# Newly Available Funds to Expand (2025)

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aoneida_nation%3A0f1af1256445a52a

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

Welcome
to Oneida

Monuments Symbolize
Pride for Community
PG 5

HUD Secretary
Scott Turner

Newly Available Funds to Expand
Tribal HUD-VASH Program
PG 6

Bridging the Digital Divide
NFL-Packer Inspire Change Provides
$150,000 Grant to ONSS
PG 7

Congratulations Class of 2025
Featuring High School Graduates from the Oneida Nation
PG 15

2|

JUNE 2025

Shekóli Swakwe•kú. After meeting with Ann McCotter and Joann
Ninham in late 2023, we published
the first article regarding the Oneida
Reads campaign in the February
2024 edition. Since then, there have
been numerous events, trainings,
and several articles supporting this
initiative, including the article about
Maya Payne Smart on page 12.
Needless to say, we stay well connected with Ann about matters of
education, including recently when
we both attended the NFL Digital
Divide event chronicled on page
7. During this time, Ann shared the
pride she feels, and all of us for that
matter, regarding the milestone our
high school students have achieved,
“Congratulations on your graduation! Your dedication, perseverance,

KALIHWISAKS

and passion have brought you to this
exciting new chapter, and we celebrate all that you have accomplished.
As you look toward the future, we
invite you to channel your energy
and fresh perspective into a cause
that can transform lives for generations: early literacy. Oneida Reads is
working to build a strong, equitable
system that ensures every Oneida
child in our community can read proficiently by third grade—a critical
foundation for lifelong learning and
success. Early literacy is an education and social issue imperative to
the future of Oneida Nation. If we
want an innovative workforce, thriving communities, and strong leaders,
we need to recognize that literacy
is critical and refocus on improving reading outcomes, especially in

the early grades. Change starts with
people like you—committed, hopeful, and ready to make a difference.
Whether you volunteer, advocate, or
help spread the word, your involvement can spark a ripple effect of
opportunity across Oneida Nation
and beyond. Together, let’s champion
literacy and create a future where
every Oneida child has the power to
read, dream, and thrive.”
See page 15 for the complete list
of our young Oneida members graduating high school. Congratulations
class of 2025!

Garth Webster
Kalihwisaks-Creative Services

Big Bear Media

2701 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI 54303
Creative Services/Kalihwisaks
Garth Webster
Mia Charnon
Marketing & Tourism Director
Michelle Danforth-Anderson
Layout Design
Richard Summers III
Contributors

Eric Doxtator ⋅ Leah Stroobants
Leon Webster ⋅ Nevada Skenandore
Peggy Doxtater ⋅ Leah Kuchta
Sophia King ⋅ Mel Webster
Carly Skenandore ⋅
Trista Cornelius-Henrickson
All content is © Big Bear Media
unless otherwise noted.

KALIHWISAKS

Official Publication of the Oneida Nation
"She Looks For News"
Kalihwisaks
Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org
Oneida-nsn.gov/resources/kalihwisaks
Scan for more
Kalihwisaks
stories

The views and/or claims of interviewees or advertisers do
not necessarily represent the thoughts and sentiments of
the Oneida Nation or Kalihwisaks.

Our Stories

4

BC Forum

8

2025 Draft Stage Performance

Spotlights

9

5 
Welcome to Oneida

10

Monuments Symbolize Pride
for Community

6 
HUD Secretary Scott Turner
Newly Available Funds to Expand
Tribal HUD-VASH Program

7 
Bridging the Digital Divide

NFL-Packer Inspire Change Provides
$150,000 Grant to ONSS

15 Congratulations Class of 2025
 eaturing High School Graduates
F
from the Oneida Nation

12

Jameson Wilson
Oneida Nation Smoke Dancers

 reliminary Injuction Granted
P
For IMLS Funding

Oneida Library & Museum Continue Foward

Indigenous Fashion Show
Electrifies Audience
Event Produced by Native Max

Maya Payne Smart Inspires
Emowering Early Literacy with
Oneida Reads

 iny Scholars Shine at Oneida
T
Head Start Graduation

13 
Celebrating Progress:

Oneida's New Transit Facility


Oneida Nation Code Talkers Day
Honor Our Warriors and Our Language

14 
All Nations Solar & Electric
is Powering the Future

19 
Empowering Oneida's Youth
Youth Summit to Provide Platform
for Young Leaders

20 
Commitment to Maternal
Mental Health

Grant Fuels Support Programs

21 
Native Hisotry Book Reviews
22 On Their Journey
31 
Missing & Murdered Indigenous
Relatives (MMIR) Walk

The Big Bear Media team takes advantage of some unseasonably
warm spring weather to install sky dome borders around the
asphalt pathways at the Amelia Cornelius Culture Park.

4|

JUNE 2025

Shekoli Swakweku (Hello everyone),
The warm winds of the summer
season have returned and I hope you
are all enjoying the warmer weather.
We are approaching the halfway
point of 2025, and I appreciate this
opportunity to provide an update from
my office.
LOC Update
The Legislative Operating Committee (LOC) is hosting its Summer
Community Meeting on Wednesday,
June 4th (Alternative date: June 18th)
from 5:30-7:30pm in the Norbert Hill
Center Cafeteria. We will be discussing the proposed amendments to the
Ten-Day Notice Policy, the Election
Law, and the creation of a Renewable
Energy Law. Please join us to provide
input on the development of these
amendments and laws.
OPP Update
The Oneida Business Committee
(OBC) took action on May 1st, 2025,
via an emergency OBC meeting to

Nation Building Initiatives
• Feasibility Assessment
• Create Continuous Improvement
Plan for Government Systems
• Initiative Next Round of
Constitutional Amendments
• Create Oneida Language &
Culture Law
• Carry Out “I am Oneida”
Project Plan
• Enhanced Mental Health &
Well-Being
• Create a System of Commerce
• Strengthen Capacity for Technology
• Foster Innovative Solutions to
Community Challenges
• Invest in Energy Infrastructure
• Research Center

NATION

KALIHWISAKS

cancel the tentatively scheduled May
5th Special General Tribal Council
(GTC) meeting. The intent of the canceled GTC meeting was to hold discussion about the On yote a·ká ni i
Project Plan. In lieu of the cancellation
of the GTC meeting, the On yote a·ká
ni i Standing Committee, whose purpose is to serve on behalf of the GTC
and BC as it relates to the implementation and management of the of the
On yote a·ká ni i Project Plan, held a
community input session on May 5th
at the Oneida Hotel to talk about the
Nation’s enrollment criteria dilemma.
The Special GTC meeting to discuss
On yote a·ká ni i Project Plan will be
rescheduled to a later date in 2025.
Nation Building Update
This term, the Oneida Business
Committee (OBC) is using Nation
Building principles developed by the
Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona. The five Nation Building principles are Transformational

Leadership, Strong Governing Systems, Seventh Generation Thinking,
Cultural Match, and Sovereignty.
The Nation Building principles
helped the OBC develop a strategic plan which includes 11 longterm initiatives. These initiatives
cover a wide range of topics and
are aimed at helping the Nation
strengthen its position moving
forward. See the graphic below
for details.
Each initiative has an associated
goal statement that is being refined
by the assigned project teams. The
teams are currently drafting project
plans and clarifying.
In closing, I want you to know that
I remain committed to serving the
Nation with compassion, kindness,
empathy, and optimism and will continue the work of creating a safe environment for our people.

Chairman Hill and Councilman Wilson provide
testimony to the US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)
on behalf of the Oneida Nation regarding the
Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Tribal Leader Consultation in
support of permanent expansion of the Food
Distribution Self-Determination Demonstration
Project.
Left: Councilmen Wilson
and Jonas Hill discussing the Hunting, Fishing
and Trapping Law at the
March LOC Community
Meeting.
Right: Councilman Wilson
presenting on one of the
eleven Nation Building initiatives at the April Nation
Building meeting.

LOCAL

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

JUNE 2025

|5

Welcome to Oneida
Monuments Symbolize Pride
for Community
By Garth Webster

Oneida Monument Project Team members (L to R):
Brandon Noll, Troy Parr, Stephanie Skenandore,
Crystal Holtz, Melinda J. Danforth, Bobbi Webster,
Paul Witek, Tana Aguirre, and Paul Truttman enjoy a
beautiful sunny day as they reveal the largest of three
monuments that welcome visitors to Oneida.

About ten years ago, Melinda J.
Danforth, Director of Oneida’s Intergovernmental Affairs Department,
became a part of a special project team
whose initiative was to enhance the
place-branding of the Oneida Nation.
The initiative finally came to fruition
recently with the installation of three
monuments welcoming passers-by
to the Oneida Nation territory. Two of
the which, located on the corner of W.
Mason and Taylor St. and the corner of
County EB and Packerland Drive, are
smaller scale signs. The third monument, a much larger sign at 26 feet in
height, is located at the corner of Highway 29 and County Line Road U. All
three feature the Oneida Nation logo
(ONL).
When asked about the use of the
ONL versus the Oneida Nation seal,
Danforth said it’s mostly about utilizing the visual that’s strategically used
to communicate with the target market.

The Oneida Nation seal is used for
government-to-government communications whereas the ONL is used to
market to community residents, tourists, etc. In this way, the ONL has higher
levels of recall because of its simplicity
in text and symbols. The other benefit
was its versatility to be manufactured
more efficiently at large scales and with
more readily available materials.
Danforth points out that the monuments are placed in high-traffic areas
to gain the most exposure, unlike the
green Department of Transportation
Dual Language Signs discussed in the
November 2022 edition. Although both
announce to drivers where they’re
located, the monuments do so with
much bolder, well-recognized visuals
and text.
More monuments are planned in
places such as Highway 172. However,
Danforth says there are many steps,
such as zoning and right-of-way issues

that must be negotiated before installation. For the current monuments, the
intent is to add landscaping and solar
lighting features, especially for the
County U and Highway 29 location.
Metaphorically, it’s been a long road
and thus, Danforth gives credit to the
team for persevering through some
of the obstacles. When the initiative
began, momentum was lost due to
financial priorities. When it became
a viable option again, the pandemic
struck. In the end, other than the project team, she says the membership has
been the biggest source of enthusiasm,
“The community is so full of pride and
has been so supportive of this effort.”
This pride also resonates with Danforth on a personal level who explains
the moment she had with her child,
“I took my kid over there, who’s nine
years old. As soon as we drove by, he
proclaimed ‘ONEIDA!’ This our land.”

6|

JUNE 2025

HOUSING

KALIHWISAKS

HUD Secretary Scott Turner

Newly Available Funds to Expand
Tribal HUD-VASH Program
By US Housing and Urban Development

HUD Secretary Scott Turner addresses the press conference
attendees from the driveway of a newly built housing unit on
Metoxen Lane in Oneida on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner
announced $2.2 million in new available funding under the Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing
(VASH) program on Thursday, April
24, 2025. This program delivers critical rental assistance for Native American veterans who are – or who are at
risk of becoming – homeless in Tribal
communities across the nation. Secretary Turner made the announcement
after touring the Oneida Nation with
Congressman Tony Weid and visiting
with the Oneida Nation Business Committee.
The expansion announcement is the
result of approximately $2.2 million in
Fiscal Year 2017 funds that were not
exhausted are now available for grants
to support the expansion of rental
assistance for Native American Veterans who quality. HUD invites Tribes
and Tribal Designated Housing Entities

(TDHEs) to apply for this expansion
funding.
"It was informative and inspiring to
see how Oneida Tribal Leadership
serve their members, including by providing housing and wrap around services to create economic opportunity
and pathways to self-sufficiency for
Native American families," said HUD
Secretary Scott Turner. "For about a
decade, the Oneida Tribe has utilized
HUD-VASH to support Native American Veterans with a specialized set of
tools and resources. The announcement of the newly available funds will
help expand this impactful program to
more Native American veterans across
the country."
"The Oneida Nation welcomed HUD
to our reservation in the early 1960's
and since that time we have worked to
provide affordable adequate housing
for our citizens," said Oneida Nation
Chairman Tehassi Hill. "Across the

country, Tribes continue to have unmet
needs on reservations, and projects
such as VASH move Tribes closer to
closing the gap. We're pleased to have
Secretary Turner come to Oneida for
a firsthand experience and tour of our
housing community."
"The Oneida Nation is an integral
part of Wisconsin 8th Congressional
District, and I have pledged to always
be a partner to them in Washington,"
said Congressman Tony Wied. "That's
why I am proud to stand alongside
Secretary Turner to announce this vital
new funding for the Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supporting Housing (VASH)
Program. Our American veterans
risked their lives for our country, and
they should never have to worry about
losing their housing on Tribal lands. I
thank the Secretary for his leadership
and look forward to continuing our
strong partnership to protect Native
residents across Northeast Wisconsin.

Wisconsin 8th District Congressman Tony Wied, Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill, HUD Secretary Scott Turner, and Oneida Nation Vice
Chairman Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens, at the press conference where Turner announced $2.2 million marked to provide rental assistance
to Native American veterans

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NEWS

JUNE 2025

|7

Bridging the Digital Divide

NFL-Packer Inspire Change Provides $150,000 Grant to ONSS
By Garth Webster

Just one day before the 2025 Draft,
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell,
Green Bay Packers President/CEO Mark
Murphy,
Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers,
along with former and
distinguished
NFL
players,
including
former Packers players, gathered with
Chairman
Tehassi
Hill and the Oneida
Business Committee
and the faculty and
students of the Oneida Nation School
System (ONSS) to announce a generous
$100,000 grant from the Social Responsibility Team as part of the NFL Inspire
Change initiative. The Green Bay Packers sweetened the deal with an additional $50,000, bringing the total to an
amazing $150,000!
After a welcoming address that
acknowledged the student social dance
singers from emcee Bobbi Webster, she
introduced Governor Evers, who delivered a fitting statement for the highly
anticipated announcement from Goodell, “What’s happening here at Oneida
is really exciting. We want you [Oneida
students and all students in the area]
to dream big and we want you to be
ready to do well in school and make your

dreams come true. The NFL has made
this day happen.”
As Goodell provided a shout-out to the
Oneida Flag Football
Team in the audience,
he stated, “It's important to understand and
experience the cultures of the communities we go to. The
Draft is really about
community and that’s
why we’re here today.
We want to share and
leave a legacy with you, one that lives on
to inspire other kids.”
Murphy, after stressing how important the Oneida Nation has been to the
Green Bay community for over two centuries, including its
partnership
with
the Packers, says,
“We’re pleased to
team up with the
NFL
Foundation
and the Oneida
Nation to bridge
the digital divide
that many Oneida
students face. This
grant will help ensure Oneida’s students
have the proper technological resources
and opportunities to succeed.”

Former Packer and schoolteacher,
Scott Wells, also spoke to the students
and reinforced Goodell’s message of
community, “I was the 251st out of 255
players chosen when I was drafted.
Nobody finds success by accident. I
got to where I am through the support
from my community. The fact that I’ve
had some very supportive and influential
people in my life helped me chase my
dreams. It’s amazing this [Digital Divide
Grant] is being done for you and I appreciate you all for letting me be a part of it.”
Special thanks to all those who made
this event possible, especially Council
Woman Jennifer Webster, Oneida Education and Training Area Manager Jackie
Smith, Oneida Nation High
School
Principal Dr. Artley Skenandore, Oneida
Nation Technology
Coordinator Tony
Romandine, Oneida
Head Start Director Jay Martinez,
and Oneida Reads
Team Leader, Ann
McCotter.

8|

JUNE 2025

2025 DRAFT

KALIHWISAKS

"Welcome to the Oneida Nation, we

have a long history of football and
the city of Green Bay."

Tehassi Hill

Chairman of Oneida Nation

By Mia Charnon
On April 26, 2025, the Oneida Nation Smoke Dancers, led by
Chairman Tehassi Hill, impressed at the 2025 Draft. Chairman
Hill highlighted the strong ties between the Oneida Nation and
Green Bay, their shared football history, and the importance of
celebrating Oneida culture.
Following his remarks, the Smoke Dancers captivated
the audience with their vibrant display, earning enthusiastic
applause. For those who missed it, Halona Media has captured
the entire performance on video, ensuring this memorable
cultural celebration can be enjoyed by all.

Watch the Smoke Dancers
Performance by
Halona Media

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

CONTINUING COVERAGE

JUNE 2025

|9

Preliminary Injunction Granted for IMLS Funding

Oneida Library & Museum Continue Forward as Executive Order is Brought to Court

By Trista Cornelius-Henrickson
Attorneys general from twenty-one states, including WI, sued protect and strengthen the history, culture and lifeways of the
President Trump to halt the executive order put in place to dismantle, On yote a⋅ká people. Previously ONM has used IMLS funds for
to the maximum extent of the law, seven governmental agencies, exhibits, programming, collections, and technology according to
including the Institute of Museum
Director Stacy Coon. The Oneida
and Library Services (IMLS)
Nation Museum belongs to the
which provides grant funding for
Brown County Federation of Historic
Libraries and Museums across
Organizations (BCFHO) and the
the United States. A preliminary
American Alliance of Museums (AAM);
Future Cultural Center Plans
injunction was issued on May
these local and national partnerships
that Benefit from Grant Funding
6th, 2025, by Chief Judge John J.
allow ONM to take an active role
McConnel, Jr. of the U.S. District
in demonstrating how impactful
1. Classes by visiting conservators on artifact
Court for the District of Rhode
museums are by connecting people,
cleaning and preservation
Island, determining the Executive
fostering learning and community as
2. Community engagement opportunities
Order to be in violation of the
well as preservation and collection
Administrative Procedure Act and
stewardship initiatives.
3. In-depth presentations on art forms/topics
the Take Care Clause (Article II,
Coon encourages patrons to show
4. Digitization of collections and archives
Section 2 of the US Constitution).
their support by requesting tours,
The Preliminary Injunction
visiting museums, and posting on
5. Enhancements to collections and exhibits
orders that officials are prohibited
social media platforms about their
6. Youth and cultural wellness programs
from implementing the executive
visits, participating in any offered
order, and that the IMLS must
programming and to “support our
7. Cultural festivals and events
promptly take all necessary
local artists and shop at our gift
8. Partnerships with other museums
steps to reverse any policies,
shop!”
memoranda, directives, or actions
Oneida Museum
issued from the executive order.
The court has also directed that
IMLS employees and contractors
placed on leave or terminated due to the order shall be restored.
Finally, grants and contracts shall not be further paused, cancelled,
or otherwise terminated.
The Oneida Nation Museum (ONM), to be renamed the
Kahnekano⋅lú Cultural Center following completion of construction
(Spring 2026), plans to move forward with applying for IMLS
Preliminary
Oneida Museum
grants as needed to help further its mission: to preserve,
Injunction

10 | JUNE 2025

FASHION SHOW

KALIHWISAKS

Indigenous Fashion Show Electrifies Audience
Event Produced by Native Max
By Garth Webster

Its S.E.W.
Me Designs

On the evening of Tuesday, April
22, 2025 the Indigenous Fashion
Show highlighted Native fashion and
jewelry that dazzled the audience at
the historic Tarlton Theater in Downtown Green Bay. The powerful lineup
featured designs by Sew Lovely, Its
S.E.W Me Designs by Sunny Webster, Good Feather Designs by Aissa
Roberts, and a collaborative effort
from Ironhorse Quillwork and Irene
Moore Collective.
The event, the first of its kind fully
coordinated by the Oneida Nation,
was led by Oneida Nation Councilman Marlon Skenandore. About an
hour before the event, Skenandore
expressed the pride he felt as customers began coming through the doors.
“Indigenous culture is something
that lives in your heart. For Native
individuals, once you find your wellness, once you find your fire, even if
it sometimes dims, it’s always some-

Sew Lovely
Designs

Iron Horse Quillwork
and Irene Moore
Collective Designs

thing you can hold onto. It’s something you can grasp and build on. As
Native people, it’s important we have
that fire and we nurture it each and
every day.”
The event’s emcee, Ernie Stevens
III had this to say, “It’s awesome to be
here. This is the first time we’re doing
this. It’s been a historic year. Everyone
has done such a great job putting this
together. There’s a lot of excitement
around this event and I’m honored to
emcee the festivities.”
This feeling of gratitude was reaffirmed by Skenandore as he spoke
about his assistant, Fawn Billie,
“She’s been the most amazing teammate I’ve ever had. It’s like we read
each other’s minds and as we put in
the work.” Skenandore credits Kelly
Holms, cofounder of Native Max,
the contracted production company
he says was instrumental in putting
the event together. Also, on Skenan-

Good Feather
Designs

dore's list of recognitions is the contingent of area Smoke Dancers who
kicked off the show, owner of Native
Clarity Photography, Clarissa Friday,
Byran Halona of Halona Media, and
the Tarlton Theater for being such
a gracious host venue. Skenandore
also cites Sadie Hill Kelley from
within the Oneida Nation team for
her coordination.
Among the sold-out audience
were several local dignitaries: Brown
County Executive Troy Streckenbach,
Green Bay Alderman Brian Johnson,
Senator Jamie Wall, and Scott Vele
from the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes.
With the amount of support this
event has received, says Skenandore,
“We’d be letting ourselves down if we
didn’t have more events in the future.”
Stay tuned.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

FASHION SHOW

Portrait Photography

Clarissa Friday
Native Clarity Photography

Event Videography
Byran Halona
Halona Media

JUNE 2025

| 11

12 | JUNE 2025

EDUCATION

KALIHWISAKS

Maya
Payne
Smart
Inspires
Maya
Payne
Smart
Inspires
Empowering Early Literacy with Oneida
Reads

Empowering Early Literacy with Oneida Reads

By Mia Charnon
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025,
Oneida Reads hosted two events
with author Maya Payne Smart at
the Oneida Casino Hotel – Iroquois
Complex. The events brought
together Oneida employees, parents,
educators, and community members
dedicated to ensuring every Oneida

child becomes a proficient reader by
3rd grade.
Maya shared valuable insights and
strategies for early literacy, making it
a memorable and impactful day.
Join Oneida Reads in the mission to
support early literacy and help every
child succeed!

Learn more about
Maya Paynes Smart

Tiny Scholars Shine at Oneida
Head Start Graduation

By Mia Charnon
On Tuesday, May 15, 2025, the Oneida Nation
gathered at the Oneida Casino Hotel at 1 pm to
celebrate the graduation of its 2025 Head Start class.
The event was a joyous occasion, honoring the young
graduates for their hard work and achievements.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the
graduates for their remarkable accomplishments!

LOCAL

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

JUNE 2025 | 13

Celebrating Progress:
Oneida's New Transit Facility

By Mia Charnon
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Oneida Public Transit
proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Transit
Garage Facility located at N7341 Water Circle Place,
Oneida. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony at
2pm, followed by light refreshments. The facility remained
open to the community until 6pm, allowing attendees to

explore the new space and learn more about its features.
The grand opening marked a significant milestone for
Oneida Public Transit, showcasing their commitment to
enhancing transportation services for the community.
The event was well-attended, reflecting the community's
support and enthusiasm for the new facility.

Oneida Nation Code Talkers Day

Honor Our Warriors and Our Language

By Nate Wisneski, 2019
Take a moment to celebrate, honor
and remember our Oneida Nation
Code Talkers on May 23, Oneida
Nation Code Talkers Day. During
WWII, many Native Americans used
their native language to create a
code that the enemy could not
conquer. Our Oneida warriors spoke
with one another using the Oneida
Language to deliver messages and
our language, used as code, could
never be broken, thereby saving our
troops, and protecting our nation.

These Veteran Warriors were the
most honorable and loyal soldiers
in our history. Many of our Oneida
men took this act of heroism to
their graves and never revealed the
secrecy of the code to anyone.
Salute, remember, and honor our heroic
Oneida Warriors Code Talkers
Learn more about
the Oneida Nation
Code Talkers

14 | JUNE 2025

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

KALIHWISAKS

All Nations Solar & Electric is
Powering the Future
By Garth Webster

All Nations Solar and Electric
(ANSE), an LLC owned and operated
by Oneida members Greg Manthe and
Lloyd Zeise, provides electrical services for commercial, industrial, and
residential properties.
Manthe’s journey in the electricity
industry began 15 years ago after
acquiring his Electrical Certificate
from Northeast Wisconsin Technical
College (NWTC). After interning under
the tutelage of Jill Brocker at the
Oneida Department of Public Works,
he worked for several companies in
Green Bay and Madison performing a
variety of roles. While doing so, Manthe joined the Electrical Union where
he was able to demonstrate his leadership skills. Shortly after, his Business
Development Representative noticed
his skills and sent him to a business
class, which proved to be a pivotal
moment in Manthe’s career.
After successfully completing the
class, he started a small business
while continuing to work full time in

Madison. During this time, it became
clear to Manthe that he would need
assistance from his family back home
in Oneida to succeed.
Since January 2025, after recruiting his uncle, Lloyd Zeise, they began
ANSE, using the tagline, Empowering
Energy Independence for All. It’s this
slogan, says Manthe, that drives them
to complete their mission for their
customers, “We want to provide the
Oneida community with renewable
technology to reduce their energy
burden, create pathways for them
to participate in a sustainable future,
and ultimately, energy independence
by installing solar panels and battery
storage.”
In the big picture, ANSE works
with Oneida members to take advantage of Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy
Home Electrification and Appliance
Rebate (HEAR) program. Manthe says
most Tribal members qualify for free
upgrades to their wiring and electrical panels which prepare homes for

the Solar for All Program. On a smaller
scale, ANSE also encourages you
to contact them to upgrade outlets,
power your garage, or light fixtures.
“No job is too small,” says Manthe.
“Our goal is to improve the comfort,
health, and safety of our customer’s
homes while simultaneously reducing
the amount of energy they use, which
by the way, also increases property
values.”
In addition to growing ANSE, Manthe
wants to reciprocate the mentoring
he received by hiring and developing
Oneida members looking to get into
this industry.
“The favorite part of my job is training apprentices and watching them
grow. I’m so proud when they surpass my skills.” He goes on to add,
“My advice for anyone interested in
becoming an electrician is to join the
union. I wish I would have sooner. You
can’t beat the benefits, and you never
have to ask for a raise.”

Learn more about
All Nations Solar and
Electric and the
programs they offer

18 | JUNE 2025

EDUCATION

KALIHWISAKS

Oneida Nation Girls Shine at 2025 Draft
Representing Flag Football and Women in Sports
By Anthony Cornelius, Oneida Nations Girl’s Flag Football Head Coach

n
y
l
y
Ja

Caldwell

Lakeland University Plymouth, WI
Nursing
Basketball
We were invited to the 2025 Draft Experience
on behalf of Toyota and NFL FLAG to attend
the red-carpet event and call off a draft pick on
stage. This experience was so cool to be a part
of. The girls got to hang out with Annie Agar (a
social media influencer for the NFL). They also
did an interview with Jazzy’s World TV (a famous
kid mini mic reporter). Kamaben White also got to
experience the “hand the cap moment” in which
she was backstage for the Packers first round
pick and celebrated him on being selected.
Being the coach for this up-and-coming program
is special. It brought positive attention and
opportunities to our program. Being able to go on
stage with these ladies was powerful. They used
their platform to represent our community, our

school system, and women in sports. Standing
on that stage in front of 200,000 people was
something these girls will never forget. I chose
Jaylyn Caldwell to call off the Draft pick because
she is an inspiring reflection of our school system
and our community.
“To be able to go up on stage and announce one of
the draft picks was so exciting. To be on such a big
stage like the NFL Draft and to represent our school
and our community, it was an honor to be selected.
To have something happen like this at the end of
my senior year was special to me. I’m glad I was
able to be a part of building the Girl's Flag Football
program here at ONHS, but I hope after I leave
more girls will get involved and try it out.”
Jaylyn Caldwell, ONHS Senior

riah
a
M
Cloud

Lakeland University Plymouth, WI
Criminal Justice
Basketball

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

JUNE 2025 | 19

Empowering Oneida's Youth

Youth Summit to Provide Platform for Young Leaders
By Office of Councilman Marlon Skenandore and
Vice Chairman Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens

The On yote a·ká Youth Summit is
taking place on July 12-13, 2025, at
the Oneida Nation Turtle School for
ages 14-24 years old. This is a kickoff event with the intent to establish a
youth council for the long term. There
will be other activities pertaining to
culture, art, sports, mental health,
education, outdoor activities, community engagement, entrepreneurship, and much more!
At the beginning of this Oneida
Business Committee (OBC) term,
Councilman Marlon Skenandore
brought the idea to the table through
their Nation Building Strategic Plan. It
has become an office initiative co-led
by Vice-Chairman Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens and Councilman Marlon
Skenandore’s Offices.
“Being the father to four children,
serving on the Oneida Youth Leadership Institute for three years, and
coaching youth lacrosse for four
years, this initiative runs near and
dear to my heart. It’s important that
we lift the voices of our youth and
young adults to the top, hear their

input, and establish those recommendations into our foundation of
our Nation for the next seven generations and beyond,” says Skenandore.
To assist with organizing the Youth
Summit and Youth Council, Sadie Hill
Kelley (pictured left, below) was hired
as a post graduate employee as an
OBC Project Specialist. Sadie brings
experience from participating in the
National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission, Native Americans in Philanthropy - Native Youth
Grantmakers program, Coordinator
of the Native American Student Association, and Vice-chair of the Student
Athlete Advisory Committee at Colorado Mesa University. Most recently,
she also participated in the 2024
White House Tribal Youth Forum.
With a larger team and experience
that Hill Kelley brings, this initiative
has become a priority for the two
council members.
The registration application goes
live Sunday, June 1, 2025. Please
share this information with friends
and family.

Registration Open Beginning Sunday, June 1, 2025

Oneida Youth Summit
July 12-13, 2025, Ages 14-24
at the Oneida Turtle School

What’s Included
• 3 meals each day
• Tour of Oneida Reservation
• Breakout sessions
• Oneida Lake Activities
• Community Engagement

Scan the QR
Code to register!
A Chance to
win AirPods!

Contact Sadie Hill Kelley
with questions at
skelley1@oneidanation.org

From the office of Vice-Chairman Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens & Councilman Marlon Skenandore

20 | JUNE 2025

HEALTH

KALIHWISAKS

Commitment to Maternal Mental Health
Grant Fuels Support Programs

By Maternal Health Services
The Oneida Prenatal Care Program, funded partly by the Maternal Child
Health grant, provides education and support to expecting families. This
year, the focus is on improving maternal mental health.

Causes
• Biological: Hormonal changes during and
after pregnancy can impact mood.

Completed Tasks
•Met with Oneida Behavioral Health therapists
to discuss screening and referral processes for
prenatal and postpartum women.
• S urveyed Prevea OB and Oneida Medical
providers on their screening and
referral methods.
•C
 onfirmed local, state, and national maternal
mental health resources and created a magnet
listing them.

Next Steps
• Develop a screening and
referral policy.
• Provide updated maternal
mental health educational
materials to providers.
• Increase community
awareness and reduce
stigma around maternal
mental health.

• Psychological: Adjusting to new roles,
relationships, and responsibilities can be
challenging.
• Social: Changes in jobs, homes, and
finances during childbearing years
add stress.
• Genetic/Past Disorders: History of mental
health disorders increases risk, but mood
disorders can affect anyone.
• Historical Trauma: Native Americans have
higher rates of PTSD, addiction,
and suicide.

Treatment
• Speak up if experiencing symptoms prenatally or
postpartum.
•M
 ost maternal mental health conditions are temporary and
treatable.
• Recovery methods include self-care, social support,
counseling, medication, and alternative therapies like Reiki
and traditional practices.
Barriers to Treatment
• Feelings of shame or guilt.
• Fear of being reported to child. protective services.
• Lack of access to maternal mental healthcare,
transportation, or childcare.
Screening Best Practices
• Prenatally: Once per trimester, especially if another
pregnancy occurs within 12 months postnatally.
• Postpartum: At 2-4 weeks, 2-3 months, and 9-12 months
postpartum.
• Concerns: If there are signs of inability to function or bond
with the baby.

BOOK REVIEW

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

JUNE 2025 | 21

Low ná·note “He is reading”
Native History Book Reviews

On Savage Shores: How Indigenous Americans Discovered
Europe by Caroline Dodds Pennock (2023)
The first victims of the transatlantic slave trade
were Native Tainos being sold in Spain. Most
familiar tellings of Native history are so thin they
don't include slavery, despite the fact that early
Europeans enslaved millions of our ancestors.
In her book On Savage Shores, Caroline
Dodds Pennock inverts our expectations of
history by centering it around the experiences
of Indigenous people. While conventional
narratives are rife with stories of people coming
west, she teaches of Natives’ experiences going
east and making discoveries of their own.
Pennock, a professor of international history,
specializes in early contact and the Aztecs in
particular. In this book, she expands her reach by
highlighting long marginalized stories of Natives
from all parts of the western
hemisphere. We learn about the
varied experiences Natives had
with Europeans as interpreters,
slaves, diplomats, and even family
members. She includes not just
the stories of peoples but also the
transatlantic crossing of our food
and crops and how quickly they
became ubiquitous in the rest of
the world.
The author considers this
book a “project of recovery - of
filling a gap in our knowledge
- but it is more than that: each
Native traveler in whose footprints we follow
enriches our understanding, challenges our
preconceptions, and transforms our impression
of history.” By highlighting individual, often
hidden threads of experience, she weaves a new
pattern into our interpretation of the past. For
example, the first Algonquian alphabet was, for
centuries, credited to Englishman Thomas Hariot
in the late 1500s. This document - long thought
lost - was rediscovered in the 1980s. At the
bottom of the page is a signature, a declaration:
Mateoroidn - “King Manteo did this.” Manteo, a
Native translator, and Hariot were partners in
this creation. Manteo’s agency and contribution
had been silenced for centuries. In 1544, an
Italian described the arrival of “another species
of eggplant” from the western hemisphere
and dubbed it golden fruit. They were eating

tomatoes for the first time.
Pennock shares wonderfully illuminating
passages about tobacco, chocolate, and
potatoes and their movements around the
globe. We also learn of all the various ways in
which Native people used tobacco for medicinal
purposes, relaxation, spirituality, and the
promotion of peace. Today, tobacco, along with
many other products, is “largely detached from
its Indigenous context.” Potatoes are not Irish;
they are from the Andean region of Peru, and
tomatoes are Mexican, not Italian. In enjoying
these various Native products, we see how the
“world had adopted Indigenous habits.”
The most interesting contribution this book
makes is recording the impressions Natives
had of Europe when they traveled
there. Much has been made of
European impressions of peoples
of the Western Hemisphere,
but most renditions about early
contact completely leave out
what the Indigenous thought
about European society. Their
most common reaction was a
“revulsion at the inequality of
European society.” A Wyandot
man was appalled that people had
to beg just to avoid starvation. He
was equally shocked about the
violence meted out “in the name of
justice and parenting.” Three Tupinamba’ visited
France and found two very strange customs:
armed strongmen with beards obeyed a child
(King Charles IX was 11 years old at the time),
and the poor accepted that some people lived
with great wealth while they were “emaciated
from hunger and poverty.” It stands to reason
that our ancestors would be appalled at today's
commensurate level of inequality and poverty
in our own society. We can learn more from our
ancestors as we uncover our true past.
History has its own inertia. Old misconceptions
grow rigid and intractable as each generation
inherits a narrative. Pennock’s re-evaluation
centers Indigenous voices in the history of early
contact. Her book is essential reading for all who
wish to better understand where we came from
and overcome the stale chronicles of the past.

Steven Skenandore
Native History Book Reviewer

Thank you for taking the time to
read my review. My intention with
this column is to teach our people
some of the new history being
written about Native Americans,
as I think we are in a golden age of
historical discovery. I’ll be reviewing
recent books once a quarter related
to Native history, usually centered
geographically on North America.
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in
criminal justice from the University
of Nevada Las Vegas and a master’s
in international security from the
University of Denver. I grew up in
Oneida, Wisconsin but now live in
Las Vegas, Nevada with my wife
Amanda and work as a Police
Lieutenant. My family continues
to live in Oneida and is composed
of my mother Alice, my late father
Roy (Emroy), and my brothers and
sister Ray, Danny, Berry, Clarissa,
and Eddy.
If there is a book you would suggest
or have any comments related to
my reviews, please contact me at
Skenandore@Outlook.com
Artwork by Lance Dillenburg (Thank you!)

22 | JUNE 2025

ON THEIR JOURNEY

CAROL SMITH

April 10, 1939 - May 2, 2025

Carol Smith, 86,
passed
away
peacefully on May 2,
2025, with family by
her side. She was
born in Oneida, WI,
on April 10, 1939, to
the late Arthur
Cornelius Sr. and
Sadie Metoxen. She married the late Nathan
Smith on October 16, 1982, at Oneida Methodist
Church.
Carol lived most of her life on the Oneida
reservation. She always remembered fondly
spending a lot of time as a child with her
grandparents, Mary and Bill Metoxen, in a little
log cabin on Ray Rd. She also lived in California
as a young woman and Milwaukee where she
was a seamstress making formal drapes for an
Italian woman named Amalia.
Back in Oneida, she raised her family. She had a
tavern in downtown Oneida named Caroline’s.
She was also an EMT. One time, infamously,
she was on a call and ended up picking up her
own son who had been accidentally shot while
hunting with a friend. He ended up being ok.
She also worked at the Oneida Nursing Home,
Oneida Health Center, and Oneida Bingo and
Casino. She found her calling as the tour bus
coordinator for the Bingo hall.
Carol loved her grandkids and never missed
a family gathering. She would show up with
a big kettle of homemade mostaccioli or bowl
of potato salad. At one picnic on the 4th of
July, errant fireworks sent everyone running,
including Carol, who first stopped to grab her
lawn chair, her purse, and her plate of food.
Carol lived a good life. She played Bingo and
could move her dauber faster than lightning.
She made great big breakfasts and pots of
soup. She canned tomatoes and pickles. She
went to as many rummage sales as possible.
She enjoyed her birds, house plants, word
searches, and puzzles. She became friends
with Wayne Newton and Willie Nelson and
saw them in concert many times. She never
missed a Friday night fish fry or Sunday night
at Sammy’s Pizza.
She was feisty, and fierce, and loved her family.
Carol is survived by her children: Bonita
(Ernie) Nicholas-Marlewski, Geraldine (Joseph)
Danforth, and Denise (Michael) McVeigh,
stepsons: Blake (CJ) Smith and Kent (Marie)
Smith, sister Betty Stensloff and her brother
Art (Beth) Cornelius. She is further survived
by her grandchildren: Carla, Nick, Christa,

Misty Dawn, Jayne, John, Rosa, Linda, Felicia,
Miranda, Nicholas, Ashley, Thunder, Blaze, and
Ryder, 28 great grandchildren, many nieces,
nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her daughter
Linda Nicholas, son Franklin Nicholas, brothers:
Wendel and Robert Cornelius, and her sister
Marlene O’Donnel.
Family and friends may call at Oneida
Methodist Church from 9:00am to 11:00am on
May 8, 2025. A funeral service will begin at
11:00am with Pastor Jeremiah Cottrell-Duebner
presiding.
The family would like to extend a special
thank you to Unity Hospice, Bristol Hospice,
and Angela Smith (her live in caretaker) for
their great care. Another special thank you
is extended to John and Catrina Danforth
and their family, for opening their home and
providing extra special care to Carol in her final
days.
GERALDINE “GERI” BUECHEL
April 9, 1946 - April 25, 2025

Geraldine
“Geri”
Buechel, 79, passed
away peacefully Friday
April 25, 2025, at Anna
John Nursing Home in
Oneida, surrounded
by her family. Geri was
born on April 9, 1946,
in
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin to Velma Veronica Doxtator. On October
13, 1973, she married Kenneth “Ken” Buechel, who
preceded her in death on January 11, 2023.
Geri enjoyed cooking for her family, diamond dots,
knitting and scrapbooking. Christmas was known
as her favorite time of year, during this time she was
often seen making her candies and other snacks.
She also took this time to happily spoil her family
with presents. One of her favorite past-times was
taking trips to Wal-Mart, often a few times a week.
When she moved to Anna John’s she was, as her
family liked to call her, a “social butterfly”. You could
always find her participating in weekly games of
bingo, Sunday morning coffee and donuts, social
hours, and cultural entertainment that was provided
to the residents. And as a proud member of the
Oneida Nation, Geri would tell anyone that she was
a part of the Turtle Clan.
Geri is survived by her daughters: Lisa (Tom) Van
Haren, Jackie (James) Wilder, Jennifer (Fran) Tyson
and Karen (Kevin) Hamilton. Grandchildren: Nicole
(Robert) Schroeder, Andrea (Oscar) Garcia, Caitlin
Van Haren, Erik Wilder, Evan Wilder (fiancée Yami
Viruet), Isabella Tyson, Jonah Tyson, Zoe Hamilton
and Ethan Hamilton. Great-grandchildren: Owen

KALIHWISAKS

Schroeder, Carter Schroeder, Savannah Garcia,
Naomi Garica, and Navé Wilder. Sisters: Shirley
Jannusch and Diana Baltutis. Special friend: Rosella
Moss and many other family members.
She is preceded in death by her husband, mother,
brothers: Ken “Skeeter” Harris, Bobby Harris,
Daniel “Butch” Morgan, Dennis Pleau and Dana
Pleau. Father-in-law Edmund Buechel and Motherin-law Elsie Buechel.
Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home,
305 N Tenth Street, De Pere from 10:00 AM - 12:00
PM on Tuesday May 6, 2025. The Oneida Hymn
Singers will begin at 11:30 AM, with a prayer service
to follow.
To leave an online condolence for Geri’s family,
please visit www.ryanfh.com
To the staff at Anna John:
We want to express our deepest gratitude for the
incredible care you provided to our Mom. Your
compassion and dedication provided not only
comfort to her but also peace of mind for our entire
family. It takes a special group of people to do the
work that you do, and we are forever grateful.
Our family would also like to thank Elizabeth
Wagner, Bellin Cardiology for all the care given to
Mom throughout the years.
LYNN PATRICK SCHOMMER
July 26, 1953 - April 23, 2025

Lynn Patrick Schommer,
71, passed away
peacefully at his
residence in Green Bay,
WI 54303 on April 23,
2025, with family by his
side. He was born in
Appleton, WI, on July 26,
1953, to Nicholas H. and
Ramona M. (Metoxen) Schommer.
Lynn married Rebecca VanEnkenvoort on October 18,
1983, and later separated but remained dedicated to
one another.
Lynn worked for Oneida since 1990 and retired in 2016.
He enjoyed going camping, loved animals and kids, the
Green Bay Packers, bonfire, and fireworks. He was full
of great one-liners and jokes. He would want us all to
know that he stands tall to talk above them all, “don’t
forget I’m going to the big house.”
Lynn is survived by the mother of his children, Rebecca;
their children, Leah Schommer, Dominic Schommer, and
Joshua Schommer, his daughters, Maria Schommer and
Jasmin Gartland; four grandchildren, Kylee, Destiny
(Mitch), Justice, Mazzie, and one great-grandchild,
Enzo; four sisters, Paula Schommer, Cheryl Schommer,
Darlene (Tim) Flunker, Bonnie Delfosse; nieces and
nephews, Nicole (Dan), Bronson, Jordan (Ben); aunts,
Norma (Gerald) Rammer, Lois Strong; cousins, Kristin

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ON THEIR JOURNEY

Okamoto, Jameson (Merissa) Wilson, Pat (Paula)
Metoxen, Krissy Metoxen, and Rae (David) Skenandore.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas
and Ramona, sister Colleen Schommer, uncle and aunt
Patrick (Sandra) Metoxen.
Family and friends may call at Riverview Baptist Church,
216 N. Main Street, Seymour, WI 54165, from 11:00
a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday,
April 26, 2025, with Pastor Scotty Backhaus presiding.
The Schommer family would like to extend a special
thank you to the staff of Bellin Hospital and Unity
Hospice for their care and consideration.
VERA R. BATISTE

April 21, 1953 - April 30, 2025

Vera R. Batiste, 72 of
Oneida, passed away
surrounded by family on
April 30, 2025. Vera was
born on April 21, 1953 to
the late Willard and
Nellie (King) Johnson.
She married Lee Batiste
in December 29, 1971.
She always enjoyed going to the casino and playing
bingo with her friends. They traveled all around to
play together. She went on a trip to Las Vegas with
her sister Virginia and spent the weekend gambling
and sight-seeing.
Vera is survived by her children, Kimberly Batiste (Carlos
Godinez), Orleana Batiste (Alberto Villalba), and her
grandchildren, Lexus, Brylee, Juaquin, Alejandro,
Elena, Gael, Ariana, Rosalba. She is further survived
by her siblings, Alan R. King, Anthony Johnson, LizAnn
Johnson, Barabara Meyer, as well as numerous nieces
and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Batiste,
her son Charlie Batiste, her parents, and her siblings,
Virginia Johnson, Patsy Skenandore, Shirley Johnson,
Marylynn Johnson.
Friends and family may call at Orleana’s home, 3105
Sandia Drive, in Green Bay, WI 54313 for visitation on
Saturday May 3 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will continue
overnight until 10:00 AM Sunday Morning.
The family would like to thank Unity Hospice, and the
staff at Anna John Nursing Home for the wonderful care
they took of Vera for many years.

AUTUMN LITTLESTAR MACHADO
September 21, 1976 - April 22, 2025

It is with profound
sadness that we
announce the passing of
Autumn Mahado Laes, a
beloved daughter, sister,
Nani, cousin, and friend.
Autumn was called
home in April 2025 at
age 49. Born September
21, 1976 in Green Bay, WI, to her mother Iris Smith and
father, Richard Laes, Autumn was a proud Ho-Chunk
Native American woman whose heart belonged to her
home in Black River Falls, WI.
Autumn embraced life with a vibrant spirit and a deep
appreciation for the simple joys. She found immense
pleasure in the beauty of the outdoors, often spending
time hiking and connecting with nature. Music filled her
soul, and she expressed her creativity and love through
the art of cooking, always eager to share a meal with
those she cherished. Above all, Autumn treasured the
moments spend with her friends and family, creating
lasting memories with laughter and love.
Autumn is survived by her loving brothers, Ira Laes,
Bobby Wilkinson, and Uriah Lewis; her dear Nanis,
Regina Reel and Barb Smith; her cousins, Somer
and Cheyenne Reel; her niece, Jocelyn Kimps; and
numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family
members who will deeply miss her presence in their
lives.
As a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Autumn
held heritage close to her heart. In this time of sorrow,
we turn to the wisdom of her ancestors:
Great Spirit, Creator of all, We gather before you with
hearts filled with sorrow. A life, like a young sapling,
has been taken too soon. Autumn’s journey on this
earth, though vibrant and full of promise, has reached
its end before its time.
We do not understand the path you have laid before
her, but we trust in your wisdom and your boundless
love. Embrace her spirit now, guide her on her journey
to the next world. May she find peace and rest among
our ancestors.
Comfort us, the ones left behind, with the strength to
carry on. Help us to remember the joy she brought into
our lives. The laughter she shared, and the love she
so freely gave. Though her physical presence is gone,
may her spirit forever live on in our hearts. Hoka hey.
A visitation was held Friday, April 25, 2025 at 9:30am
at Torgerson’s Funeral Home in Black River Falls with
services that followed at 11am to celebrate Autumn’s
life and the impact she had on all who knew her.
Autumn’s memory will forever be cherished by her
family and friends. May she rest in peace.

JUNE 2025 | 23

DUANE E. ELM

March 31, 1960 - May 11, 2025

Duane Edward Elm, 65,
passed away peacefully
at Aurora Bay Care on
May 11, 2025, of lung
cancer with family by his
side. He was born in
Green Bay, WI, on March
31, 1960, to the late Earl
Elm Sr. and Kathleen

Jourdan.
Some of his most favorite hobbies were creating
beautiful beadwork. He also loved camping, fishing,
and watching the Packers.
Duane is survived by his daughter Danyell Jordan, sister
Laurie Elm, and his brothers Earl Elm Jr. and Robert Elm,
along with many nieces and nephews. He is further
survived by his grandchildren Eli Jordan and Ashlee
Engebos (Special Friend Jennifer).
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Vernon
and Katherine Jourdan, uncles Kermit Jordan, Hubert
Jourdan, Randy Jourdan, Clint Jourdan, aunt Elaine
Danforth, nephews Jimmy and David Doxtator, and
cousin Kyle Dunlap.
Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305
N. 10th St. De Pere, WI 54115, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on
Thursday May 15, 2025. A memorial service will begin
at 4:00pm with Pastor Juan Alicia presiding. Duane will
be buried on Friday May 16, 2025, at 10:00am at the
Oneida United Methodist Cemetery.

On Their Journey
Please submit obituaries
(300 words or less)
and a high quality photo to
Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org
Obituaries longer than 300 words
will be linked online

24 | JUNE 2025

ON THEIR JOURNEY

MARIA STICKA

January 4, 2005 - May 7, 2025

It is with profound
sadness that we
announce
the
unexpected passing of
our beloved daughter,
Maria, at the age of 20.
Maria lived life with
boldness and heart.
She loved loud and she
loved hard, never afraid to show her emotions, speak
her mind, or let those around her know how much they
meant to her. She knew she had a voice, and she used
it with confidence, passion, and purpose.
Maria brought light and laughter wherever she went.
She deeply loved her family and cherished every
moment spent with those closest to her. She shared
a special bond with her parents and siblings- with her
mother, never missing a chance to rave about her
cooking or help to organize and clean the house until
everything was just right- with her father, always talking
about fishing, seeking his advice, or taking a walk with
him in the woods. With her sisters, Nevaeh and Abby,
ONEIDA NATION
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025 • 12:15PM

Norbert Hill Center
Business Committee Conference Room
N7210 Seminary Rd., Oneida, WI

she enjoyed driving in the car–screaming the lyrics to
the songs and she loved spending every minute before
school finishing up whatever was on the stereo. With
her brother, Jonny, she loved playing Fortnite together
and listening to music on the way to Dollar General.
Maria’s loyalty ran deep–she was a steadfast friend,
a loving sister, dog mom, and a bright light in every
life she touched. Her energy filled the room, and her
presence will forever echo in the hearts of those who
knew and loved her.
Maria had a vibrant personality and a passion for the
things she loved most, including curating unique outfits
from her favorite thrift stores and building her everevolving collection of shoes. She was always the first to
notice trends, and her social media presence reflected
her fun-loving spirit, bold style, and deep care for how
she showed up in the world. Her greatest passion was
taking care of her dog, Asher.
She is survived by her parents: Bernie and Amber
(Klakowicz) Sticka, her oldest sister: Nevaeh Sticka
(Carter Kositzke), her twin sister: Abby Sticka, her
brother: Jonny Sticka, her grandparents: John and Lois
(Dimmer) Sticka, Rick and Tina (Emberton) Klakowicz,
her godparents: Todd Klakowicz (Danae Cleveland),

Find Public Meeting Materials at
Oneida-nsn.gov/government/register/public meetings
Email Public Comments to
LOC@OneidaNation.org

SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES LAW

Ask Questions Here
LOC@OneidaNation.org
920.869.4417

The purpose of the Sanctions and Penalties law is to establish a
consistent set of sanctions and penalties that may be imposed upon
elected officials of the Nation, including members of the Oneida
Business Committee, for misconduct in office; and to establish an
orderly and fair process for imposing such sanctions and penalties.

The Sanctions and Penalties law will:

◊ Provide what behaviors constitutes misconduct;
◊ Describe how an individual can file a complaint against
and elected official;
◊ Provide that complaints against an elected official shall be
handled by the Judiciary Trial Court; and
◊ Describe the potential sanctions and penalties that can be
imposed upon elected officials found to have engaged in
misconduct, and the factors that will be utilized to determine
an appropriate sanction or penalty.

Individuals may attend the public meeting for the proposed
Sanctions & Penalties law in person at the Norbert Hill Center,
or virtually through Microsoft Teams (MC). If you wish to attend
the public meeting through MC, email LOC@oneidanation.org.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025

During the public comment period, anyone may submit written
comments, questions or input. Comments may be submitted to the
Oneida Nation Secretary’s Office or the Legislative Reference Office
in person, by U.S. mail, interoffice mail, or e-mail.
For more information on the proposed Sanctions and Penalties
law, please review the public meeting packet at
www.oneida-nsn.gov/Register/PublicMeetings.

KALIHWISAKS

Kyleen (Adam) Wertel, her aunties and uncles: Jason
(Lindsey) Sticka, Neil (Steph) Sticka, Jasmine (Justin)
Folkman, Nathaniel Klakowicz, cousins: Allison Sticka,
Jason Folkman, Jaxon Folkman, Teal Sticka, Eli Wertel,
Jacob Sticka, Julia Folkman, Evan Sticka, Milton Sticka,
Calvin Sticka, Jack Wertel, Oliva Klakowicz, Amelia
Klakowicz.
Maria leaves behind a heartbroken family and many
friends who will carry her memory forward with love,
laughter, and strength. Her vibrant soul touched so
many in her short time here, and her presence will be
deeply missed every single day.
Family and friends may visit at Ryan Funeral Home,
305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Service will follow the
visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. All who knew and loved
her are welcome to attend.
The service will be streamed through the funeral home
website, and can be viewed by clicking on the "Watch
Webcast" icon below the service information.
In honor of Maria, we encourage everyone to wear
something bold, bright, or thrifted—just as she would
have loved.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EVENTS

JUNE 2025 | 25

Tournament
Entry Form

NOTICES

26 | JUNE 2025

KALIHWISAKS

2025 SPECIAL ELECTION
Saturday, July 12, 2025 • 7am-7pm
Polling locations:

Oneida Community Health Center
525 Airport Dr.
Oneida, WI 55155

SEOTS
5233 W. Morgan Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53220

Must be 18 or older to vote. Picture identification required for voting. No children allowed in voting area.
Notice to Interested Person(s) Setting Hearing on Applications for Probate
To attend meetings virtually or request a copy of the materials, contact Brooke M.
Doxtator at 920.869.4303 or email land_commission@oneidanation.org.
Applications for Probate have been filed as follows:
Estate of Merlin Melchert, Case No. 2025-LCP-002
1. The decedent with a date of birth of 10/2/1941, died on 8/2/2023 was domiciled
within exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Brown County, state of
Wisconsin at W670 County Road EE, De Pere, WI 54115
2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Tami Melchert
3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/21/2025, 4pm, at N7332 Water Circle Place,
Oneida, WI 54155.

Notice to Interested Person(s) Setting Hearing on Applications
for Probate and Setting Time and Notice to Creditors
To attend meetings virtually or request a copy of the materials, contact Brooke M.
Doxtator at 920.869.4303 or email land_commission@oneidanation.org.
Notice to Creditors: Deadline to file claim is June 25, 2025
To file a claim, contact Oneida Land Commission, Attn. Government Administrative
Office, PO Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155 or email land_commission@oneidanation.org.
Applications for probate have been filed as follows:
Estate of Julie Ann Hill, Case No. 2024-LCP-0007

Estate of Lillian Lavinia King, Case No. 2025-LCP-005

1. The decedent with a date of birth of 7/3/1970, died on 10/3/2022, was domiciled
within exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Brown County, state of
Wisconsin at 3045 Ferndale Drive, Green Bay, WI 54313

1. The decedent with a date of birth of 1/30/1927, died on 8/28/2022 was domiciled
within exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Outagamie County, state of
Wisconsin at W1799 Culbertson Road, Seymour, WI 54165

2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Estate of Larry R. Hill, Jr., Robert J. L.
King, Tre'Lonnie E. King

2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Estate of Ronald E. King, Sr., Marilyn
J. King, Edwin D. King, Jr., Bruce A. King, Arthur M. King, Albert R. King, Linda King, Nevada
Webster, Onikwintala Webster, Teri Webster, Orlin Webster, Jr., Jonni Webster, Danielle
Webster, Deandra Fowler, Bernard Fowler, Jr., Lisa King

3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/14/2025, 3:30pm, at N7332 Water Circle
Place, Oneida, WI 54155.

3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/14/2025, 3pm, at N7332 Water Circle Place,
Oneida, WI 54155.

1. The decedent with a date of birth of 9/19/1970, died on 5/1/2024, was domiciled
on exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Brown County, state of Wisconsin
at 3045 Ferndale Drive, Green Bay, WI 54313

Estate of Martha Braeger, Case No. 2025-LCP-005
1. The decedent with a date of birth of 3/29/1950, died on 12/18/2024 was domiciled
within exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Brown County, state of
Wisconsin at 2700 He Nis Ra Lane, Green Bay, WI 54304
2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Michelle Hill, Marsha Skenandore
3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/28/2025, 4pm, at N7332 Water Circle Place,
Oneida, WI 54155.
Estate of Elaine Melchert, Case No. 2025-LCP-001
1. The decedent with a date of birth of 8/11/1940, died on 5/21/2023 was domiciled
within exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Brown County, state of
Wisconsin at W670 County Road EE, De Pere, WI 54115
2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Estate of Merlin Melchert, Tami
Melchert

Estate of Larry Roscoe Hill, Jr. Case No. 2024-LCP-008

2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Kendra L. Henry, Erykah R. Hill
3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/14/2025, 4pm, at N7332 Water Circle Place,
Oneida, WI 54155.
Estate of Anna Marie Haven, Jr. Case No. 2024-LCP-009
1. The decedent with a date of birth of 8/4/1965, died on 11/21/2024, was domiciled
on exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Outagamie County, state of
Wisconsin at N6969 Cornelius Circle, Oneida, WI 54155
2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Kelsey M. Haven
3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/21/2025, 3pm, at N7332 Water Circle Place,
Oneida, WI 54155.

3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/21/2025, 3:30pm, at N7332 Water Circle
Place, Oneida, WI 54155.
Estate of Russell Bernard Metoxen, Case No. 2025-LCP-003
1. The decedent with a date of birth of 7/6/1934, died on 7/5/2023 was domiciled
within exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Brown County, state of
Wisconsin at 235 Valley Drive, Oneida, WI 54155
2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Kirby Metoxen, Kelly Metoxen, Kerry
Metoxen, Kristen Metoxen
3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/28/2025, 3pm, at N7332 Water Circle Place,
Oneida, WI 54155.
Estate of Karen Kay Nolan, Case No. 2025-LCP-004
1. The decedent with a date of birth of 5/13/1959, died on 12/28/2024 was domiciled
within exterior boundaries of Oneida Reservation in Brown County, state of
Wisconsin at 2775 Metoxen Lane, De Pere, WI 54115
2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may
be indentified by law as potential interested persons: Louis Guerra, Jr., Maria Buerro, Kiley
Nolan, Connor Nolan, Lauren Hartman
3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 7/28/2025, 3:30pm, at N7332 Water Circle
Place, Oneida, WI 54155.

ONEIDA JUDICIARY

Tsi nu téshakotiya tolétha/Trial Court

Payment can be made either in person at the Oneida Trial Court located
at 2630 West Mason Street, Green Bay, WI 54303; or by mailing said
payment to Oneida Trial Court P.O. Box 19, Oneida, WI 54155

NOTICE OF INTENT TO GARNISH
Debtor names:
Shawna F. Sewell
Rosalyn R. Danforth
Kalisa H. Lyons
Johnnie B. Hous

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NOTICES

JUNE 2025 | 27

Church of the Holy Apostles

These Rules and Regulations were approved July 11, 2018 and remain in effect today.
Floral Displays
♦ NO sprinkling of cremation
ashes will be allowed
♦ Worn out, faded, otherwise
dilapidated items will be
removed without notice
♦ Cemetery will
be closed from
dusk to dawn no
personal vehicles
allowed during
this time

ITEMS PROHIBITED

♦ ONLY metal or plastic
containers at ground level,
next to the monument shall
be used for fresh cut or
artificial flowers
♦ Live/fresh cut flowers to be
removed after two (2) weeks
♦ One (1) shepherd’s hook per
grave site for hanging basket

♦ Planting of any trees, shrubs,
perennials
♦ Snowmobiles, ATVs, cross
country cycles, dirt bikes
♦ Alcoholic beverages or any
other glass containers or glass
items
♦ Enclosures of any kind around
grave sites (e.g. fences)
♦
Decorative stones, yard
Monuments/Headtones
decorations (signs, solar lights,
♦ Must be made of marble,
planters, toys, pinwheels,
granite, fiberglass, or bronze.
balloons and the like) if deemed
Replace wooden markers
dangerous for lawn equipment
before they deteriorate.
♦ Any unusual markers,
decorations must be preapproved

2937 Freedom Rd.,Oneida WI 54155 • 920.869.2565 • holyapostles15@gmail.com

.

28 | JUNE 2025

EVENTS

KALIHWISAKS

Holy Apostles

Parish Hall
2936 Freedom Rd, Oneida

JUNE 20-21 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM
VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary will be hosting a
Soup Sale - Friday June 20
Holy Apostles Church, 2937 Freedom Road, Oneida, WI 54155 * (920) 869-2565
* holyapostles15@gmail.com

EVENTS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

JUNE 2025 | 29

Kickooff
t

FUN

Wednesday, June 18TH
Oneida Lake from 4 - 6 PM

Address:
W172 Crook Rd. De Pere, WI 54115

Activities:
Kayaking with Oneida Adventures!
Guarantee a spot- contact Sue Majeski:
920-490-3818 or adventure_dept@oneidanation.org

Giveaway items: (while supplies last)
JMIO beach ball
Buffalo snack sticks from Oneida Nation Farm

More information:
920-490-3927
hleisgan@oneidanation.org

5/1/25

JustMoveit Oneida

2025 SEOTS COMMUNITY PICNIC
June 21st 12-3pm
Humboldt Park (3000 S Howell Ave)
Food

Activities

Raffles

SIGN UP REQUIRED! Scan the QR code Or follow this link:
https://forms.office.com/r/XBdHecpikE

For more information:
414-329-4101

SOUTHEASTERN ONEIDA
TRIBAL SERVICES(SEOTS)
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 3rd Lunch & Potluck 10:30am with Oneida
Nation Museum Presentation at 11am
June 4th Estate Planning Clinic 9am and 10:30am
(sign up required)
June 6th Laptop Distribution (sign up required)
9am and 2pm
June 24th Elder yoga, lunch, and bingo 10am-12pm.
June 13th 11am or per shipment arrival- Tribal
Elder Food Boxes
June 17th 12pm Tentative Cultural Heritage DayGreat Law, with food, storytelling, and activities.
June 21st 12-3pm SEOTS Community Picnic at
Humboldt Park. Food, activities, and raffles
provided. Limited to 120 participants, sign up
required.
July 10th SEOTS Youth Camp Begins. Every
Thursday and Friday until August 1st.
FOL L OW US ON FA CEBOOK OR CH ECK OUR
WEBS I TE FOR OU R MOS T U P TO D A TE EVEN T S !

LOCAL

30 | JUNE 2025

KALIHWISAKS

Know Where to Go!
RESOURCES
Oneida Behavioral Health is a resource for mental
health & substance abuse information, resources,
programs, and services.
ASSISTANCE
Call or text 2-1-1 anytime for free assistance with
human, social, mental, and basic needs and for help
during disaster situations.
SUPPORT
Call 920.436.8888 anytime when immediate support
is needed to prevent a situation from becoming
dangerous.
LIFELINE
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free
and confidential support for people in distress as well
as prevention and crisis resources for you and your
loved ones.
CRISIS
Call 9-1-1 to request immediate assistance from
police, fire, and rescue personnel for any in-progress
situation that could potentially result in danger to
someone’s life.

What to Expect
A Crisis counselor will work with you so they can understand the
situation and help you problem-solve, explore options and possibly
send help to deescalate the crisis.
If there are concerns a person might harm them self or someone
else, the counselor will complete a risk assessment and work with
you to determine what is needed to help the person
be safe and stable.
Crisis counselors work to provide trauma-informed, person-centered
support in the least restrictive way. Hospitalization does occur at
times, as the last and least used option. Most are healed by finding
ways to increase support and reduce risk.
Crisis counseling is a short-term service to address an immediate
mental health need. If ongoing services are needed, or if there
are needs or services besides mental health support, the crisis
counselor will help people connect with resources.
Follow up services will be provided to determine if the crisis has
been resolved or if additional support is needed.

Oneida Land Claims Commission
Oneida-nsn.gov/OLCC

Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know is in danger
as a result of a mental health crisis.
For more information visit:
Oneida-NSN.gov/Resources/Behavioral-Health
BrownCountyUnitedWay.org/2-1-1
FamilyServicesNEW.org/Crisis-Center

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

MMIR

JUNE 2025 | 31

PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAI D
ONEIDA WI 54155
PERMIT NO. 4

She Looks for News

PO Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155-0365
2701 W. Mason St., Green Bay, WI 54303

WE'RE HIRING!
Gaming and Hotel Positions

Program and Service Positions

www.oneida-nsn.gov/resources/kalihwisaks/

@kalihwisaks

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aoneida_nation%3A0f1af1256445a52a. Public record. Not legal advice.
