GTC Makes Decision on (2025)

GTC Makes Decision on

Vacant Vice-Chair Position

PG 5

A Legacy of Leadership

Bill Gollnick Retires

PG 6

Holy Apostles Church

Acknowledges Bicentennial

PG 9

Three Sisters Pow Wow Returns

PG 16

2|

OCTOBER 2025

KALIHWISAKS

From the Kali

Shekóli Swakwe•kú. Recently, after my

Aunt Ellen Martin started her journey, it

reminded me how fleeting life can be. Aunty

Ellen was given three months to live, which

quickly declined to three weeks. Ultimately,

she took her last last breath a little over one

week after her diagnosis.

It also reminded me about taking care

of elders, family, and of your body. Being

a two-time breast cancer survivor, it’s so

important to get regular mammograms, stay

positive, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and

keep a healthy weight. I struggle with the

latter, but I will continue to use the various

programs Oneida provides to live healthy.

One great way to stay active is step out

of our homes, from our phones, or other

distractions and participate in the events

happening in your local community, like the

Three Sisters Pow Wow (see page 16). It was

so much fun! Friends and family laughing

and having a good time, emcee humor,

checking out the vendor booths, drums,

intertribal dances, and all the cool moves

from the dancers.

Another great opportunity to get moving

is by picking and braiding white corn

at the Harvest and Husking Bee on

Saturday, October 4 at Tsyunhenkwa

Farm. Event goers can also

check out the farmer’s market,

exhibitions, and food vendors.

Wherever you are in the

world, there are opportunities

to get out there. Grab an elder,

eat healthy, and get active. In this

way, my hope is that we will all be here

together making great memories for many

years to come.

Michelle Danforth-Anderson

Marketing & Tourism Director

Big Bear Media

2701 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI 54303

Senior Editor

Garth Webster

Marketing & Tourism Director

Michelle Danforth-Anderson

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Richard Summers III

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Our Stories

4

BC Forum

8

Recognitions

Spotlights

10

11

5

GTC Makes Decision on

Vacant Vice-Chair Position

6 

A Legacy of Leadership

Bill Gollnick Retires

9 

Holy Apostles Church

Acknowledges Bicentennial

16 Three Sisters

Pow Wow Returns

12

13

14

Councilwoman Jennifer Webster

Ernie Stevens Jr. and Dan Ninham

Kunhi•Yó Recap

3 Young Ladies on Track for Success

Roberta Kinzhuma Scholarship Recipients

Professional Development for

Oneida Education and Training Team

Oneida Reads Prepares for New School Year

Carving a Dream into Reality

Frank Vandehei Creates a Dugout Canoe

Out With The Old, In With The New

Former One Stop E/EE is Torn Down

15 

Native Nations Book Review

18

19

20

23

Steven Skenandore

New Stroke Study Research

September 2025 Corrections

Two Oneida Warriors Past & Present

Jimmy Danforth and Amos Christjohn

On Their Journey

Oneida Museum is Developing

Interactive Video

Eric McLester and Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Animal Rehabber, Sue DeBruin, about to

release four Foxes at Coyote Run in Oneida. See back cover to learn more.

4|

OCTOBER 2025

NATION

KALIHWISAKS

Business Committee Forum

By Jennifer Webster

Oneida Nation Councilwoman

Shekóli Swakwek (Hello Everyone). As fall approaches and schools are

back in session, I wish you peace. When my children were little, back to

school for me meant back to routine, and I so looked forward to that.

Please allow me to share some updates regarding the work I’ve been

involved in recently. My main course of duties as a Council Member is my

work on the Legislative Operating Committee (LOC). I’m sponsor for about

20 Laws. In the chart (See QR Code below), you’ll see all the laws and how

far in the process they are.

Oneida Reads

Just as I was with my own children, I'm passionate about the children of

our community and their ability to read at proficient levels.

We are making plans for our 2nd Oneida Reads Summit. This is an avenue

to reach out to all our partners in education on what more we can do to help

our children, what’s working, and what’s not.

Webster with the Miss Oneida's and Oneida

Reads Team.

Learn more on PG 12

Administration for Children & Families (ACF)

Tribal Advisory Committee

At the federal level, I serve as the Bemidji Area Representative to work

with ACF to develop an outline of concerns/issues for ACF to address in

consultation with Tribes. This forum is for conversations between Federal

Officials and elected Tribal Leaders in their official capacity.

Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee

Webster with Wisconsin 8th District Congressman

Tony Wied

I represent the Bemidji Area. Oneida has been a Self-Governance Tribe

since 1997. Having this compact with Indian Health Service has allowed

Oneida to make our own decisions regarding our Health. For example, during

covid, we were able to quickly provide vaccine drive thru without having to

obtain approval from the federal government.

Health & Human Services Tribal Advisory Committee

This platform enables me to have conversation directly with Health &

Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy.

I also wanted to share my love and support for our Lifetime Achievement

recipients. These individuals struggled and sacrificed so much to lay the

foundation for the opportunities we have today. In that lens, we honored

newly retired William Gollnick for a lifetime of commitment to the Oneida

Nation. I was honored to be asked to help with that.

I secretly call him “Legendary Bill”, as he really is a legend with the wealth

of historical knowledge he has to share. Congratulations on your retirement

Legendary Bill!!

Feel free to contact me at 920.869.4457 or

email jwebste1@oneidanation.org

Webster with newly retired William Gollnick.

Learn more on PG 6

Progress Report

of legislation

Webster sponsors

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NATION

OCTOBER 2025

|5

GTC Makes Decision on Vacant Vice-Chair Position

Six Options Presented to GTC

By Garth Webster

After the Oneida Business Committee (OBC)

accepted Vice-Chairman Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens' resignation on July 23, 2025, the remaining OBC officials quickly took action to bring forth

options to fill this role for General Tribal Council’s (GTC)

consideration.

During a special meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025,

the OBC developed six options based on the constitution

and past GTC precedents. These options were presented

Sunday, September 14, 2025:

• Special Election

• Accelerated Special Election

• Same Day Election

• Add to Existing Scheduled Election

• Appoint 1st Runner Up from 2023 Election

• Leave Position Vacant

Approximately 2,000 Oneida members gathered at the

Oneida Casino Hotel to decide which action would be

utilized. After much discussion, including a presentation

outlining the pros and cons of each option, the GTC acted

by voting on the following motion: Adopt option F, leave

the position vacant until the 2026 general elections. By a

show of hands, the motion passed.

The OBC also expressed that if the leave-vacant decision

was implemented, they were prepared with a solution to

fill the Vice-Chairperson’s responsibility of facilitating GTC

meetings, if the Chairperson was unable to.

Oneida Nation Treasurer Lawrence Barton will oversee

BC and GTC meetings when Chairman Tehassi Hill cannot.

This action, says Chairman Hill, will maintain governmental

continuity.

Above: Before discussion got

under way, all those who were

able, stood in respect as the

Oneida Nation Veterans/Colorguard started the days activity by bringing in the colors,

including the Oneida Nation

Eagle Staff. Right: Shortly after,

Councilman Jameson Wilson

concluded beginning protocols

by providing the Kanahelatuksla (Thanksgiving Address).

Pending approval at the September 24, 2025,

BC Meeting (per the Budget & Finance Law),

the Special FY2026 Budget GTC Meeting will be on:

Monday, December 8, 2025 • 6pm

Oneida Casino Hotel • 2020 Airport Dr., Green Bay, WI

6|

OCTOBER 2025

NATION

KALIHWISAKS

A Legacy of Leadership

Bill Gollnick (Kan haliyo-Good Vine) Retires

By Garth Webster

Happy third retirement was the

unofficial, good-natured theme as

current and past community leaders, friends, colleagues, and family

gathered Wednesday, September 10,

2025, to pay tribute to Bill Gollnick

for over 50 years of service to both

Oneida and Indian Country.

The recognition began at the regular Oneida Business Committee

with Councilwoman Jennifer Webster reading the resolution that in

part, states, the Oneida Nation has

existed from time immemorial and

is the culmination of the actions of

a vast number of individual members who have worked on behalf of

the Oneida Nation and its members.

There are some members who have

worked across different political eras

of the Oneida Nation impacted by

federal actions as well as by internal

developments of the Nation. William

Gollnick is one of those individuals.

Utilizing his Harvard master’s degree

in Education, Administration, Planning

& Social Policy and his service as a

United States Marine, Bill’s impact

on the Oneida Nation encompasses

many achievements. (See the sidebar,

next page)

Acquaintances near and far were

in attendance, including former Senator Dave Hansen and Gollnick’s

colleagues from his time as Tribal

Administrator working with former

and current Tribal Chairs of the Tejon

Nation in California, Katherine Montez Morgan and Octavio Escobedo

III, respectively. As the activities continued, Jennifer Webster and several

other OBC Members shared their

experiences with Gollnick.

“You guys [Gollnick and Webster’s

father, Gordy] were always thinking of

the future of the Nation and building

that foundation. Thank you for this,

and your friendship,” says Webster.

Oneida Nation Treasurer Larry Barton adds, “Your legacy will live on in

all of us. You were such a great role

model throughout my career. We celebrate your contributions to the community.”

“I think you’re the true example of

a transformational leader. Somebody

who’s a change-maker, mobilizer…

someone who helps the community

come together and create a vision…,”

says Councilman Jameson Wilson.

Before Chairman Tehassi Hill and

Barton presented Gollnick with an

Oneida Nation flag, Hill had this to

say, “…I always look forward to the

history and wealth of information you

always brought to the discussion.

Sharing that historical knowledge of

where we’ve been and helping us

guide to where we are now and into

the future.”

After a few photo opportunities,

Gollnick was escorted to Thornberry

Creek for a lunch reception. Before

doing so, he expressed his confidence in the people behind him, “I’m

very humbled and honored. I thank

Oneida for the opportunities I’ve had

to work with so many good people. I

feel like I’m leaving the Nation in very

good hands.”

At the reception, Gollnick was once

again showered with appreciation by

community leaders, including Bob

Brown who provided the opening,

Artley Skenandore, Jr., Tina Danforth,

and Melinda J. Danforth. The reception also included honor songs, rendered by Charlie Doxtator and his

Oneida Student Singers.

As Gollnick was wrapped in an

Oneida 200 Year Commemorative

Blanket and gifted a beautiful painting, he affectionately bid farewell to

everyone with his recommendations

to carry on, “This is a very special day

for me. I’m trying to experience it all

with you in the best way I can. It’s been

said a number of times that we do

things together and what I’ve learned

by working with others and developing a shared vision, we’re dangerous.

We can accomplish anything. If we

don’t work collaboratively…If we work

individually, our words can work

against one another. We can be our

own worst enemy.” Wise words by

a wise man. Yaw kó Bill and happy

retirement.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NATION

OCTOBER 2025

|7

Bill Gollnick’s Impacts

Positioning of the Oneida Nation as a political force at

the federal, state, and local levels of government.

Development and management of the

Language Preservation Program.

Passage of Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Promoting Indian education, including an appointment from former

President George W. Bush to the White House on Indian Education.

Chairman of American Indian Language & Culture Board that

successfully lobbied passage of the State of WI Act 31 requiring

public schools to provide instruction on history, culture and

Tribal sovereignty of Wisconsin Tribes.

Served as President of the Oneida Nation Education Board

as the Nation began developing the school system in 1979.

Negotiator for the Nation’s Land Claims and Gaming Compacts.

Advocacy of the Indian Self-Determination and

Education Assistance Act of 1975.

Negotiated the first set of “service agreements” with local governments.

The Oneida Nation Special Elections were held Saturday, July 12, 2025. The Oneida Business Committee took time during their regular meeting

on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 to congratulate the elected individuals after they took their oath of office (listed in bold). Back row, left to right:

Treasurer Barton, Councilmen Wilson and Hill, Oneida Gaming Commission Thurston Denny, Councilman Skenandore, Secretary Liggins. Front

row, left to right; Election Board (EB), Trust Enrollment Committee (TEC)-Lynette Jordan, Chairman Hill, Legal Resource Center-Tsyoslake

House, Land Commission-Cristina Danforth, Oneida Nation Commission on Aging (ONCOA)-Beverly Anderson, ONCOA, School Board

(SB)-Joseph Torres, ONCOA-Mary Loeffler Cornelius, Land Commission, Land Claims Commission-Donald McLester. Individuals not present

for the photo are EB, Tina Skendandore, SB-Cary Waubanascum Hawpetoss, and TEC-Jermaine Delgado.

8 | OCTOBER 2025

RECOGNITION

KALIHWISAKS

Indian Gaming Association

Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. Honored at

Indian Gaming Regulatory Conference

Mark Powless (right), Chairman of the Oneida Gaming Commission, honored

Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. (at podium), for his 24

years of service as Chairman at the Wisconsin Indian Gaming Regulatory Association Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

From IndianGaming.org

At the Wisconsin Indian Gaming Regulatory Association Conference held July 31 at Potawatomi Casino in

Milwaukee, the Oneida Gaming Commission honored

Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.,

for his 24 years of dedicated leadership and service to

tribal gaming. This event coincided with the release of the

National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) 2024 fiscal

year report, which revealed record-breaking gross gaming revenues totaling $43.9 billion across tribal gaming

operations nationwide.

Chairman Stevens was celebrated by the Oneida Gaming Commission, alongside tribal officials and industry

peers, for his steadfast commitment to advancing tribal

sovereignty, regulatory partnerships, and economic devel-

opment through Tribal gaming. Under his leadership, the

Indian Gaming Association has significantly strengthened

the regulatory framework and promoted policies that

empower Tribal Nations to govern their gaming enterprises effectively.

At the recognition, Mark Powless, Chairman of the

Oneida Gaming Commission, said, "Ernie Stevens Jr. has

dedicated his life to Indian Country with unwavering commitment and passion..."

Read the full story

at IndianGaming.org

By Kolby Kicking Woman, ICTNews.org

Dan Ninham was selected to the newly established Minnesota Lacrosse Hall of Fame Foundation as

one of 12 Hall of Fame inductees for the first-ever class,

along with two individuals receiving an Unsung Hero

award.

Ninham is the only Indigenous citizen of the group. He

said it feels good to be honored as an inductee and shares

in the recognition.

“Even though I was recognized, I think there’s so many

other people involved with it as well. All the way from the

young kids that were playing the game of lacrosse, the

wooden stick game, the traditional game, as well as the

modern stick game,” Ninham said. “I often reference we,

and there’s a number of people involved that I believe are

the part of me representing them. And it’s pretty deep. I

think of even the ones who have come before us, and the

ones that have been playing this game and that we’re all a

part of this, it’s nice to have that recognition,” says Ninham.

Read the full story

at ICTNews.org

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

OCTOBER 2025

|9

Left: A Daniel Bread Exhihibit

by Barb Skenandore along

with dolls and a model of the

original church by the family

of Winnifred Thomas. Below,

the Oneida Hymn Singers fill

the air with music during the

church service.

Above:

Bishop

Matthew

Gunter, Father James Biegler,

and Father Robert Hoppe (St.

Agnes, Algoma) acknowledge

the original location of the

church. Right: Father Biegler

and Bishop Gunter enjoy a

slice of the Bicentennial cake.

By Garth Webster

The Oneida Episcopal Church Vestry invited the community to acknowledge the Bicentennial celebration of the

Church of the Holy Apostles (CHP) in Oneida on Sunday,

August 27, 2025.

The event began with a church service, overseen by

Father James Biegler, who has been presiding over the

church the past three years. Along with Biegler, the Bishop

of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin, Matthew Gunter,

made a special appearance as well to help recognize the

significant milestone of the oldest Native American mission

in the Episcopal Church, earning it another name, "The

Grandmother Church" of the Diocese of Wisconsin.

CHP, located at 2937 Freedom Rd. had humble beginnings. Although many Oneidas were practicing Christianity upon settlement here in the Michigan Territory, now

known as Wisconsin, they didn't have a church structure

until 1825 when a little log church was built just in front

of the existing CHP. When this small church was built, the

Oneidas wanted their new church to bear the name of their

Father, Bishop Hobart. Thus, they requested and received

permission to name it Hobart Church.

After the service, those in attendance walked across the

street to the Parish Hall to enjoy great food and camaraderie with fellow worshipers. There, participants were in

awe of the numerous photo exhibits created by Oneida

genealogist and photo archivist, Barb Skenandore.

In the end, the mood of all those that attended was

equally matched by the warm and pleasant Sunday morning. Father Biegler expressed his heart felt appreciation of

the event and the Oneida community.

"Through my three years of service to the Episcopal

Church of the Holy Apostles, I have been more and more

struck by the heritage and the privilege that is mine to

have a position of leadership in this faith community. It's

amazing to both acknowledge the land on which this

church sits and that the cemetery has veterans from the

Revolutionary War. The history is unbroken for two centuries in Wisconsin and Anglican since the beginning of the

18th century in New York. It's a privilege and a responsibility to serve this community and to learn from them. I never

imagined that in my mid-seventies, I'd be learning about

and participating in a whole new culture and spirituality. I

am blessed to be able to provide the gifts I give, and even

more blessed to receive the gifts of knowing the people

of the Holy Apostles and a little bit of the history and the

spirituality, of the Oneida Nation," says Father Biegler.

Learn more about

the history the Church

of the Holy Apostles

10 | OCTOBER 2025

COMMUNITY

By Oneida Comprehensive Health Division

In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day,

Oneida Behavioral Health’s Tribal Opioid Response Team

hosted the fifth annual KUNHI•YÓ “I’m Healthy” Conference on August 29, 2025. The healing event was dedicated to connection, education, and hope in the face of

overdose and recovery.

This all-day conference had over 300 individuals registered and welcomed attendees from across the Oneida

community, including individuals with lived experience,

loved ones, community partners, and healthcare professionals. The conference offered a wide range of breakout sessions, creative showcases and opportunities for

reflection, including the Oneida Hymn singers and a

Memorial Wall honoring family members and friends lost

to overdose.

The 2025 theme, Integrity (Yukwe ti•yó), was introduced

by keynote speaker Dr. Joan Groessl, professor and director of the Social Work Professional Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Her address highlighted

the strength of coming together and standing in support

of those connected to the tragedy of overdose.

Throughout the day, sessions addressed topics including

harm reduction, mental health, grief, recovery stories and

long-term strategies for wellness. Attendees engaged with

resource tables, participated in art and fashion exhibitions,

and heard first-hand accounts of recovery and resilience.

KALIHWISAKS

“This event reminds attendees that no matter who you

are or what you’ve been through, you are important and

there is a place here for you,” said Stephanie Muscavitch

VanEvery of Oneida Cultural Heritage. “By learning about

our culture and including it in healing gatherings, people

begin to feel pride in who they are. It reduces shame and

reinforces that they are worthy of love and support.”

A new addition to this year’s program was an open

mic session, where individuals shared personal recovery stories. These narratives, rooted in lived experience,

highlighted the challenges and triumphs of healing from

substance use, trauma, and behavioral health issues.

The annual KUNHI•YÓ “I’m Healthy” Conference continues to serve as a vital space for dialogue, remembrance,

and community resilience. It brings together voices from

across Oneida to support one another in the face of loss

and pursuit of recovery. For individuals or families navigating substance use challenges, know that resources and

support are available.

Learn more about Oneida

Behavioral Health services,

recovery programs, and

ways to connect with help

LOCAL

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

OCTOBER 2025

| 11

Three Young Ladies On Track for Success

Roberta J. Kinzhuma Scholarship Recipients

By Oneida Aging & Disability Services

Top to bottom:

Congratulations to

Angelica Schuyler,

Ashley Blaker, and

Krysandra Bisonette.

The Oneida Aging & Disability Services proudly announced the

recipients of the prestigious Roberta Kinzhuma Scholarship, awarded

to three outstanding individuals: Angelica Schuyler, Ashley Blaker,

and Krysandra Bisonette.

These scholarships were made possible through generous funds

raised during the silent auction at the Breaking the Silence: Elder

Abuse Prevention Gathering, an event dedicated to raising awareness

and promoting action against elder abuse in the community.

Angelica, Ashley, and Krysandra were recognized for their commitment to achieving a higher education. Their work reflects the spirit

and legacy of Roberta Kinzhuma, a tireless champion for elder rights

and dignity.

Oneida Aging & Disability Services extends heartfelt congratulations to the recipients and gratitude to all who contributed to the

silent auction. Together, we continue to build a safer, more compassionate future for our elders.

Learn more about or to apply for the

Roberta Kinzhuma Scholarship

12 | OCTOBER 2025

EDUCATION

KALIHWISAKS

Professional Development for Oneida

Education and Training Team

Oneida Reads Prepares for New School Year

By Garth Webster

Oneida Education and Training Team Members proudly wear their Oneida Reads tshirts as

they enthusiastically give a thumbs up as they rally for the 2025-2026 school year at the front

entrance of the Cooperative Education Service Agency on Baeten Rd. in Green Bay.

On the verge of the 2025-2026 school year, the Oneida

Reads team held a half-day conference at location seven

of the Cooperative Education Service Agency (CESA 7)

in Green Bay on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 to ensure

Oneida’s Education and Training Team were updated with

the latest Oneida Reads protocols.

Oneida Reads is working to ensure that all Oneida kids

read on grade level by the 3rd grade. Professional development for staff members is a key focus for the Oneida

Reads initiative. The training at CESA 7 consisted of

updates on Oneida Reads programming and an overview

of structured literacy concepts.

Joann Ninham, Oneida Youth Enrichment Services Manager, was also excited to report that for this coming school

year, they are fully staffed with four new Youth Enrichment

Spe­cialists (YES) advocates, who were brought through

the Science of Reading training, furthering their ability to

empower our youth. “It means a lot, especially seeing how

willing and committed everyone is to help,” says Ninham.

Councilwoman Jennifer Webster echoed Ninham’s sentiments, “We are blessed to have so many employees that

can have an influence on our children’s reading, knowing

that parents have the best and most influence on children.

We continue to bring awareness to read to your children.

We have the data that shows only 5% of our children are

proficient readers at 3rd grade, and that’s concerning. This

means 95% of our students are struggling with reading.

Our children are our future and thus, Oneida Reads wants

to make these statistics a thing of the past, and we can

only do that with your help."

Ann McCotter says their next steps include preparation

for the Oneida Reads Summit on November 19, 2025 at

Oneida Casino Hotel. This event will bring together Oneida

Reads Collective Impact Partners, Oneida Employees, and

Oneida Community Members.

Oneida Reads

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

CULTURE

OCTOBER 2025 | 13

Carving A Dream Into Reality

Frank Vandehei Creates a Dugout Canoe

Frank Vandehei has been been very appreciative to Steve and Becky

Webster of Ukwakhwa for letting him work on his canoe on their property. Vandehei has used a variety of power and hand tools to shape

the log but says for his next canoe, he wants to build it with traditional

tools only.

By Garth Webster

After approximately 100 hours on an unseasonably cool

August afternoon, the 14-foot White Pine log Frank Vandehei has been steadily chipping away at was in its final

stages of becoming a dugout canoe.

Since helping Jason Carr (September 2024 edition) create a dugout canoe at Heritage Hill, Vandehei reminisced

about his ambition to create his own canoe, “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I heard about it when I was

younger and thought, I can do that.”

Vandehei credits Kaesha Baloch and Kevin Finney from

the Great Lakes Lifeways Institute in Michigan for helping

him on his learning journey. Still though, says Vandehei,

“It’s been a learning process. If it works out great, but it’s

the first one I’ve done as a solo project.”

After carving a few refinements, Vandehei said his next

and final step for his canoe, which he named Miracle, was

to bring it to Oneida Lake to sweat it. This process will saturate it, enabling Vandehei to stretch and bend the canoe

into it’s final shape. At press time, Vandehei was still completing this process. Follow Kalihwisaks on Facebook for

updates.

14 | OCTOBER 2025

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

Out With The Old, In With The New

Former One Stop E/EE is Torn Down

By Phil Wisneski, Oneida Retail Enterprise

Photo: Dennis King of D King of Images

The former Oneida One Stop – E/EE was demolished

the first week of September 2025. The all-new store

opened across the street on June 17 that features hot

food, a walk-in beer cooler, and a larger and brighter

overall shopping experience. The former store opened in

the mid-1990s and saw many renovations and additions

throughout its existence. Slot machines came and went,

but the store still stood the test of time and showed it was

an asset to the Oneida Retail and the Oneida commu-

nity. The closure was due to the building being beyond

its useful life and the cost to maintain, renovate, or repair

was not practical. Future plans for the site will be to

remove asphalt and plant grass to return the space to its

natural state as it was over 35 years ago. Oneida Retail

Enterprise operates seven convenience stores and three

smoke shops, all located within the Oneida Reservation,

and employs over 100 full time employees.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

BOOK REVIEW

Low ná·note “He is reading”

A review of Native Nations by Kathleen DuVal

OCTOBER 2025 | 15

Graham Greene

1952 – 2025

By Steven Skenandore

There is a familiar vision of Native Americans

stuck in time sitting around a campfire or maybe

riding a painted horse. In Kathleen DuVal’s new

Pulitzer Prize-winning book Native Nations, she

traces the origins of this image and its legacies,

describing how this “snapshot became eternity.”

Then she restores movement to a culture too

often imagined as static. She adds color to a

wonderfully complex story of nations, invention,

suffering, and perseverance. This is a history of

ancient North American cities, opposing Native

and European ideas, and geniuses who changed

history.

As Europeans began moving inland, in

locations as diverse as modern-day Alabama,

Illinois, and Arizona, they encountered huge

structures and pyramids. These mounds, as they

were underwhelmingly called, revealed past

cities larger and, in their eyes,

more civilized than ones they had

visited in Native villages of the

time. Around 1250, a “Little Ice

Age” began, contributing to the

decline of the hierarchical societies

that created these structures. In

their place rose more egalitarian

societies that spread out across

the continent. Europeans could not

fathom that these ruins had been

created by Natives. Instead, they

attributed their creation to various

outlandish ideas including the

lost tribe of Israel, ancient Greeks, Phoenicians,

Egyptians, Vikings, and even to survivors of

the lost city of Atlantis. Despite the audacity of

their imaginations, they didn’t include Native

Americans. Prejudice always denies one from

seeing reality.

With the collapse of hierarchical societiesduring

the Little Ice Age, came a wholesale change

in how nations organized themselves. DuVal

describes how “Native Americans took a

shortcut to democracy, developing participatory

politics rapidly after rejecting the hierarchies

of the twelfth century.” It took Europeans and

Americans centuries longer to embrace the kind

of participatory politics being enjoyed by Natives,

including women and non-binary people. Nearly

all Tribal nations had a structure that DuVal

describes as a reciprocity system. This was a

broadly shared philosophy that emphasized “an

ideal of sharing and balance that undergirded

economic, politics, and religion across much of

the continent.” In this system, people who had

more gave more. Leaders were selected and

maintained not because they had accumulated

the most, but because they “shared wisely, and

leaders earned support in part by being good

providers.” Even our religious philosophy was

an inclusive one, where new religious ideas

were considered and sometimes “incorporated

according to traditions already in place.” A culture

of inclusivity continues to be a strong force in

Native politics today.

Part two of DuVal’s book documents the

changing power dynamics starting around 1750

with an unrelenting population boom amongst

the European colonizers. She chronicles the most

organized movements of resistance

Natives ever made, including those

of Neolin, Pontiac, the United

Indian Nations, Tecumseh and his

brother Tenskwatawa, Chiefs Blue

Jacket and Little Turtle, as well as

several others. Sometimes, they

used diplomacy and innovation

more than force of will and

arms. The inventive Cherokee,

Sequoyah, was talking with some

friends around 1820 when a

young Cherokee man mentioned

how the white men were able

to communicate by “putting marks on paper.”

Sequoyah was incensed when this was used

as an example that the white men were more

talented than the Cherokee. Declaring “The white

man is no magician!” he set about to put his own

marks on paper and, in doing so, invented the

written Cherokee language. Within 20 years,

the Cherokee Nation had a regularly printed

newspaper, a written constitution, and a higher

literacy rate than their white neighbors.

Native Nations is a groundbreaking book well

deserving of all of the praise heaped upon it. The

reader comes to see that Native nations were

never simply background figures in someone

else’s story nor a snapshot in a nation’s mind,

but active participants in a dynamic sequence of

survival, adaptation, and enduring sovereignty.

Graham Greene, the actor who

was Oscar nominated for his performance as Kicking Bird in Dances With

Wolves, died September 1, 2025, in

Toronto after a long illness at the age

of 73.

Greene was an internationally

renowned Indigenous Canadian actor

whose role as Kicking Bird in Dances

With Wolves made him a groundbreaking figure for First Nations representation in mainstream cinema. His

prolific four decade career included

memorable performances in Thunderheart, Maverick, The Green Mile, Reservation Dogs, The Last of Us, and

the Marvel series Echo. He was celebrated for challenging stereotypes

and promoting authentic Indigenous

voices in film and television.

Greene was born June 22, 1952,

in Ohsweken, Ontario, part of the Six

Nations Reserve. He was a member

of the Oneida First Nation. Before

pursuing acting, he worked in various

trades and technical roles, including

as an audio technician for Canadian

rock bands.

Read the full obituary

on Legacy.com

16 | OCTOBER 2025

THREE SISTERS POW WOW

KALIHWISAKS

September 20, 2025

Oneida Hotel, Green Bay, WI

Special Thanks to the Pow Wow Event Team:

Tanya Webster, Trista Conelius Henrickson, Rosa

Laster, Vicki Cornelius, Michelle Danforth

and all that attended to make the

event a success.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

THREE SISTERS POW WOW

MC: Ron GoodEagle

AD: Jeremy King

Host Drum: Motown

COTOBER 2025 | 17

18 | OCTOBER 2025

HEALTHCARE

KALIHWISAKS

New Stroke Study Research Seeks Native American

Participants to Explore Brain Health And Stroke Risk

Key players in the Stroke Research Study include, left to right, Sid White, Asst. Division Director of Oneida Comprehensive Health, Dr. Karen

Lane, Medical Director, Amanda Riesenberg, Stroke Prevention Wellness Coach, Dr. Robert Dempsey, Co-Director of the UW-Madison Stroke

Team and Chair of Neurological Surgery at the Univ. of WI School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Carol Mitchell, Univ. of WI Dept. of Medicine-Cardiovascular Division, Debra Danforth, Division Director of Oneida Comprehehensive Health, Jenna Maybock, Study Coordinator-Dept.

of Neurological Surgery at the Univ. of WI School of Medicine and Public Health.

The stroke prevention program is seeking 20 Native

American adults, ages 55 to 90, to participate in a project

aimed at understanding the causes for stroke risk disparities in Wisconsin’s Native Americans.

Titled “Brain Health and Root Causes of Stroke Risk Disparity in Wisconsin Native Americans,” the study is being

done through a partnership between the Oneida Nation,

the University of Wisconsin-Madison Departments of Neurological Surgery, Radiology, and Medicine - Cardiovascular Division, and is supported by the Oneida Business

Committee.

The research will explore how stroke risk factors are

related to brain health, specifically, to explore how risk

factors alongside cultural experiences, may be related

to brain health, particularly those affecting memory,

and thinking.

Participants will undergo a brain MRI scan at the UW

Health University Hospital to assess brain health. All other

study activities, shown in the callout below, will take place

on the Oneida Reservation.

Participants will receive compensation for their time and

travel, and a paid hotel stay near the hospital for the MRI

portion of the study.

This initiative represents a vital step toward addressing

health disparities and improving stroke prevention strategies within the community.

For questions, contact: Amanda Riesenberg

Oneida Nation Stroke Prevention Wellness Coach

920-490-3984 or ariesenb@oneidanation.org

• Fasting blood draw to measure A1C and lipid levels

•

• Carotid artery ultrasound to detect plaque buildup

• Health Questionnaire covering personal and family history •

• Cognitive test to evaluate memory

Health assessment with Dr. Dempsey, Co-Director

of the UW-Comprehensive Stroke Program

Session with a Certified Wellness Coach to set

personalized wellness goal

CORRECTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2025

In the article, Breaking the Silence on page 12 of the September Kalihwisaks, Carol Bogda

was incorrectly listed as a contact for the Oneida Elder Abuse Prevention Team. Jodi Tess,

Director of Aging and Breanna Phillips, Caregiver and Prevention Supervisor are the

correct contacts. For questions, please email Jodi or Breanna at jtess@oneidanation.org

or bweber1@oneidanation.org, respectively.

__________________________________________

In the article, A Night to Remember on page 8, Oneida Comprehensive Health was incorrectly

identified as co-host of the National Night Out event. The two hosting areas were the Oneida

Police Department and the Oneida Comprehensive Housing Division.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

VETERANS

OCTOBER 2025 | 19

Jimmy

Danforth

By Connor Kestell, Oneida Veterans Dept. Mgr.

Jimmy Danforth recently made his own pilgrimage

back to Vietnam on his own terms and returned Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Austin Straubel Airport. Upon

his return, unlike many returning Vietnam Veterans at

that time who were not welcomed and disrespected

in a variety of ways, Danforth was herocially greeted

by family, community, and fellow veterans. It was an

emotional event for both Jimmy and his family. I coordinated the transportation to and from the airport for

22 veterans and there was about 25-30 family members there. The event was a huge success, and we

were honored to be apart of it. Many of our veterans

expressed their emotions for the homecoming, with

many saying how cool they thought it was, especially

with how they themselves were “welcomed” home.

Amos

Christjohn

By the Family of Amos Christjohn

In just five months, Amos Christjohn has completed

two major life accomplishments. After graduating

early from Seymour High School on March 6, 2025,

he went on to graduate from Marine Corp Bootcamp on August 15, 2025. Please join his family in

congratulating him for filling their hearts with pride.

Oneida Veterans Services states that as

of this writing, Amos is Wisconsin's

youngest Indigenous Marine

in 2025.

20 | OCTOBER 2025

ON THEIR JOURNEY

BEATRICE M. STEVENS

GARY MELCHERT

Beatrice

M.

Stevens,

64,

passed

away

surrounded

by

family on August

23, 2025, in Green

Bay, WI. She was

proud of being

born in Chicago,

IL, on October 24, 1960, to Frederick

Leland Stevens and Gertrude Stevens.

Bea worked at Oneida Casino for 27 years

as a floor supervisor for table games.

Bea was a Bears and Cubs fan but never

watched sports unless they played against

the Packers. She was a Diet Pepsi fanatic

and loved her Newports. She enjoyed

the outdoors, and liked to sit outside, no

matter how hot it was. She never did like

the cold.

Bea prided herself on being a grandma

to her 3 wonderful grandchildren, Lenora,

Leland, and Babyson. She loved spending

time with her family.

She is survived by her longtime honey

Dawn Knowlton, her children, Hope, Dawn,

Bernice, as well as her 3 grandchildren.

She is further survived by her mother

Gertrude and her sister Sandra (Norm) Hill,

and brother Mark Stevens.

She was preceded in death by her father

Frederick, her brother Richard, as well as

her cousin Carol, who Bea was very close

to. She is further preceded in death by her

dogs, MooMoo, Sugar, and Karmel.

Family and friends may call on Thursday,

August 28, at Ryan Funeral Home 305 N

Tenth Street, De Pere WI for visitation from

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A funeral service will

begin immediately following visitation at

1:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has

been established.

It's fitting that you

answered Jesus'

call the day we

decided to hold

an antiques and

collectibles sale

in your yard to

clean out the

trailer. A trailer

that carried not just eclectic treasures

but your livelihood as a lifelong antiques

dealer. On Aug. 30, cherished husband,

brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and

friend Gary Melchert, an eclectic treasure himself, passed away just 11 days

shy of his 78th birthday; he was born

Sept. 10, 1947.

Gary is the youngest of 10 children

born to Thressa Doxtator and Antone

Melchert in Oneida, WI. Drafted at a

young age, he served two years in the

Armed Forces from December of 1966

to 1968 where he received numerous

accolades, including 2 bronze stars, until his honorable discharge. It was soon

after that he would meet his wife of 53

years, Patricia Schoessow at the Seymour canning factory. Riding up on his

motorcycle, he won her heart. Married

on Oct. 28, 1971, together, they would

welcome and raise three sons and one

daughter. Eventually, they would move

the family from the reservation to a

brick-and-mortar shop in Princeton, WI,

and then later, in retirement, to Hortonville, WI.

Gary provided by traveling hundreds

of miles - cigarette in one hand and a

cup of strong black coffee in the other

- visiting auctions and sales, collecting

valuables of days gone by. His hobbies

included refinishing and rebuilding furniture and re-selling collectibles at flea

markets, sales, and auctions. Gary, a staple at the Shawano Flea Market, a domineering presence in the background of

many local auctions, and a haggler with

a niche for finding a bargain, appreciated watching thrilling episodes of Antiques Roadshow. He also enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his family,

and occasionally, visiting the casino.

Although we remember seeing the

road go by under our feet through the

rusted holes in the family vehicles, we

October 24, 1960 - August 23, 2025

September 10, 1947 - August 30, 2025

KALIHWISAKS

never went without food in our tummies,

clothes on our backs, or a roof over our

heads. His status as a sharpshooter carried over into family hunting trips that

abruptly ended with him filling the entire hunting party's tags moments upon

entering the woods. He was a tall man

with a commanding presence. Soft-spoken, with an even softer heart, he left a

caring footprint on this Earth, diligently sending packages, along with every

penny of his basic pay and allowances,

back home from Vietnam to his mom.

Gary was preceded in death by his son,

Marshall Melchert; his parents; and his

siblings, Florence, Herman, Harvey,

Raymond, Antone, Willis, Merlin, Carl,

and Carol, and their late spouses. He

is survived by his wife, "Patsy;" son

Waylon Melchert (special friend Carrie

Maass and her children, Garrett and

Gage), daughter Tressa Verber (special

friend Cole Klosterman), and son Jackson (Kim) Melchert; grandchildren Ainsley Verber and William, Dominic, and

Griffin Melchert; and sisters-in-law Carol

Melchert and Ruth Melchert; along with

numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and military honors for

Gary will be held at Muehl-Boettcher

Funeral Home, Seymour, on Thursday

September 4th, 2025, at 5:00 PM with

Carl Melchert Jr. officiating. Visitation

will be held at the funeral home from

3:00 PM until the time of services. In

lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being

established in Gary's name.

GAYLE MARIE TORREZ

June 17-1954-August 22, 2025

Gayle Marie

(Couillard) Torrez,

age 71, passed

away on August

22, 2025. She was

born on June 17,

1954, to Laverne

and Dolores

(Cordy) Couillard.

Gayle graduated from Green Bay East

High School in 1972. She briefly attended

UW–Stout in 1973, where she began

her lifelong spiritual journey after being

introduced to the Bible’s message of

a hope for the future by her friend Pat

Backus. She was baptized as one of

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ON THEIR JOURNEY

Jehovah’s Witnesses June 17, 1973. On

September 26, 1992, Gayle married

Michael Torrez. From that day forward,

they were truly “one flesh”. To their friends,

“Mike and Gayle” were names always said

together. Day after day, their appreciation

for one another grew. When Mike would

speak of Gayle, even after 32 years

married, she was still “my Bride”.

Gayle experienced unique challenges

from the age of 15 months when she

contracted Polio. She developed into a

strong, pragmatic, empathetic person who

used her challenges and life experience

to help anyone she could. As a young

woman, she made it her full-time endeavor

to teach others about the Bible. She

maintained her zeal decades later as

she used any opportunity to tell others

about the Bible’s hope for the future. In her

personal Bible, she had even made notes

about the 5 stages of grief so she could

share appropriate scriptures for someone

needing comfort at any stage. When new

challenges affected their friends, Gayle’s

tenacity and curiosity moved her to study

and learn so she could provide practical

help to those in need.

Gayle had a special place in her heart

for Grace and Charlie Bain who adopted

Gayle like a grandmother.

Gayle was preceded in death by her

parents, Laverne and Dolores Couillard.

She is survived by her sister, Cordy

Wescott of Green Bay (husband Paul,

deceased); her brother, Gary Couillard;

her niece, Peggy (Goddard); her nephew,

Jeffrey Wescott; and her great-nephew,

Jordan Goddard and his wife Erika.

Gayle will also be remembered by her

beloved husband Mike, extended family,

and many, many friends in congregations

of Jehovah’s Witnesses, including De Pere

which was her home congregation.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday,

August 30, 2025 at De Pere Kingdom Hall

of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1450 Swan Rd,

De Pere, WI 54115. Visitation will be at

2:30pm with a service at 3:30pm and a

meal to follow.

PATRICIA A. SPECHT

July 20, 1945 - August 4, 2025

Patricia Ann Specht,

80, passed away

peacefully at her

home in Harbor

Springs, Michigan,

on August 4, 2025,

with her family and

faithful dogs by her

side.

Pat was outgoing, always with a big smile

and had words of wisdom and encouragement when they were most needed. Pat

and her partner Jane built their lovely log

home for retirement in the beautiful north

woods. They also spent time traveling

throughout the US and Canada visiting

national parks before dementia and cancer took Pat from us.

She is survived by her loving spouse, Jane

Stipe; sister Cheryl (Daniel) Tedder; brothers Bob and Scott Specht; nephew Ken

(Vanessa) Bruff; close friend Ilene Farrell;

plus, many other nieces and nephews and

friends. She was preceded in death by her

parents Hildred and Casimer Specht and

birth parents Mildred Skenandore Baird

and Rusty Turney.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at

Pineview Cottage and the extraordinary

care given by Hospice of Michigan. Cremation has taken place, and private interment will occur at a later date.

PRISCILLA ANNE ZAKHAR

November 6, 1938 - August 11, 2025

Priscilla was

surrounded by

nieces, nephews

and cousins and

passed away

peacefully on

August 11, 2025 at

the age of 86. She

was a loving

companion of Carol Schroeder and a fun

loving Aunt and Cousin to many family

members.

Priscilla was born in Milwaukee where

she lived throughout her life. Growing up

her and her twin sister Pat attended the

Winnebago Boarding School at the age

of Twelve. At the age of 15 she attended

Riverside and Lincoln Highschool and

eventually left to work at 16 to help the

family. Priscilla was a hard worker and

OCTOBER 2025 | 21

eventually became a Floor Supervisor

at Briggs and Stratton. While working

she earned a GED certificate and also

a Certificate from Briggs for knowing all

the jobs in her area. She worked there for

30 years. She then went on to become a

General Manager at a Weight Clinic. She

always strived to do the best in life.

Priscilla was a proud Oneida and

volunteered for the Southeastern Oneida

Tribal Services and served on the SEOTS

Board and was instrumental in helping the

Oneida Milwaukee Community obtain the

current office in Milwaukee. She started

the Kids Book Club for the office. She was

a Cultural Educator with the Milwaukee

Native American Traveling Museum,

(Oneida Specific), teaching Oneida

History to many schools in and around

Milwaukee. As an artist she also taught

others to make Dream Catchers. Her outreach included Breast Health education

with the Wisconsin Inter-tribal Pink Shawls

and even making her first Pink Shawl to

participate in Indian Summer and other

out-reach educational events. Priscilla

made it a point to attend GTC meetings for

years so she could be informed of Oneida

issues. As a member of the Nation felt it

was important. She always remembered

her Grand-parents growing up Cherry

picking in Sturgeon Bay, Hoyan in Oneida,

jigging at Van’s Valley and dancing at

Schuylers on Saturday night. Those were

the best times growing up.

Priscilla’s loved life, people and places.

Driving up to GTC meetings in Oneida, the

SEOTS office events, the Casino, watching

Packer games, eating out at George

Webbs, talking on the phone for hours,

telling jokes, laughing and loved family.

She will be dearly missed. Kunolunkwha

our Dear Pris.

Priscilla’s Grand-parents were Lillian Hill/

Skenandore and Watson Skenandore and

Step-grandfather Frank Mohr. She was

preceded in death by her mother Alvina

Skenandore/Roberts, father Paul Zakhar,

sister Rhea Skenandore/Reagan, brother

Jim Zakhar, and loving twin sister Pat Ulrich

(Robert). Priscilla is survived by brother

Paul Zakhar (Arlene), Auntie’s, and Uncle’s.

Continued on PG 22

Priscilla A. Zakhar

22 | OCTOBER 2025

ON THEIR JOURNEY

Continuing from PG 21

Priscilla A. Zakhar

Her memory will live on by a surviving

longtime best friends Carol Schroeder

and Kathy Kreuser. Nieces and nephews

Robert Paul Ulrich, Rebecca Nycz (Tim)

Kristelle Ulrich, Kathryn Ann, Kristopher,

Haley, Alexandra, Lillian, Lucius, Kahse

Ron (Elaine) Metoxen, Don Metoxen, Kahse

LeaRae (Floyd) Carter, Kahse Deb (Gary)

Ushakow and many close friends.

A memorial and celebration of Life will be

held at Max A. Sass and Sons-Greenridge

Chapel, (4747 S. 60th St., Greenfield,

Wisconsin) on Friday, September 19th,

visitation from 4pm-6pm. Service at 6.

Eagle Feather ceremony honoring the 7

directions and Auntie Priscilla to follow.

ROSE MARIE ARCHIQUETTE MELCHERT

November 7, 1947 - August 25, 2025

Rose

Marie

Archiquette

Melchert was born

on November 7,

1947, in Oneida,

Wisconsin, to

Milton and Louise

Archiquette. She

grew up on the

Oneida Reservation near Chicago Corners,

surrounded by family and the deep

traditions of her community.

She graduated from Seymour High School

in 1966 and continued her education at

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

(NWTC) and Fox Valley Technical College,

studying Accounting. On August 12,

1967, she married the love of her life, Carl

Melchert. Together, they built a home filled

with love on the Oneida Reservation, raising

their family on a small hobby farm where

they tended a garden, cared for horses

and chickens, and instilled strong values

of hard work, kindness, and faith. Rose and

Carl shared 29 beautiful years of marriage

before Carl's passing.

Rose dedicated 43 years of service to the

Oneida Nation, retiring as the Director of

Custodial Services after an incredible 35

years. She took great pride in her work,

ensuring that spaces were not just clean,

but warm and welcoming for everyone.

Her commitment to her community was

unwavering, and her impact was deeply

felt by all who knew her.

A woman of boundless love and generosity,

Rose embraced everyone she met with

open arms. She had a heart that knew

no limits, always making sure people felt

at home in her presence. She extended

this love beyond her own family, opening

her heart and home as a foster parent to

children in need, providing them with love,

care, and stability.

Her faith in God was the foundation of

her life. She lived by the values of love,

kindness, and service, always trusting in His

plan. She found strength in prayer, knowing

that God's love surrounded her and those

she cared for.

Above all, family was everything to Rose.

She made every holiday and birthday extra

special, ensuring that each celebration

was filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

Whether it was Thanksgiving, Christmas,

or a simple dinner, Rose brought people

together, creating a home where memories

were made and cherished forever.

Her passion for cooking was unmatchedshe always made more than enough,

ensuring that no one left her table emptyhanded. Whether she was preparing feasts

for family gatherings or cooking meals for

the homeless shelter, she believed that a

homecooked meal could bring comfort and

joy to those who needed it most.

Rose's creativity shined through her love

for sewing and beadwork. She crafted

beautiful pieces of traditional regalia,

ribbon shirts, bridesmaid dresses, wedding

gowns, and everyday clothing for her family.

Her beadwork was especially treasured,

with her specialty being traditional

Haudenosaunee raised beadwork.

She also had an adventurous spirit and

loved nothing more than getting in her

car and hitting the road. Traveling brought

her happiness, and some of her favorite

destinations included Tennessee, the

annual Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana,

and Door County, where she enjoyed the

famous fish boil at Pelletier's Restaurant.

Every visit, they would reserve her table

under the name "Rosie", a tradition that

brought her great joy.

Rose was preceded in death by her beloved

parents, Milton and Louise Archiquette;

her husband, Carl Melchert; her brother,

Richard Archiquette; sister-in-law, Hannah

Archiquette; and her daughter-in-law, Angie

Melchert.

She is survived by her loving children:

Carl Melchert Jr., Holly (Tom) Behm, and

KALIHWISAKS

Tana (Jason) Aguirre; her cherished

grandchildren: Shayla Melchert, Josiah

(Sami) Melchert, Nathan Melchert, Levi

Melchert, Franchesca Peterson, Faith

Behm, Caleb Aguirre, and Riley Aguirre;

her precious great-grandchildren:

Phoenix Melchert, Gracelyn Melchert,

Sadie Melchert, and baby Melchert due

in September; her dear sisters: Ruth

Montano, Neva Archiquette, Mary Ann

(Mike) Archiquette, and Jeanette (Robert)

Ninham; her special great-great niece:

Lariah Penass, along with numerous nieces

and nephews whom she loved deeply. Rose

is also survived by her loving in-laws: Ruth

Melchert, Carol Melchert, Gary (Patricia)

Melchert

Rose leaves behind a legacy of love,

tradition, and unwavering faith in God. Her

kindness, generosity, and devotion to family

will live on in the hearts of all who were

blessed to know her. While she may have

left this world, her spirit remains forever

in the love she shared, the traditions she

upheld, and the memories she created.

Funeral services for Rose will be held on

Friday August 29th at Fox Valley Church,

1200 W. Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136 at

11:00 AM with Pastor John Sitcler officiating.

Visitation will be held at the church from

9:00 AM until the time of services. The

family invites you to join them at the Oneida

Parish Hall at 2:00 PM for a procession to

the Oneida Assembly of God Cemetery for

committal prayers.

Rose's family would like to thank the staff

of Oneida Transit, Davita Dialysis, Unity

Hospice, and the Bellin Cancer Center for

their compassionate care for Rose over the

years. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is

being established in Rose's name.

ELLEN BARBARA MARTIN

January 26, 1939 - September 5, 2025

Ellen Barbara

Martin, age 86, of

Hayward, WI,

passed away

Friday, September

5,

2025,

surrounded by her

loving family.

Ellen was born

January 26, 1939, in Waukesha, WI,

the only daughter of John and Nancy

(Cornelius) Danforth. She was an active

member of the LCO Elder Community,

an avid dog lover and a beautiful mother

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ON THEIR JOURNEY

OCTOBER 2025 | 23

and wife.

She is survived by her husband Vernon

Martin; children Christine (Bill), Rhonda,

Dawn “Putser” (Guy), Douglas, Connie,

Sandy & Rachel (Jose); numerous

grandchildren & great grandchildren; two

great great grandchildren; brother Hugh;

nieces & nephews.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents

John & Nancy; sons Mike, David & Dino;

brothers John, Art & Jim; grandchildren

Lars & David Jr.; and son-in-law Ed.

A Memorial Service will begin at 10:00

a.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at

Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward. Gary

Quaderer Sr. will officiate. An additional

service will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.,

Sunday, September 21, at Ryan Funeral

Home in DePere, WI. Burial will be in Holy

Apostles Cemetery in Oneida, WI.

That's a Wrap

Oneida Museum is Developing Interactive Video

for new Kahnekano•lú (Precious Water) Cultural Center

By Stacy Coon, Oneida Museum Director

The Oneida Nation Museum, along with staff from

Cultural Heritage recently wrapped up filming a video

shoot with local graphic and media designers, Digital

Designs Services.

The intent of the project is to provide a video (wall

projection with audio) interactive at the Kahnekano•lú

Cultural Center that will invite visitors to listen to and

actively participate in our Oneida social dances via a large

interactive screen.

Visitors will use a smaller touchscreen to select from

three Oneida social dance songs that will accompany

a social dance demonstrated by: Bradley Granquist,

Kanani Nunies, Eddie Santiago, Kaylee Schuyler, and

Quincy Granquist.

Kana Zacarias-Skenandore chose the three dances that

visitors will choose from and Bradley Granquist provided

the audio narration in the Digital Designs studio explaining

each dance. Brad, Eddie Santiago, and Kendrick Powless

also provided the vocals.

Director Stacy Coon says, “This interactive will provide

yet another cultural experience where visitors will be able

to actively participate in at the new Kahnekano•lú Cultural

Center and another opportunity for our community to be

able to share our culture and provide a better understanding about who we are as Oneida people.”

The Kahnekano•lú Cultural Center is

scheduled to open Spring 2026

24 | OCTOBER 2025

NOTICES

Home Building

Opportunities

(HBO)

KALIHWISAKS

SUBMIT APPLICATIONS

TO CHD

APPLICATION DATES:

Thursday, October 30

and

Friday, October 31

8am – 4pm ONLY

BUILD YOUR

DREAM HOME

Applicants can submit applications

12 Lots available in Note:

for multiple lots/addresses. A separate

Bread Creek Village complete application is required for each

lot/address.

LOTTERY DRAWING FOR

HBO PARCELS:

Monday, November 3

via Facebook Live

at 10am

FOR MORE

INFORMATION CALL

Comprehensive

Housing Division

Scan for

application

Grace Delgado

920.869.6194

Rebecca Skenandore

920.869.6197

Scan for lot

information

ONEIDA NATION PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025 • 12:15PM

Norbert Hill Center - Business Committee Conference Room

N7210 Seminary Rd., Oneida, WI

Find Public Meeting Materials at

Oneida-nsn.gov/government/register/public meetings

Email Public Comments to

LOC@OneidaNation.org

Ask Questions Here

LOC@OneidaNation.org

920.869.4417

PUBLIC USE OF TRIBAL LAND LAW AMENDMENTS

The purpose of the Public Use of Tribal Land law is to prevent improper access, use, and trespass to Tribal lands.

The Public Use of Tribal Land law amendments will:

◊ Eliminate the Environmental Resource Board (ERB) from the law and delegate all responsibilities of ERB provided in the law

to Land Management.

◊ Delegate administrative rulemaking authority to Land Management for the development of rules regarding the Land Access Map

and other topics.

◊ Provide that Land Management is responsible for allocating and assigning land uses to all Tribal land.

◊ Provide that Land Management is responsible for issuing land use licenses and easements.

◊ And make other drafting changes to the law.

Individuals may attend the public meeting for the proposed Public Use of Tribal Land law amendments 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 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 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 Public Use of Tribal Land law amendments, please review the public meeting packet at

www.oneida-nsn.gov/Register/PublicMeetings.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NOTICES

ONEIDA NATION PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE • WED., OCT. 15, 2025 • 12:15PM

Norbert Hill Center - Business Committee Conference Room

N7210 Seminary Rd., Oneida, WI

OCTOBER 2025 | 25

Find Public Meeting Materials at

Oneida-nsn.gov/government/register/public meetings

Email Public Comments to

LOC@OneidaNation.org

Ask Questions Here

LOC@OneidaNation.org

920.869.4417

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS LAW AMENDMENTS

The purpose of the Independent Contractors law is to require proper worker classification to ensure the Nation’s compliance with tax

regulations.

The Independent Contractors law amendments will:

◊ Clarify in the definitions what it means to qualify as an “employee” versus an “independent contractor.”

◊ Clarify in the definitions what it means to have the “scope of work,” including updated definitions of “deliverables” and

“services.”

◊ Require the Nation to categorize all workers as either an “employee” or “independent contractor” according to guidance issued

from the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S, Internal Revenue Service and according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

◊ Clarify the approval requirements for an independent contractor, including the contract, purchase order, vendor license, and tax

identification number.

◊ Clarify “conflict of interest.” It will no longer be a conflict of interest for the Nation to hire an employee as an independent

contractor if it is within a different division than the division in which the employee works, even if the work the employee would

be providing as an independent contractor is substantially similar to the work they do as an employee.

Individuals may attend the public meeting for the proposed Independent Contractors law amendments 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 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 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 Independent Contractors law amendments, please review the public meeting packet at

www.oneida-nsn.gov/Register/PublicMeetings.

ONEIDA NATION PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE • WED., OCT. 15, 2025 • 12:15PM

Norbert Hill Center - Business Committee Conference Room

N7210 Seminary Rd., Oneida, WI

Find Public Meeting Materials at

Oneida-nsn.gov/government/register/public meetings

Ask Questions Here Email Public Comments to

LOC@OneidaNation.org

LOC@OneidaNation.org

920.869.4417

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE LAW AMENDMENTS

The purpose of the Workplace Violence law is to provide all Oneida Nation employees and visitors an environment that is free of

violence and the threat of violence.

The Workplace Violence law amendments will:

◊ Clarify this law applies to all employees, during or outside of any employee’s normal work hours and as long as the alleged incident of workplace violence

occurs in a setting reasonable connected to the workplace.

◊ Clarify what constitutes “prohibited behaviors” and the exceptions to prohibited behaviors.

◊ Require that all complaints and investigations of alleged workplace violence be directed to and handled by the Equal Em-ployment Opportunity

Department (“EEO Department”) within the Oneida Nation Human Resources Department (“HRD”).

◊ Clarify the responsibilities of the EEO Department. The EEO Department will be responsible for assigning an EEO Officer who will investigate the complaint

and be responsible for determining the final decision along with the Nation’s Human Resources Executive Director and the employee’s supervisor.

◊ Clarify that even though the EEO Officer will be primarily responsible for investigating the allegation, the EEO Officer is required to inform the employee’s

supervisor of any complaint and any pending investigation and notify the employee’s supervisor they are able, at anytime, to participate in the

investigation.

◊ Clarify that even though the EEO Officer will be primarily responsible for investigating the allegation, the EEO Officer is required Clarify that there will be

a “final decision” which is the ultimate decision issued from the EEO Department, the Nation’s Human Resources Executive Director, and the employee’s

supervisor regarding the allegation and investigation of the inci-dent of workplace violence.

◊ Clarify that verbal complaints are acceptable but whichever department, EEO or HRD, receives a verbal complaint should direct that employee to submit a

written complaint to the EEO Department.

◊ Clarify the reporting of restraining orders and injunctions – when reporting is mandatory and when it is discretionary.

◊ Clarify employment eligibility for employees who resign during a workplace violence investigation or are terminated as a result of a workplace violence

investigation.

Individuals may attend the public meeting for the proposed Workplace Violence law amendments 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 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 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 Workplace Violence law amendments, please review the public meeting packet at www.oneida-nsn.gov/Register/PublicMeetings.

26 | OCTOBER 2025

EVENTS

ONEIDA NATION

SAFE STREETS & ROADS

FOR ALL

About the Project

In 2024, the Oneida Nation received a federal Safe

Streets and Road For All (SS4A) grant to develop a

Comprehensive Safety Action Plan aimed to reduce

and eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries.

The plan will be developed collaboratively with state

and local partners to identify safety issues and

prioritize improvements on locally maintained roads.

KALIHWISAKS

Get Involved

A survey and mapping exercise has been created to collect feedback on

the perceived safety of streets and roads within the Oneida Nation. This

survey also examines infrastructure quality, driving habits, and more.

The survey will close Friday, October 31, 2025.

Participate today by scanning the QR Code or follow this link:

https://arcg.is/1LKHqT3

Questions or comments may be be emailed to Kyle Skenandore,

kskena12@oneidanation.org or Heena Bhatt, hbatt@baylakerpc.org.

For questions, email lblackow@oneidanation.org or call 920.869.1088.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EVENTS

OCTOBER 2025 | 27

Harvest Moon Celebration Weaves

Cultural Connections in Oneida

Sat. & Sun., Oct. 18-19, 2025 | 9am-7pm

Location: See press release for locations

AmongTheCornStalks

920.309.7453

media@ohelaku.org

www.Ohelaku.org

Press Release

FALL I NTO

AWAR ENES S & C ONTR OL

Tickets $5 (cas h only) available at OCHC Oct 1s t in the

WIC/Nutrition office. Sales will als o take place at the following

locations , until s old out:

Walk with a Doc - Wed

Jus t Move it Oneida

Flu Clinic

Mus t be 18 or older, pres ent, with photo ID to win.

One ticket entr y allowed per pers on.

EVENTS

28 | OCTOBER 2025

KALIHWISAKS

Holy Apostles Episcopal Church Presents

ACULAR

T

OK

N

FU

SP

O

JUST MOVE IT ONEIDA

Saturday, October 18th

9-11AM

Oneida Nation Elementary School

Serving from 11:30am to 5:00pm

or until gone

On The Menu:

·

·

·

·

·

·

·

·

·

Roast Turkey

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Stuffing

Squash

Cranberries

Corn

Desserts

Dinner Rolls

Beverage

Cost is - $15.00 plate

N7125 Seminary Rd. Oneida, WI 54155

Wear a costume & trick or treat

your way around the walk route.

Caramel apple decorating & snacks!

(while supplies last)

Crafts in the cafeteria & kid

games in the small gym.

8/27/25

à

Raffles

Please contact the Church Office at 920-869-2565 for more info.

For more information or questions contact Hanna:

920-490-3927

hleisgan@oneidanation.org

JustMoveIt Oneida

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EVENTS

October 2025

SEOTS UPCOMING EVENTS

October 14th and 28th Elder lunch and

Bingo provided 10am-12pm.

October 10th and 22nd approximately

10am Tribal Elder Food Boxes

October 17th Trust Enrollments at

SEOTS for Tribal ID’s 10am-6pm.

October 20th 9am-3pm Youth and Elder

Activity Day

October 27th SEOTS Halloween party

with a chili cook off, pumpkin

decorating, and a costume contest 57:30pm. Sign up required.

Southeastern Oneida Tribal Services

5233 W. Morgan Ave. Milwaukee, WI 414-329-4101

OCTOBER 2025 | 29

30 | OCTOBER 2025

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

2025

NOW HIRING

COLLEGE

FAIR

SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Everything we do

makes the world a

better place.

Environmental Services • Construction Services

Engineering and Design Services

Technology and Professional Services

Owned by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin

www.oescgroup.com

Oneida Higher Education’s College Showcase is a

unique college fair event allowing college

representatives to showcase their programs to

Native American high school students from

across Wisconsin.

October 17, 2025

9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Oneida Hotel, Wolf Room

(2040 Airport Dr, Green Bay)

For more information please contact

Tiana Silva at 920-869-4349, or

tsilva1@oneidanation.org

Please come out and join

us for our

32ND ANNUAL

HARVEST

AND HUSKING BEE

At Tsyunhehkwa

Farm

on October 4, 2025 from

10am to 3pm

139 R iverdale Drive Oneida, WI 54155

All are welcome to help with picking,

husking, and braiding the traditional

Oneida white corn along with learning

about the Oneida Nation and the

many uses of our heirloom white corn.

Contact Heather Jordan at 920-869-2468

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EVENTS

OCTOBER 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

At Coyote Run near the western end of Reformatory Road in Oneida, four Red Foxes were released back to their

native habitat on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Since found in May 2025 without their mother and malnourished,

licensed animal rehabber Sue DeBruin of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary has provided round-the-clock care for

these animals at her home rehab center.

“We worked for this day and it’s exciting to let them go. It’s a chance to give back. Habitats are being taken

from these animals all the time. Many times they come to us because they’re in somebody’s back yard. This is our

chance to raise these animals to live and be wild,” says DeBruin.