Hear about the people, the words, the jobs, the community activism and the cultural ties that have kept her grounded. Find out how her Hoocak identity has helped her navigate the changing tides of life.

Please refer to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s requirements for Journaling & Reflection.

Traditions Class 5 – Ho-Chunk Experience as a Public Servant

This week, we will be learning about the importance of understanding our tribal government’s complicated relationship with current forms of governance and how your participation is crucial for the perpetuation of tribal sovereignty. We will take the time to contemplate an existing or new tribal code and if time allows, complete a draft or revisions for submission to the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature. 

Please join us now, as we enjoy the privilege of interacting with Ryan Greendeer, HCN Legislative Public Relations Officer as he shares his journey as a Public Servant within the Ho-Chunk Nation Government.Please refer to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s requirements for Journaling & Reflection.

Traditions Class 6 – Boarding School Trauma

This week, we will be learning about Boarding School history, and how the Ho-Chunk People have been affected by such trauma on various levels from this. From our past relatives going through the physical and mental trauma, to how our tribal government continue to combat the effects of this today, and lastly, what good and bad occurs from this type of trauma still.   

Bill Quackenbush, HCN Tribal Historic Preservation Officer is presenting on how Boarding School Trauma effects our lives even today.

Please refer to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s requirements for Journaling & Reflection.

Traditions Class 7 – Representing as Leaders Within Your Communities

This week, we will be gaining cultural insight on an age old tradition of becoming community leaders, through active participation in the public light.

Arvina “Hohapjikere” Martin, District 11 Alder, City of Madison, as she presents on her perspectives regarding “Representing as Leaders Within Your Communities”

Please refer to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s requirements for Journaling & Reflection.