Shekóli Swakwe•kú. As Mother (2025)

2|

APRIL 2025

KALIHWISAKS

From the Kali

Shekóli Swakwe•kú. As Mother

Nature begins to wake from her

winter slumber, we as Ukwehu•wé

welcome the longer and warmer

days. Unfortunately, during this time

of renewal, we also find ourselves

in a period of uncertainty, bringing

about feelings of anxiety for many.

Each day, we learn of new federal cuts brought forth by the Trump

Administration and the Department

of Government Efficiency. These

reductions can greatly affect funding

sources, which in turn, affect many

programs and services across Indian

Country. Fortunately, throughout history, we've been able to positively

channel these pressures by falling

back on our cultural and spiritual

ways.

Many have recently completed

harvesting Maple Syrup, a tradition

handed down through the generations and our original instructions.

Each day, we give thanks for the gifts

that Creation provides. May it serve

as a reminder for us all to look within

to find certainty and ways to help

one another. Our ancestors have

taught us to grow, hunt, and fish

for our sustenance.

Practicing these ways can

lead to improved mental

and physical health, helping to ease the burden on

our healthcare systems. May

it also encourage sustainable

financial decisions that align with

our cultural and community values. Standing in solidarity with one

another will once again, reaffirm our

resiliency.

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

KALIHWISAKS

Official Publication of the Oneida Nation

"She Looks For News"

Kalihwisaks

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Leon Webster ⋅ Nevada Skenandore

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Sophia King ⋅ Mel Webster

Carly Skenandore ⋅ Kaylee Schuyler

All content is © Big Bear Media

unless otherwise noted.

Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org

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stories

The views and/or claims of interviewees or advertisers do

not necessarily represent the thoughts and sentiments of

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Our Stories

Spotlights

4 

From The Nation

10

11

12

13

Business Committee on Political Impacts

14 Oneida Reads Joins Packers



for Literacy Celebration

15 Community Generosity Shines

 at Give Big Green Bay

18 On yote a⋅ká⋅ ni i

Oneida Blood Quantum Community Voices Unite

 ew Fee to Trust Process

N

Accelerates Land Transfers

GM Community Meal and Discussion

Vote April 1

Shape Wisconsin's Future

Thunderhawk Times

Like a Fish in Water

Nalani Powless is Making Waves

as Young Swimmer

WBCA Academic All-State

16

17

Aubrey Doyen, Josalyn White, Marley Atkinson

 nabling Oneida Youth to

E

Realize Their Potential

Lexi Levinson Continues Rites

of Passage Program

" Now It's Time We Will Tap

the Maple Trees"

Honoring the Fish

Tobacco Burning Ceremony

20 

Early Detection, Bright Futures

Oneida's Free Child Development Screen

Continuing the Conversation

Beyond Blood Quantum Expands

on the Great Vanishing Act

21 

Beat Measles

Know the SIgns, Get Vaccinated!

22 

Exploring Oneida

Oneida Welcomes French Students

23 

Flight of the Pheasants

1,000 Pheasants Soar into Spring

Nature Watch

Sandhill Cranes Return

24 

Honoring Oneida's Warriors

Local Veterans Receive Plaques

Acknowledging Distinguished Service

25 

2025 Spring Turkey Permits

 NF's Completes Exterior of New

O

Multi-Purpose Facility

26 

On Their Journey

29 Sustaining the Tribal Elder

Food Box Program

35 

Carter King Research Continues

This maple tree is tapped, honoring the Oneida tradition

of gathering sweet sap to celebrate the arrival of spring

and the rich heritage of the Haudenosaunee people.

to Go Above and Beyond

4|

NATION

APRIL 2025

KALIHWISAKS

Providing Leadership

During Uncertain Times

Chairman Tehassi Hill Leads His Team to

Ensure Oneida's Treaty Rights are Upheld

By Tehassi Hill

The Oneida Business Committee

and I continue to monitor and take

action of daily changes to federal

government agencies that may impact

the Nation. We've been meeting

almost daily with our leadership

teams to ensure that we are receiving

information, consulting with tribes,

tribal organizations, our congressional

representatives, and federal agencies

during these challenging and

changing times.

My office continues to be present

and at the table of any meetings

where our future and sovereignty may

be challenged. Former Chairman Rick

Hill always said, “If you are not at the

table, then you are on the menu.” And

is something that I strongly believe in.

February 26, 2025

I traveled to Washington D.C.

to meet with other tribal leaders,

lobbyists and was afforded the

opportunity to provide testimony

before the House Committee on

Appropriations, Subcommittee on

Interior, Environment, and Related

Agencies. This was an opportunity

to address the treaty and trust

responsibilities of the federal

government and to advocate for

the use of self-governance as a tool

that would assist in getting dollars

to Indian Country quickly, lessening

government control and creating

efficiency. I took the opportunity to

also meet with members of Congress

to advocate on the impacts to the

Nation on recent executive orders

and actions.

March 11 – 13, 2025

I attended the 2025 Leadership

Institute, just outside of Washington,

DC and was given another

opportunity to meet with Senator

Tammy Baldwin and Congressman

Mark Pocan to once again advocate

on self-governance and the impacts

of federal actions.

March 18, 2025

Councilmembers and I traveled

to the State Capitol for the 2025

State of the Tribes Address, where

Chairman Fowler addressed the

WI State Legislature to address the

State of Tribal Nations in Wisconsin.

Issues such as Missing and Murdered

Indigenous Women, the hard work

of the WI State Tribal Relations

Committee, healthcare, environment

and the need for everyone to work

together to make change.

The Oneida Business Committee

and Intergovernmental Affairs have

been doing all that we can do to

ensure we are present and at the

table for all major arising issues. This

is something that we as a committee

all agree on - ensuring that General

Tribal Council - our membership is

informed. As information is changing

daily, please monitor the Nation’s

website or social media outlets for

up-to-date information.

Our ancestors have been through

eras of termination that have instilled

strong wills in each of us. We are

strong. We are resilient. We will get

through these times together.

Chairman Tehassi Hill's February 26, 2025

trip to Washington D.C. top testify before the

House Committee on Appropriations. During

this trip, he as also able to meet with members

of Congress, including Tammy Baldwin (top),

Mark Pocan, and Gwen Moore to educate

about the impacts of any funding cuts.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

Greetings to the community as Spring

is on the way with longer daylight and

warming temperatures. Change in

Administration in the White House

and Congress has prompted policy

response from our Oneida Leadership

and Leadership from Tribal Nations.

The policy direction implemented

by the Department of Government

Efficiency (DOGE) is to reduce Federal

spending which is impacting Native

communities. The specific scale and

detail of reductions at the time of

preparation of this article is yet to

be comprehensively determined.

Announcements are on-going with

reductions of Federal employees

NATION

and Grant resources. It is expectant

that existing levels of Federal Grant

resources received by the Oneida

Nation will be reduced for the

foreseeable future.

Response from our Oneida Nation

Leadership includes accelerated

focused communication of our

Sovereign status to Congress

and the White House in support

of Trust responsibilities which is

based on historical Nation to Nation

relationships with Tribal communities.

The Legislative Affairs Department

and Team has actively monitored and

communicated evolving information

guiding the Business Committee to

pro-actively respond to a very fluid

series of significant Federal fiscal policy

pronouncements.

Additionally, the necessary, financially

responsible policy response is to

impart formal Cost Containment by

Resolution which, depending on when

you receive this article, will be or has

been presented for action at the March

26th Business Committee Meeting.

Determinant consideration of wants

versus needs is the consequence of

the noted Resolution.

Formation of the 2026 Budget for

the Oneida Nation will reflect resource

availability and identifiable reductions

of Federal Grant resources. Ideally,

funding levels provided for Tribal

Nations will be maintained. However,

if reductions are determined, the

APRIL 2025

|5

Organization and community will be

compelled to adapt with changes to

available financial resources.

Historically, adapting to resource

availability is reflective of our

resilience as a community. Not

unlike the Pandemic, facing current

changes are challenging and difficult.

Changes to the Federal Fiscal policy

changes are prompting resilience

and adaptability which we have faced

for generations. In addition to our

Oneida Nation Leaderships proactive

response to Federal Fiscal Policy

Changes, response & testimony has

been formalized by: Native American

Finance Officers Association (NAFOA),

National Congress of America Indians

(NCAI) and Midwest Alliance of

Sovereign Tribes (MAST). The voice of

Native Communities has to date been

exercised and we are optimistic that

partnership with Federal Programs will

be sustained for Tribal Communities.

We hope to hear your input into the

2026 proposed Oneida Nation Budget.

Upcoming Community Budget Meetings

will be scheduled and announced soon.

If you have input or concerns,

please contact me at 920-860-4394

or email, LBarton2@oneidanation.org.

LIVE

6|

APRIL 2025

NATION

KALIHWISAKS

Proactive Approach to Self-Governance

Yellowbird-Stevens and Melinda Danforth – How Oneida

is Strategically Navigating the Current Political Climate

By Garth Webster

Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens, Oneida

Nation Vice Chairman, and Melinda J.

Danforth, Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA)

Director presented valuable information

to Oneida membership Thursday, March

13, 2025 via Facebook Live.

Danforth began the discussion by

addressing the current environment

b r o u g h t a b o u t b y t h e Tr u m p

Administration stating, “Very little

communication is coming from federal

agencies. We’re finding out information

in roundabout ways and that litigation is

occurring at every decision point creating

a lot of divisiveness.” Danforth states,

“In chaos, there can be opportunity.”

She goes on to explain that her team

tirelessly works to keep informed of any

potential political hurdles to the services

Oneida provides for the membership. By

continuously lobbying, networking with

the local congressional delegation and

Tribal organizations such the National

Congress of American Indians (NCAI),

Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes

(MAST), among others, Danforth explained

how Oneida has and will continue to

stay ahead of the curve during uncertain

times like the present, a strategy that

Yellowbird-Stevens concurs with.

Yellowbird-Stevens addressed the

many factors impacting the Oneida

Nation including the following:

• Department of Education Shutdown

• Federal Government Shutdown (Since

the presentation, the Government

Shutdown was averted.)

• Dealing with Federal Bureaucracy

• Exercising Oneida’s Sovereign Status

• Tribal Alliance Building

• Proactive Workflow at Capital and here

in Oneida

In the end, Yellowbird-Stevens and

Danforth both reaffirm the sentiments of

Debra Danforth and Brandon Wisneski’s

position on healthcare (PG 10) that Oneida

will continue to exercise our sovereignty

to ensure treaty obligations are met.

“Oneida has created a solid infrastructure

and a solid capacity in human capital

which we will continue to utilize in making

our own decisions,” says YellowbirdStevens.

LIVE

Read the

Full Article

Oneida Elected Leadership’s Work

Chairman Tehassi Hill testifies to

House Committee on Appropriations

to ensure Oneida’s interests are represented

in next budget and participated in

Childcare Development Conference. Hill was

also be attending Midwest Alliance of

Sovereign Tribes (MAST).

Secretary Lisa Liggins testifies on

Senate Bills 85-89 | PG 7

Councilman Marlon Skendanore partners with

Feeding American to lobby for Tribal Elders

Food Box Program | PG 8

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NATION

Advocating for Indigenous Rights

Secretary Lisa Liggins

APRIL 2025

|7

Senate Bill 85 – Affirms the right of students

to wear traditional tribal regalia at graduation

ceremonies and school-sponsored events,

ensuring cultural expression is protected and

respected.

Senate Bill 86 – Grants tribal governments the

authority to copy certified copies of vital records

for administrative use, streamlining essential

record-keeping processes for tribal citizens.

Senate Bill 87 – Establishes a lifetime license

for individuals to teach an American Indian

language in designated programs, while

also modifying existing Department of Public

Instruction rules to support Indigenous language

preservation and education.

Oneida Nation Secretary Lisa Liggins' testimony before the Senate

Committee on Governmental Operations, Labor, and Economic

Development underscores the importance of policies that support

Tribal sovereignty, cultural recognition, and education. The Oneida

Nation registered in support for the bills listed below.

But advocating for these measures, Secretary Liggins reinforces

the Oneida Nation's dedication to protecting cultural identity,

strengthening tribal governance, and improving educational

opportunities for Indigenous students.

Senate Bill 88 – Adjusts the composition

of the Professional Standards Council for

Teachers to ensure better representation and

input on policies affecting tribal education and

Indigenous educators.

Senate Bill 89 – Requires school districts

to report data on American Indian students

enrolled in their schools, fostering transparency

and accountability in addressing educational

outcomes for Native students.

Construction Begins

New Cultural Center

On March 12, 2025, the Oneida Nation Museum shared these

photos of the construction progress of the new cultural center.

Formerly the Woodland Church, located at 760 Airport Drive,

Oneida, is targeting 2026 for completion. The cultural center

also announced its new name, Kahnekano•lú• meaning "Precious

Water". As we await completion, the old location at W892 Cty Rd

EE in De Pere remains open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm. Learn

more by calling 920.869.2768.

8|

NATION

APRIL 2025

KALIHWISAKS

Transportation & Self-Governance

Advocacy in Action

Councilman Jonas Hill and Secretary Duffy

Councilman Marlon Skenandore's

First Washington D.C. Trip

Councilman Marlon Skenandore completed his first trip to

Washington, D.C., in March 2025, where he advocated on

numerous issues impacting the Oneida Nation and discussed

the effects of the new administration. He emphasized the

importance of representation and vowed to continue fighting

for the Nation, regardless of his position. "If you’re not at the

table, you’re on the menu," he asserted, promising to work

tirelessly for the Oneida Nation.

Oneida Nation Councilman Jonas Hill congratulated Wisconsin’s Sean Duffy on his

confirmation as Secretary of Transportation. Councilman Hill had the opportunity to

discuss with Secretary Duffy the importance of maintaining self-governance under

the Federal DOT. He emphasized that fostering working relationships with all Federal

officials is crucial and highlighted the paramount importance of demonstrating how

constituents benefit from programs and services.

Discussing Executive Budget

Councilwoman Jennifer Webster and Governor Tony Evers

By Jennifer Webster, Oneida Nation Councilmember

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, I was

able to join a roundtable discussion with

Governor Evers at Karvana Coffeehouse

in Green Bay. This discussion included

local professionals and small business

owners focusing on his Executive Budget,

particularly on making healthcare more

accessible and affordable, lowering

prescription costs, expanding Medicaid,

and auditing insurance companies that

deny healthcare claims. Several members

expressed concerns over the rising costs

of healthcare—more specifically, how

families are expected to afford increased

healthcare costs while balancing other

essential expenses. No family should

have to choose between keeping the

lights on and accessing the healthcare

they need.

From Oneida’s perspective, I shared

that we have over 17,000 members

worldwide, with approximately 5,000

Tribal Members residing in Brown and

Outagamie Counties. Our Business

Committee and Intergovernmental Affairs

Department are meticulously reviewing all

Executive Orders from the White House

to assess their potential impact on our

members. Additionally, I highlighted that

the Oneida Community Health Center

serves over 14,000 patients, offering a

wide range of services, including Family

Medicine, Internal Medicine, Dental,

Optical, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy,

Purchased and Referred Care, Behavioral

Health, and the Anna John Resident

Centered Care Facility.

I explained that Oneida’s healthcare

programs are funded through a

combination of Indian Health Service (IHS)

funding, received via a Self-Governance

compact and funding agreement that

allows us to manage our own healthcare

services, along with revenue from ThirdParty Billing, which includes private

insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Governor Evers acknowledged our unique

government-to-government relationship

with the United States, demonstrating his

understanding of sovereignty, Oneida’s

specific needs, and our deep commitment

to serving our community.

Additionally, I emphasized the power

and importance of the Native vote. Native

communities, including Oneida, play

a crucial role in shaping policies that

directly impact healthcare, education,

economic development, and sovereignty.

Elected officials at the local, state,

and federal levels must recognize and

address our needs, which is why voter

participation is essential. Ensuring that

our voices are heard in elections directly

influences decisions on Medicaid

expansion, healthcare funding, and

policies that support tribal sovereignty.

By voting, we advocate for the continued

well-being of our communities and the

protection of vital programs that serve

our people.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

FROM THE GM

APRIL 2025

|9

Protecting Our Services

Oneida Nation's Response to Federal Cuts

By Mark W. Powless, General Manager of Programs

Many Tribal members are aware

of the efforts at the federal level to

cut spending. These cuts have been

implemented by reducing federal

allocations of funds, firing federal

employees, and terminating federal

contracts.

For the Oneida Nation, this could

result in a reduction of funds that

support critical services to Tribal

membership. Examples of services

supported by federal funding include

Oneida Behavioral Health, Oneida

Health Center, and Comprehensive

Housing Division. At this time, due

to a low level of communication from

our federal agencies, we do not know

what areas will be impacted or the

level of funding reductions.

This uncertainty requires programs

to closely monitor expenses.

Reducing our own expenditures

will allow greater flexibility should

we need to support critical services

with tribal funds. Ideally, we will not

experience a significant reduction in

funding. But, if we do experience a

reduction in funding, our initial goal

will be to maintain the same level of

service and retain the staff providing

those services.

Regardless of federal impacts,

our mission remains the same. The

mission of the Oneida Nation is to

strengthen and protect our people,

reclaim our land, and enhance the

environment, by exercising our

sovereignty. We strive to achieve our

mission despite any obstacles on

our path.

As we receive more information,

we will do our best to inform

the community.

Should you have any questions,

please feel comfortable calling

my office – 920-496-7414.

Timeline of Executive Order Impacts

By Michelle Danforth-Anderson

Jan. 27- Office of Management & Budget

issues temporary pause of agency grant, loan

and other financial assistance programs. Head

Start had a slight delay in normal monthly draw

down due to system being down. Drawdowns

resumed later in the week. (Source: Jackie

Smith, Oneida Education & Training Area Manager)

Feb. 13 - The Office of Justice Programs

(OJP) Response Center Strategies to Support

Children Exposed to Violence funding opportunity has paused all previously posted Notices

of Funding Opportunity. (Memo from Office of

Justice Programs received by Oneida Grants

Department)

Feb. 13 - An email is sent out to 950 Indian

Health Services personnel notifying them of layoffs. (initial number was 2,200) Two hours later,

Robert F. Kennedy Jr verbally rescinded the

order. (ictnes.org – Indian Country Today ITC)

Feb. 14 - 2,600 other probationary employees laid off at the BIA, BIE, DOJ, and other agencies. (ictnes.org – Indian Country Today ITC)

Feb. 14 - 1,000 Department of Veterans

Affairs employees have been terminated.

(Nativenewsonline.net)

Mar. 8 – DOGE to terminate BIA office leases

around the country including Ashland and Shawano, WI. (Nativenewsonline.net)

Mar. 11 - USDA eliminates $1B in funding.

Impacts in the Local Food for Schools (LFS) are

low-income student meals, and childcare centers. (Reuters.com)

Mar. 13 - The Office of Head Start will not

approve the use of federal funding for any training and technical assistance (TTA) or other program expenditures that promote or take part in

diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

(Memo from Office of Head Start received by

Oneida Grants Department)

Mar. 14 – Trump rescinds Biden's executive order that strengthened tribal sovereignty

and expanded self-determination. This would

make it easier for tribes to access federal funding and reduce the interference of the federal

government with how tribes spend their money.

(nativenewsonline.net)

Mar. 15 - Trump executive order cuts Community Development Financial Institutions

which provides economic development, busi-

ness funding, and home loans to Native and

Non-Natives. (nativenewsonline.net)

Mar. 17 - Trump’s DEI Executive Order

prompts the removal of some Navajo Code

Talkers from some military websites. (Nativenewsonline.net) This action was reversed on

3/19/25 according to apnew.com.

Mar. 17 – DOI-HUD Partnership – Dept. of

Interior and Housing and Urban Development

aim to open federal lands for tribal, rural housing. The goal is to reduce bureaucracy that

slows down the building of affordable homes.

(hud.gov)

Mar. 20 – Social Security rule changes to

require in-person visits. Beginning March 31,

individuals will no longer be able to confirm

their identity with the SSA via phone. Those

unable to verify their identity through the agency’s “my Social Security” online service must

visit a field office in person to complete the process, SSA officials announced Tuesday.” (nativenewsonline.net)

10 | APRIL 2025

NEWS

KALIHWISAKS

Treaty Obligations and Oneida Healthcare

Oneida is Sovereign Tribe with Unique Political Status

By Garth Webster

On March 11, 2025, Oneida Comprehensive Health Division Director, Debra

Danforth and Self-Governance Manager,

Brandon Wisneski appeared on Oneida

Nation’s Facebook Live to discuss the

impact of the numerous executive orders

are having on Oneida’s healthcare services. To have a better understanding of

these impacts, however, it’s important to

know the protections Oneida has in place

to mitigate them.

Many of the federal cuts negatively

effecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

(DEI) groups and the various minority

populations identified in DEI are fortunately, not affecting Oneida as much as

one might think. Says Danforth, “We are

a sovereign entity, not a minority group.

We have a government-to-government

relationship with the federal government.” This fact was further explained by

Wisneski, “We are a sovereign Self-Governance Tribe that is authorized under the

Indian Self-Determination Act to assume

management and control of healthcare

programs previously run by the federal

government.”

For instance, federal funds provided

to Self-Governance Tribes enable them

to hire their own employees to manage

how healthcare programs and services

are delivered. In this way, Oneida is not

subject to the federal employee cuts

affecting Tribes who are not self-governed. Both Danforth and Wisneski work

closely with elected leadership to provide

talking points for them on these trust and

treaty-related obligations so they can

then, in turn, testify at state and federal

levels in support of vital tribal healthcare programs. Danforth and Wisneski

also work diligently with Councilwoman

Jennifer Webster on federal tribal advisory committees to educate on Oneida’s

unique political status. With these types of

proactive, educational approaches, Danforth says, they have been able to secure

funding with advanced appropriations,

another critical safeguard when federal

government shutdowns occur.

Another wildcard item on Danforth and

Wisneski’s radar, however, is monitoring

potential cuts or caps to Medicaid, Medicare, and other third-party resources.

Danforth provides reassurance stating,

“We’re making sure our voices are heard

on a unified platform.”

New Fee to Trust Process Accelerates Land Transfers

GM Community Meal and Discussion

By Gavriella Van Boxtel

Communications Specialist Post Graduate ⋅ GM Administration

Fee Land:

Under complete control of its owner and is

the highest form of property possession.

Trust Land:

Land to which the title is held in trust by

the United States on behalf of an individual

Indigenous person or Tribe.

The GM Community Meeting

regarding Fee to Trust happened at

the Norbert Hill Center on Thursday,

March 13th, 2025. Presented by Mark

W. Powless, General Manager of

Programs and Services, and Nicole

Rommel, Deputy Director of Land

Management, this meeting explained

the process of Fee to Trust as well

as relevant updates in the Nation’s

efforts.

The previous fee to trust process

consisted of 16 steps with no timeline;

however, in 2024, a new process

was created where this process is

incontestable and has a 120-day

timeline. “The Oneida Nation hopes

the new process will dramatically

expedite the process of putting land

into trust for Tribal membership.”, said

General Manager, Mark W. Powless.

There is 65,400 acres of land

within reservation boundaries –

28,888 of which is tribally owned. Of

the approximate 900 Oneida Nation

acquisitions, about 450 are in trust

and 450 are in fee. The most recent

approvals are 8 applications between

Hobart and Green Bay, totaling 570

acres.

Parcel Submission Questions,

Nicole Rommel

NRommel@OneidaNation.org

920.869.6505

Fee to Trust

Presentation

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

VOTING

Vote April 1

Shape Wisconsin's Future

By Anne Eagan-Waukau

WI Native Vote Communications Manager & Urban Organizer – MKE

On April 1, Wisconsinites will elect a new justice to the Wisconsin

Supreme Court. By voting, Indigenous people will have the opportunity

to shape our future and the future of the generations to come.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court holds the power to make decisions

related to environmental protections, Tribal sovereignty, abortion access,

the Indian Child Welfare Act, and much more.

Native Americans must head to the polls to protect the work of past

generations who fought to protect our families, our culture, and our

future, because the Wisconsin Supreme Court may make decisions

that are crucial to Indigenous people.

Beyond tribal concerns, the Wisconsin Supreme Court plays a vital role

in upholding checks and balances within state government, ensuring that

voters’ voices are heard.

Wisconsin Native Vote remains committed to protecting Indigenous

rights, language, and sovereignty. We encourage you to vote on

Tuesday, April 1 – because our future, and that of the next seven

generations, depends on it.

APRIL 2025

| 11

Crucial Issues to

Indigenous peoples

1. Protecting our Indigenous children

and families through the Wisconsin Indian

Child Welfare Act (WICWA). WICWA protects

the best interests of Indigenous children and

promotes the stability and security of Wisconsin

Tribes and families. WICWA ensures that Native

children placed into the foster care system

are placed into the custody of fit and willing

Indigenous relatives. In the past, Native children

were placed with white families, a practice that

may have contributed to historical trauma.

2. Our sovereignty, which protects the

inherent authority of tribes to govern themselves

and allows tribes to honor and preserve their

cultures and traditional ways of life.

3. Our right to clean water and the

protection of our waterways that hold

our wild rice beds, and ancient walleye and

sturgeon spawning grounds that travel from

Lake Superior and wind through the Menominee

Indian Tribe of Wisconsin’s pristine Wolf River.

12 | APRIL 2025

THUNDERHAWK TIMES

HMH Test Results Show

Consistent Improvement

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

A March 5, 2025, data review by Oneida

Nation School System (ONSS) Staff showed

increased scores for students across the board.

HMH is a company heralding itself as “an

adaptive learning company” with “a focus on

what moves each learner” delivering “what

educators need to foster growth and build

lasting momentum.” HMH grew from the merger

of long-time educational publishers Houghton,

Mifflin, and Harcourt which merged in 2007.

The company’s website states: “We create

integrated K–12 learning solutions for core,

supplemental,

intervention,

assessment,

and professional learning—delivered on one

streamlined platform. Our technology can flex,

uncovering smarter insights about students and

helping educators act on what motivates them.”

According to HMH, 90% of U.S. K-12 schools

use HMH core, intervention, and supplemental

programs; 50 million students in 150 countries

use HMH’s research-backed learning programs;

and 1.9 average years of student growth can be

gained in one year by using HMH intervention

solutions. The ONSS has used the HMH

curriculum since 2021.

To measure growth and develop strategies,

students are tested three times a year. In the fall

to set a baseline, again around the middle of the

school year, and again at the end of the year.

The data reviewed on March 5 indicated

positive gains in all areas. In Reading, 26.6% of

students were at or above grade level, 13.1% of

them since the beginning of the year. In Math,

35.3% of students were at or above grade level,

15% of them since the beginning of the year.

Those scores showed 7.3% and 2.7% increases

respectively since last year. Overall, positive

increases were seen at every grade level in

Reading and Math.

Reflecting on these data points, ONHS

Thunderhawk Times Staff

principal Art Skenandore said, “I have included

a graphic from January 2025 that illustrates that

Wisconsin as well is working to improve reading

scores. The picture demonstrates that we are

not far behind and improving, making progress

toward our goal of proficiency in reading. Our

work is to achieve our reading improvement

goal is an investment in our students! For each

student to enjoy success in meeting their longterm career goals reading is pivotal!”

Daylight Saving Time,

Basketball Successes,

& School Happenings

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

Clocks moved backward in the early morning

hours of Sunday, March 9. The sunset was then

around 7:00 pm and over the month of March,

our area gained almost three minutes of daylight

a day. By the end of April, sunset will be almost

8:00 pm with more than 14 hours of daylight and

the end of the 2024-2025 School Year a mere

month+ away.

Winter sports wrapped up with a loss by

the Lady T-Hawks in Sectional action against

Sevastopol on March 6 at Manitowoc’s Lincoln

HS. Spring sports started on Monday, May 10

with the track and lacrosse teams gathering for

the first time. Watch for reports on spring sports

in these pages.

A letter from Retired Manitowoc Administrator

Biff Hansen lauded the Lady T-Hawks, coaches,

and fans for their sportsmanship at the sectional

basketball game. I “have no problem putting

Coach [Anthony] Cornelius and his staff as one

of the best examples of how it should be done as

leaders of a high school team.” Hansen added,

“Not sure if the team reflects the community or

the community is a reflection of the team, but the

Oneida Nation adults and student fans were also

pretty good examples of good sports during the

flow of the game.”

Randell Denny, Joie Gutierrez, Steven Guzman,

Jasani Myke, Saniya Ninham-Clark

Advisors: Denis Gullickson and Johnny Danforth

KALIHWISAKS

Two ONHS seniors etched their names in

the ONHS basketball record books. Jaylynn

Caldwell broke the 1000-point mark early in the

season and ended the campaign as the all-time

leading scorer in Lady T-Hawk history. Fellow

senior Mariah Cloud also broke the 1000-point

mark. Both Caldwell and Cloud were named to

M&O Conference Second Team All-Conference

Honors while fellow senior Madalyn King was

given Honorable Mention.

ONHS Juniors took the ACT Test at the

Community Education Center on March 11. The

day started with breakfast followed by testing

instruction. Then, students took the English and

Math tests followed by Reading and Science.

After lunch, the Writing test was completed.

Juniors stated that the test was “tiring’ and

“exhausting.” One said, “Who knew that a day of

testing could make you more tired than working

out?” For all that exhaustion, smiles were

plentiful.

Jennecia Jaimes

Annual Maple

Celebration Continues

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

These photographs show a welcome

spring tradition underway at ONHS on

Monday, March 3 when students and staff

gathered for the annual tobacco burning

to celebrate the maple trees that overlook

Oneida’s Norbert Hill Center...

Read more ONHS

Thunderhawk Times

SPORTS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

APRIL 2025 | 13

Like a Fish in Water

Nalani Powless is Making

Waves as Young Swimmer

By Garth Webster

Nalani Powless with coach Barb

Kolitsch as they sit atop Kolitsch's

private 1,500-gallon practice pool

at her home in Howard.

In 2023, when eight-year-old Nalani

Powless had the opportunity to attend

a swimming competition with her

Aunty, she was instantly enamored

with sport and the thought of becoming a competitive swimmer herself.

At the time, Nalani was attending

school in Freedom, WI. Due to of a

lack of facilities at Freedom,

she joined another local

small swim club. However, she still wasn’t

getting the right

coaching and

direction to help

her excel. Then,

one day Nalani’s

Great Grandma,

Dorothy Ninham

was speaking with a

healthcare provider at

Oneida Community Health

Center, who referred her to

Barb Kolitsch.

Kolitsch, a competitive swimmer

both in college and at open-water

events, began coaching Nalani at her

home in Howard. In Kolitsch’s heated

garage, she provides private lessons

in her specially designed 1,500-gallon pool. While working with Nalani,

Kolitsch quickly identified Nalani’s

natural talent, stating, “Nalani is one

day going to be a great breaststroke

swimmer.” In fact, the Howard-Suamico Stormbreaker Swim Club where

Nalani is currently a team member,

also spotted Nalani’s ability, moving her through the rookie, bronze,

and on to silver swimming levels

in just two months of joining. Most

swimmers follow the footsteps of a

competitive swimmer in their family.

Thus, many people knowledgeable of

the sport are pleasantly surprised to

learn that she is a first-generation swimmer.

Nalani, now ten-years

old, just completed

the winter swim

season where she

placed first at state

regionals and then

continued to the

state competition.

Soon, she will be

starting the spring

season in April. When

asked how she trains

outside the water she says,

“Pullups and pushups,” adding, “I

also work on my diet which includes

apples and oranges.” After swimming

in a long event recently, finishing a

mile in a little over 37 minutes, she

says that she wants to compete in

open-water events like Coach Kolitsch

and eventually, aspires to become an

Olympian like Katie Ledecky. Despite

being a standout individual swimmer,

Nalani says the team relay races are

her favorite. It’s with little surprise that

during these team events, Nalani swims

the anchor leg.

Varsity athletes from any grade level

and hold a Grade Point Average of

3.5 receive a certificate from their

school recognizing them as WBCA

Academic All-State. Congratulations

(top to bottom) to Jaylyn Caldwell

from Oneida Nation High School,

Aubrey Doyen from West De Pere,

Josalyn White from Notre Dame

Academy, and Marley Atkinson from

Notre Dame Academy.

14 | APRIL 2025

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

Oneida Reads Joins Packers

for Literacy Celebration

By Mia Charnon

On Saturday, March 1, Lambeau Field was filled with

excitement as the Green Bay Packers hosted their literacythemed event, "Timeout for Reading,". The event, free to the

public, aimed to promote literacy among young children

and featured a variety of engaging activities.

One of the highlights of the event was a special story

time with Ashlee Alicea, member of the Oneida Nation, and

author of Luka and Little Feather. Alicea captivated the

audience with her reading, followed by a children's book

reading in Spanish, and a reading by a Packers celebrity.

Attendees were delighted to receive free books and

bookmarks, distributed to kids in pre-K through 5th grade.

The event also featured literacy activity booths hosted

by Howe Community Resource Center, Bellin Health, and

Oneida Reads, offering a range of fun and educational

activities for children and their families.

Special reading areas were set up for participants to

enjoy their new books or a favorite brought from home,

creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for all.

"Timeout for Reading" is part of the Green Bay

Packers Give Back initiative, the team's comprehensive

community outreach program. This event, along with

other Packers’ charity endeavors, contributed to a

remarkable $13 million impact on the community

last year.

Learn more about

Oneida Reads

Learn more about

Luka and Little Feather

Ashlee Alicea

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

LOCAL

APRIL 2025 | 15

Community Generosity Shines

at Give BIG Green Bay

By Mia Charnon

The Give BIG Green Bay campaign, held on February 27-28, 2025, raised significant funds for local nonprofits.

Notable beneficiaries included Ukwakhwa (Our Foods), which received $17,148 to support traditional agricultural

education, and Wise Women Gathering Place, Inc., which garnered $20,003 to aid individuals affected by domestic

violence and trauma.

The event featured 50 organizations and successfully amplified generosity through a 24-hour giving period. It not only

provided crucial financial support but also increased visibility and donor engagement, showcasing the community's

commitment to fostering resilience, healing, and cultural preservation. Learn more at GiveBIGGreenBay.org.

Ukwakhwa (Our Foods)

$17,148 Raised | $15,000 Goal | 173 Donors

About Ukwakhwa (Our Foods)

Ukwakhwa is a nonprofit dedicated to teaching

traditional Haudenosaunee agricultural methods. They

grow heirloom foods, focusing on Haudenosaunee

varieties of corn, beans, and squash, and host events

on planting, harvesting, seed keeping, food preparation,

and crafting. Their property, named Ukwakhwa: Tsinu

Niyukwayay thoslu (Our Foods: Where we plant things),

serves as a hub for these educational activities.

Their Story

In 2017, Oneida Nation citizens Steve and Becky

Webster purchased 10 acres on the Oneida

Reservation and built a home. They envisioned a

space for research, learning, and community sharing.

Over the years, they hosted various events and

continued to assess community needs. On January 6,

2025, they acquired an additional 5 acres to expand

their programming.

Wise Women Gathering Place, Inc.

$20,003 Raised | $29,999 Goal | 181 Donors

About Wise Women Gathering Place, Inc.

Wise Women Gathering Place supports individuals

affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma

using a Native American cultural approach. Their services

include advocacy, housing assistance, healing resources,

and workshops to build skills and interrupt cycles of

abuse. They cater to people of all genders, ages, and

backgrounds, helping them create safety, stability, and

healthy relationships.

Their Story

Thirty years ago, Alice Skenandore welcomed

women to her kitchen table to learn about midwifery.

Through these gatherings, she realized that midwifery

encompasses cradle-to-grave care and plays a vital

role in addressing the needs of our community.

16 | APRIL 2025

CULTURE

KALIHWISAKS

Enabling Oneida

Youth to Realize

Their Potential

Lexi Levinson Continues

Rites of Passage Program

By Garth Webster

"ROP is so important because the youth that are

participating, are the future leaders of the community."

– Lexi Levinson

Tetwatunhatenyehse • Tetwatunhatenyehse@gmail.com

920.372.8699

The July 2024 edition provided a

detailed look at Tetwatunhatényehse

(We are changing our lives), otherwise known as Oneida Rites of

Passage (ROP). This invaluable program doesn’t happen if not for a team

of volunteer community members,

including Alexandria (aka Lexi) Levinson who says, “ROP is so important

because the youth that are participating, are the future leaders of the

community.”

Levinson reminisced how ROP

came to be by discussing her participation in the inception of the program

about ten years ago, in 2015. “I participated in the program every week for

at least two years, if not three. It was

a big part of why I became so interested in language and culture and it

was the beginning of the rest of my

journey in language learning and cultural engagement. It’s kind of what

ignited everything for me.”

Levinson says a few dedicated

parents and community members,

including Margaret Ellis, Daniel Guzman, Lou Williams, Jr., Latsi Hill,

Keshia Belisle, Kerri Tucker, Anita

Barber, Theresa Barber, Toni House,

and others from the Oneida Cultural

Heritage Department traveled to

the Akwesasne Mohawk territory in

upstate New York to begin learning

the cultural practice, whose program

is called Oherokon (Under the Corn

Husk). In this way, they are like the

corn, preparing to be free of its husk.

Until then, they are protected, prepared, and matured for their roles in

world. Upon their return, these individuals implemented this practice in

Oneida. Through a series of organizational changes and circumstances,

including the pandemic, the ROP lost

some it’s momentum but recently, has

become rejuvenated, thanks to Levinson, Guzman and their team.

In 2022, Levinson and Guzman

worked diligently to revive the ROP.

They began implementing a business-like structure to organize their

activities, including becoming a

non-profit project venture under the

Sacred Bundle organization, led by

Mike Meyers, mostly known for his

Nation Rebuilding programming.

Under the advice of Meyers, Levinson

and Guzman assembled a council, which includes herself, Sonyowa

Hill, Simone Ninham, Wati Sickles,

Shakira Stevens, and Daniel Doyen.

Together, they utilize the Clans system to orchestrate their proceedings.

Currently, Oneida’s ROP, like its participants, is also maturing. A growth

opportunity recently came when

Oneida ROP was approached by the

Clanmothers from Oneida, Canada in

2024. “They wanted to know about

the program, in an effort to hopefully

one day implement it there,” says

Levinson. She hopes these and future

opportunities will enable ROP to form

their own non-profit.

In the short term, Levinson is excited

to share the program with our relatives in Canada but in the here and

now she says, the small sum approved

by the Oneida Business Committee

in February 2025 will fully fund their

upcoming year.

Levinson says, “It’s important to

continue the program for our youth.”

Even for our young adults up to age

around 25 who are blossoming and

venturing out on their own, Levinson

describes the reassurance from the

lessons they’ve learned, “Knowing

that you have this part of us here at

home is important. They know they

are supported and are always welcomed home, no matter where life

takes them.”

As Levinson reiterates her acknowledgment to Daniel Guzman, who she

credits for ROP’s rejuvenation, she

expressed how she's working tirelessly for our community’s youth, “I

want them to never have to question

who they are. They can go across the

world and never get lost. And that

they will know what they want, what

they need, know what they deserve,

and how to get it.”

This June 2025, Oneida ROP will be

seeking Aunty’s and Uncles to sponsor the youth, volunteer, and provide

donations. Reach out to help Levinson

encourage tomorrow’s leaders.

CULTURE

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

On Ya káhwew

By Kaylee Schuyler

On March 3, 2025, the Maple Sugar

camp at Oneida Nation High School

opened with a traditional Maple tree

tobacco burning ceremony, led by

Bob Brown and Artley Skenandore.

This maple tobacco burning, known

as Wáhta Kayú:kw ́tho , is held at the

end of February or early March when

the warm winds return after winter. It

marks the time when the Grandfather

Thunders reappear, signaling the

start of the maple sugaring season.

During the ceremony, tobacco is

burned to extend greetings, love,

and thankfulness to the Maple Trees

and the Grandfather Thunders for

their continuous responsibilities. The

Maple tree is honored as the leader

wáhta kalu·tóte - Maple Tree

APRIL 2025 | 17

twatahkalo⋅t ⋅ Wáhta Kaluta shuha

"Now It's Time We Will Tap The Maple Trees"

of all trees, being the first to wake

up after a long winter. This practice

reflects the Indigenous people's

highest regard for the maple tree.

Each camp in the community

holds its own tobacco burning,

with everyone contributing a small

pinch of homegrown or bartered

tobacco. This plant comes from the

Creator’s world and deserves

utmost respect, as told

in the creation story. A

designated speaker,

communicating in the

Indigenous language,

speaks on behalf of all

gathered to express

gratitude and respect

otsikhé·ta - Maple Sugar

to the Maple tree before tapping

begins. This tradition acknowledges

the tree's vital role and honors its

contributions.

olutákli - Maple Syrup

oyu kwa u·wé· - Original Tobacco

Honoring the Fish

Tobacco Burning Ceremony

By Mia Charnon

On Friday, March 21, 2025, the

Oneida Nation held a tobacco

burning ceremony to welcome back

and give thanks to the fish on the

banks of Duck Creek in Oneida, WI.

Leander Danforth led the ceremony,

and both he and Gerald Hill shared

valuable insights on protecting our

ancestral rights to harvest fish and

preserve our language. Hill also

reminisced about his time as an

apprentice to Amos Christjohn and

honored Christjohn and Maria Hinton

for their contributions to preserving

yetsyakwátha - Fishing Place, Fishing Outfit

k tsi - Fish

the Oneida

language,

including their

work on the

Abbott, Christjohn,

and Hinton Oneida Dictionary.

The event was attended by

community members, including the

Oneida Nation Business Committee,

and Oneida Nation Royalty. The

Buffalo Creek Singers concluded the

event with an honor song.

-ahlyo kwawine- - Fish with a pole (verb)

-itsyak- - Eat fish (verb)

On yote a•ká• ni i

18 | APRIL 2025

KALIHWISAKS

Oneida Blood Quantum: Community Voices Unite

I AM Oneida Community Meetings Recap

During the Oneida Nation Facebook Live on March 4, 2025, Taryn

Webster, Chair of the I AM Oneida

Committee, provided a recap of

recent community meetings about

the On yote a·ká· ni i Project Plan

(OPP) that addresses the Nation’s

current enrollment criteria, especially as it relates to the blood quantum requirement. Bobbi Webster,

Public Relations Director, shared

some historical context, noting that

in the 1960s, the Oneida Nation had

around 2,500 members, which grew

to 9,000 in the 1990s. Today, the

membership exceeds 17,000.

Research gathered to date, identifies the Nation’s current enrollment criteria is derived from “Article

II – Membership” of the Nation’s

Constitution; a constitution that was

first adopted in 1936 as a result of

the forced U.S. government policy

known as the Indian Reorganization

Act. One of the four criteria identified

in Article II, is section (b) which in part

states that “any child of a member

of the Nation…who is of at least one-

fourth degree Indian blood…”

Oneida's current membership law

(under section 124.4) outlines qualifications for enrollment in three ways.

In part, these qualification(s) require

individuals be: 1) “…at least one-quarter (¼) degree Oneida Indian blood;

and 2) “Under no circumstances are

the one-quarter (¼) blood quantum

requirements…be diminished.” The

law further identifies that the calculation is based on the bloodlines of

parents and grandparents.

The OPP approved by General

Tribal Council guides the Committee’s

work. Under the current enrollment

criteria, the Nation’s enrollment numbers are on a declining trajectory. It is

the intent of the plan to address this

declining enrollment by identifying

alternative criteria that encompasses

the community’s self-identification as

On yote a·ká· ni i.

Taryn noted the importance of the

work the “I AM Oneida Committee” is

doing by gathering community input

on various topics; she recapped that

approximately 40 individuals par-

ticipated in the first two community

meetings held in February. Additional community input sessions are

scheduled throughout the month of

April, with an additional notation the

team is preparing for the non-stipend

GTC meeting tentatively scheduled

for Monday, May 5, 2025. Taryn concluded by stressing the importance

of participation, highlighting that

this issue will impact everyone,

and that the community must

unite to find a solution for future

generations.

If members are unable to

attend the meeting, they are

encouraged to participate and share their

voices by completing

the online survey.

On yote a·ká· ni i

Plan Survey

Community Input Sessions:

Agenda

Welcome & Introductions

Meeting Purpose and Background

Video on Blood Quantum

Focused Conversation

Wrap Up/Closing

Wednesday, April 16

2 Sessions

10am-Noon or 1:30-3:30pm

Oneida Hotel

WE

WANT

YOUR

INPUT

Friday, April 18

Enrolled and Descendant Youth,

ages 14-21 Only • 11am-1pm

Descendants, all ages • 2-4pm

Oneida Hotel

Pre-Registration Required by Fri., April 11

For more info., a complete schedule of upcoming sessions, or to pre-register,

call 920.869.4481 or go to Oneida-NSN.Gov/IAmOneidaProject

What is

Blood Quantum?

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

On yote a•ká• ni i

APRIL 2025 | 19

“We are encouraging

as much participation

as possible; this is

going to affect us

somehow; some way

and we need to come

together and figure out

a solution for our future

generations.”

Tayrn Webster

I AM Oneida Committee Chair

Current Membership Statistics

As of 03/11/2025

On Reservation

4,491

Brown/Outagamie Counties

3,132

Milwaukee Area

1,941

State of Wisconsin

2,330

Out of State or Location Unknown

5,387

Total

17,281

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Hot Topics in

Tribal GovernanceBlood Quantum

Native Leaders and

Scholars: The Movement

Away from Blood Quantum

Minnesota Chippewa

Tribe Populations Projects

Methodology Report

20 | APRIL 2025

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

Early Detection, Bright Futures

Oneida's Free Child Development Screen

By BIA Early Intervention

Several Oneida programs are implementing a

free online infant, toddler, and child development

screen that parents and caregivers can use in

their home with their computer or cell phone.

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3)

and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Social

& Emotional (ASQ:SE2) provides dependable,

accurate developmental and social-emotional

screening for children between birth and age

six. Drawing on your knowledge of your child,

the ASQ has been specifically designed to

pinpoint developmental progress and catch

delays in young children.

The ultimate goal of Oneida Early Childhood

Programs is to give parents and caregivers the

necessary information, tools, and resources to

help children reach their full potential and be

ready for kindergarten.

Screening young children is an effective tool

to help parents celebrate their child's milestones

and know what to look for next and determine

whether follow-up steps are needed. It is also

an essential first step toward identifying children

with delays or disorders in the critical early

years, before they start school.

For more information: Cindy Liebers

CLieber@OneidaNation.org | 920-490-3840

BIA Early intervention

Ages and Stages

Questionnaire (ASQ)

Online Screenings

(ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE 2)

Early Steps to Success

Your child's scores can help

determine if your child is

developing appropriately or

if they should be referred for

further evaluations to one of the

following Oneida Programs:

♦O

 neida BIA Early

Intervention

♦O

 neida Early Head Start /

Oneida Head Start

♦O

 neida Health Center

♦O

 neida Airport Road

Childcare Center

♦O

 neida Family and Child

Education (FACE) Program

Continuing the Conversation

Beyond Blood Quantum Expands on the Great Vanishing Act

Beyond Blood Quantum: Refusal to Disappear

is now available from Fulcrum Publishing. Edited

by Norbert S. Hill Jr., Megan Minoka Hill, and

Desirae Louise Hill, the anthology examines the

complexities of Native identity, belonging, citizenship, and sovereignty beyond the confines

of blood quantum. Featuring essays, poetry, and

personal stories, this collection serves as both

a guide for in-community conversations and a

declaration of survival.

Beyond Blood Quantum: Refusal to Disappear is a vital intertribal and intergenerational

resource for communities facing the challenge

of securing the future of their nations. Readers

are invited to engage with a range of powerful

themes, from examining the lasting impacts of

colonial policies and the legal complexities surrounding Indigeneity to the pressing need for

tribal nations to reclaim authority over their own

criteria for citizenship.

Amelia M. Webster, Karl Eschbach, Jonathan

Taylor, Suzan Shown Harjo, Danielle Lucero,

Kadin Mills, Jennifer Hill-Kelley, Sadie Kelley,

Marena Bridges, Toni House, Kcheyonkote Burton W. Warrington, Artley M. Skenandore, Matthew L.M. Fletcher, Lois Stevens, John Danforth,

Jim Gray, Jill Doerfler.

Poems from: Kenzie Allen, Richard "Lotni"

Elm-Hill, and Joy Harjo.

Cover Art by: Daniel Ramirez (“Passing on

Traditions”).

Essays from: David E. Wilkins, Amber Starks,

Doug Kiel, Gabriel S. Galanda, Laurence M.

Hauptman, Kany htakelu Rebecca M. Webster,

Norbert S. Hill Jr

StillHere@GreatVanishingAct.com

920.544.9220

Contributors:

Beyond Blood Quantum

Refusal to Disappear

Bulk Book Order:

Orders@FulcrumBooks.com

Connect with us:

GreatVanishingAct.com

Beyond Blood Quantum

HEALTH

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

APRIL 2025 | 21

Beat Measles

Know the Signs, Get Vaccinated!

By Mia Charnon

According to the CDC, measles cases are on the

rise. As of March 6, 2025, there have been 222

cases reported across 12 states. This is an increase

compared to 285 cases in 2024. Measles is a

highly contagious disease, especially dangerous

for young children. Most of the cases are among

those who are unvaccinated. It's important to

recognize the symptoms and get vaccinated to

protect yourself and others.

Stay informed and help beat measles!

Measles (Rubeola)

⋅ A disease caused by the measles virus

⋅ It can be dangerous, especially for infants and

young children.

⋅ Measles is highly contagious.

If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby

will become infected if they are not protected.

Spread of Virus

Transmission: Direct contact with

infectious droplets or airborne spread

from breathing, coughing, or sneezing.

Measles can cause:

Infectious Duration: Virus remains

infectious in the air and on surfaces

for up to 2 hours after an infected

person leaves.

-Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)

-Brain damage caused by swelling

-Deafness

Contagious Period: Infected individuals

are contagious from 4 days before the

rash starts to 4 days afterward.

Serious Health Problems

Measles Cases Update

Total Cases: 222 reported across

12 states and jurisdictions:

• Alaska

• California

• Florida

• Georgia

• Kentucky

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York City

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• Texas

• Washington

Age Distribution:

• Under 5 years: 76 cases (34%)

• 5-19 years: 99 cases (45%)

• 20+ years: 40 cases (18%)

• Age unknown: 7 cases (3%)

Vaccination Status:

• Unvaccinated or Unknown: 94%

• One MMR dose: 4%

• Two MMR doses: 2%

Vaccination

The best way to avoid measles is

to get vaccinated.

MMR Vaccine

Protects against measles, mumps,

and rubella.

Effectiveness:

⋅ 1 dose: ~93% effective

⋅ 2 doses: ~97% effective

Long-Lasting Protection

Effective against all strains of measles.

Schedule your immunization

appointment today!

Oneida Community Health Center

920.869.2711

22 | APRIL 2025

TOURISM

KALIHWISAKS

Exploring Oneida

Oneida Welcomes French Students

By Mia Charnon

On March 18, 2025, students from Lycée Marc

Chagall in Reims, France, visited the Oneida Nation.

As partner schools with Manitowoc Lincoln High

School, this marked their first return since 2019 due

to the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit also kicked off

the first tour of the season, which typically runs from

April to the end of October. Special accommodations

were made to set up early for this group traveling

from France. The French students spent an exciting

day exploring the rich culture and history of Oneida,

led by Cultural Engagement Specialists Leah

Stroobants and Kaylee Schuyler of Oneida Tourism.

The tour began at the Amelia Cornelius Culture

Park, where the students toured the replica

longhouse, participated in a medicinal plant activity,

sorted seeds of the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and

squash), and identified various feathers. The next

stop was the Oneida Veterans’ Services Building,

where the Cultural Heritage team shared stories

and earth songs.

The students then visited the Aquaponics facility

and the Buffalo Overlook, followed by an exploration

of the Oneida Museum. The day concluded with a

shopping stop at Turtle Islands Gifts.

The students and their chaperones expressed

their gratitude for the enriching experience and are

already looking forward to their next visit in 2027.

Leah Stroobants

ENVIRONMENTAL

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

APRIL 2025 | 23

Flight of the Pheasants

1,000 Pheasants Soar into Spring

By Michelle Danforth-Anderson

On Friday, March 21, 2025, The Oneida

Nation Conservation Department has

successfully released 500 pheasants,

evenly divided between males and

females, across various locations on the

reservation. This marks the first of two

planned releases, with an additional 500

pheasants set to be released next week.

To ensure a higher survival rate, the

pheasants require beneficial habitats that

offer shelter and food. These habitats

include high grass, low pressure, and

protection from predators such as foxes,

coyotes, and birds of prey. According

to Shad Webster, Natural Resources

Director, “By releasing them early in the

season, we aim for the pheasants to mate

and raise their young throughout the year,

ensuring future hunting seasons.”

Conservation also stocks rainbow trout,

brown trout, walleye, black crappie and

limited perch. Currently, the Conservation

Department does not have any federal

grants that impact their efforts at this time.

Nature Watch

Sandhill Cranes Return

Our goal is to provide hunting

opportunities for Oneida hunters

and sportsmen by harvesting

natural wild game. This effort will

ultimately support our food

sovereignty initiatives.

Michelle Danforth-Anderson

By Mia Charnon

Calling All Birdwatchers

Grab your binoculars and head to

County Road U to witness these incredible

birds in action!

Sandhill Cranes Spotted

In March 2025, Sandhill Cranes were

spotted off County Road U in Oneida,

WI. These majestic birds are part of the

migratory population that travels between

northern breeding grounds and southern

wintering areas. Some non-migratory

populations reside year-round in places

like Florida, Mississippi, and Cuba.

Fun Fact

Michelle Danforth-Anderson

Sandhill cranes are powerful flyers and

can reach heights of up to 13,000 feet

and fly up to 400 miles in a single day

during migration!

Shad Webster

Natural Resources Director

LOCAL

24 | APRIL 2025

KALIHWISAKS

Honoring Oneida's Warriors

Local Veterans Receive Plaques Acknowledging Distinguished Service

Ed Skenandore, (right) is known throughout the community as a selfless

and kindhearted man who will do anything for his fellow veterans.

As a member of the Wisconsin Indian Veterans Association (WIVA)

Oneida Chapter, Eddy has donated countless time and energy to give

back to his community as well as his fellow veterans. Whether its rain,

snow, wind, freezing temps, or any other kind of inclement weather,

Ed is always there to lend a helping hand. Much of what the veterans

do for each other and the community could not be accomplished

without Ed. Dale Webster (left) presents a plaque from WIVA to Ed

for dedication to the Wisconsin Indian Veterans Association Oneida

Chapter and his service as a proud Veteran of the Oneida Nation.

Dave Cornelissen (left), along with Deke Suri, current Commander

at the Robert Cornelius VFW Post 7784 (right), present former

Commander, Cletus Ninham, Sr. (middle) with a frame displaying

Ninham's many military commendations for his meritorious service

in Vietnam. These include the Bronze Star (marked with a "V" for

Valor), Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Ninham was

commander of VFW Post 7784 from 2005 until his retirement in

2022, handing over the reigns to Suri. To honor the legacy of

Ninham's leadership, Cornelissen gathered the trio together on

Thursday, March 6, 2025 to present the framed commendations

to Ninham.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

MAILED AROUND

MARCH 11

EARLY IN PERSON

BEGINNING ON

MARCH 18

FAIR.

IMPARTIAL.

COMMON SENSE.

TUESDAY, APRIL 1

Paid for by Susan Crawford for Wisconsin.

www.crawfordforwi.com/vote

ELECTION DAY

Judge Susan Crawford has dedicated her

career to protecting our rights & freedoms.

LOCAL

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

HUNTING, FISHING AND

TRAPPING 2024-25

SEASON DATES

2025 Spring Turkey Permits

Dates:

Start: Saturday, April 5, 2025

End: Sunday, May 23, 2025

Last Day to Buy Permits: May 24, 2025

Bag Limit:

Registration, Questions

and to Report Violations

Conservation Department

920.869.6500

Conservation_Department@

OneidaNation.org

APRIL 2025 | 25

Send Application and Payment to:

Mail: Oneida Conservation Department,

P.O. Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155

Drop Off: Designated mailbox

470 Airport Dr., Oneida, WI 54155

2 birds per set

(1 Tom/Jake and 1 Hen)

Requirements:

Registration:

Fees:

Valid 2024-2025 Oneida Sportsman license

Method: Phone, email, or drop off

Permits: Mail or drop off application

and payment to Oneida Conservation.

Permits will be mailed upon receipt

Payment:

Not Accepted: Cash (will be returned)

Accepted: Check or Money Order

(payable to Oneida Conservation

Department)

Oneida Spring

Turkey Permit

Application

Spring Turkey Permits

(up to 2 sets per sportsman)

$5 per set - Enrolled Member

Free - Enrolled Elder

$10 per set - Spouse/Descendant/Other

Affiliation/Non-Oneida Sportsman

Administrative Fee

$25 for all license/tag/permit replacements

Spring Turkey

Regulations 2025

Oneida Tribal

Hunting Map

2024 - 2025

Oneida Nation Farm Completes Exterior

of New Multi-Purpose Facility

By Garth Webster

The Oneida Nation Farm has

completed the exterior construction of

a new 14,400-square-foot, 3-in-1 structure.

This versatile building will offer storage space for hay,

straw, equipment, and machinery, as well as office and

retail space. The interior of the facility is expected to be

finished by June 2025. Additionally, the farm has unveiled a

new Oneida Nation Farm sign, marking this exciting development.

ON THEIR JOURNEY

26 | APRIL 2025

GREGLORIA V. “GLORIA” DOXTATOR

October 6, 1947 - February 20, 2025

Gregloria

Vera

“Gloria” Doxtator,

77, Oneida, passed

away

Thursday

evening, February

20, 2025. She

was born October

6, 1947, to Clifford

and

Melinda

Doxtator.

Gloria accepted Jesus Christ as a

personal Savior in May 1980. She served

at Victory Worship as a lay minister,

beginner Sunday school, substitute

adult Sunday school, worship leader

and treasurer.

She is survived by her son, Christopher;

grandsons, Tyler and Arien; sisters,

Marilyn Danforth and Ruth Ann Miller;

and other extended family.

Gloria was preceded in death by her

parents, Clifford and Melinda; siblings,

Clifford, Donald, Roman, Clarissa,

Rachael, Patricia, Allen and Victor; and

other extended family members.

Family and friends may visit at Ryan

Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street,

De Pere, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on

Thursday, February 27, 2025. The

Oneida Hymn Singers will begin at 11:30

a.m. followed by a prayer service at

noon.

Gloria would like to thank Oneida Health,

Victory Worship, St. Vincent Oncology,

Anna John, Unity and the many people

who prayer for her, sent cards, called

and brought food.

HELMUTH "GUS" A. KOSBAB

August 16, 1946 - February 20, 2025

Helmuth

"Gus"

August Kosbab, 78,

of Seymour went

to his heavenly

home on February

20, 2025. He was

born on August 16,

1946, in Shawano

County Hospital

to the late Alvina (Woodman) Close and

Helmuth R. Kosbab.

Gus was a Vietnam Veteran and

graduated with a bachelor’s degree

from UW-Oshkosh. Gus worked for the

Oneida Casino for many years until his

retirement in 2023.

He enjoyed traveling, gambling with

his lady friend, Patsy, and spending

time with his sisters and many nieces

and nephews. Gus had a vegetable

garden almost every year and enjoyed

fresh vegetables that he shared with his

family.

Gus is survived by three sisters: Joanne

(Ernie) Close, Marianne Close, and

Alvira Close; 17 nieces and nephews,

many great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was

preceded in death by his brother, Arnold

(Elsa) Kosbab; step-father, Arthur F.

Close; nephew, David A. Doxtater; and

uncle, Lewis O, Woodman.

Visitation will take place at MuehlBoettcher Funeral Home, Seymour on

Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 10:00

am until the funeral service at 12 noon

with the Oneida Hymn Singers at 11:30

am. Military Honors will be conducted

following the service. Interment will

take place at a later date in the Tigerton

Union Cemetery. Online condolences

may be expressed to Gus's family at

www.muehlboettcher.com

JOAN DAUGHERTY

October 17, 1953 - February 23, 2025

Joan was born on

October 17, 1953, in

Chicago, Illinois to

William Chambliss

and Ann Metoxen

and passed away on

February 23, 2025,

in Waskom, Texas.

She married K.R.

Daugherty on March 3, 2007, and the

two remained married until her passing.

She worked for J.C. Penney for 30 years

and went to work for McDonalds after

retirement. She was a member of the

Oneida Nation Turtle Clan of Wisconsin.

She was an avid Green Bay Packers and

Nascar Fan.

She was preceded in death by mother,

Ann Spigell; father, William Chambliss;

sister, Tina Peterson, Shirley Bennett

and Carol Gonzales and brother, Ronald

Webster.

She is survived by her husband, K.R.

Daugherty of Waskom, Tx; step children,

Juanita Martin and husband, Ronald, Jr. of

Waskom, Tx, Kendall Daugherty and wife,

Hope of Elysian Fields, Tx, Holly Daugherty

KALIHWISAKS

of Keithville, La and Misty Daugherty of

DeBerry, Tx; brother, Stan Webster and

sister, Barbara Isham, both of Wisconsin

and grandchildren, Thomas Daugherty,

Trent Hornaday, Lilyann Martin, Melody

Martin, Kaylee Hurdle, Jacob Hurdle,

Tori Martin, Evan Martin, Silas Whitmer,

Mataia Cates, Sami Daugherty and Angel

Daugherty along with numerous nieces,

nephews and other friends and family.

KURT L. ELM

April 19, 1963 - March 5, 2025

Kurt Lee Elm, 61, born

on April 19, 1963,

passed peacefully at

home on March 5,

2025, with his family

surrounding him.

Kurt is the son of

Carol (Skenandore)

Elm and Clayton Elm.

Kurt enjoyed a life of hunting with his dad,

and they collected many coon-hunting

trophies and awards. He also enjoyed

watching Nascar races and Packer games.

Later in life, he began painting on canvas

and many of his paintings are hung up

throughout his home. Kurt loved telling

stories and jokes with his family and

making them laugh. Despite his severe

medical conditions, Kurt carried an internal

strength that surprised all of us, and on

difficult days his mother Carol was always

there, taking care of him.

Kurt is survived by his mother Carol

Elm, his brother Clayton (Celene) Elm,

and his sister Cherie Elm. He is further

survived by nephews; Lotni (Desirae)

Elm-Hill, Quanah (Tasha) Vasquez, Quincy

Vasquez, Cheyenne Moosey Elm, Cody,

Marcus, and Cincere Williams and nieces

Jadia (Spencer) Jameson, Raven Nooyen,

Brionne Elm, Autumn Elm and MaKaelyn

(Sage) Elm-Williams. And further survived

by his Auntie Gloria Lusis and his cousins,

Evie (Odin) Anderson, Rick Lusis, and Karl

(Tami) Lusis.

Kurt was preceded in death by his father,

Clayton Elm, his brothers Douglas and

Paul Elm, and his nephews Dustin and

Douglas Elm Jr.

The Elm family would like to thank

Unity Hospice, St. Vincent Hospital staff,

Fresensius Dialysis Center, Dr. Flood and

Brittney from the Oneida Health Center for

their care and support. Special gratitude

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ON THEIR JOURNEY

to our grandson/nephew, Cody Williams,

who spent much time with his Uncle Kurt.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a

memorial contribution to The Cystic

Fibrosis Foundation. https://www.cff.org/

donate

Visitation will be held from 9:30 - 11:00

am on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at

Newcomer Funerals, Cremations &

Receptions (340 S. Monroe Ave, Green

Bay, WI 54301). Oneida Singers will begin

at 10:30 am, with a funeral service to follow

immediately at 11:00 am.

MARY JO BURNS

April 30, 1947 - February 21, 2025

Mary Jo passed away

peacefully, with her

family lovingly

surrounding her,

following

a

courageous bout

with cancer on

Friday, February 21,

2025.

MJ was born to Raymond and Jane (Hill)

O'Loughlin on April 30, 1947, the fourth

oldest of seven siblings, including sisters

Carol and Janet, as well as brothers Jim,

David, Daniel and Shawn. She was proud

of her Oneida (from Jane) and Irish (from

Raymond) lineage.

MJ grew up in North Fond du Lac, WI,

where not only was she a great role model

to her family, but also assisted her parents

in helping raise her younger siblings.

MJ always put family first, making time

to utilize her gift as a teacher. After 20

years living in Fond du Lac, TB and MJ had

the opportunity to relocate their family to

Minnesota. Post retirement, MJ enjoyed

spending time with family and friends,

golfing, arts and crafts, and spending time

with her seven grandchildren.

MJ is survived by her children, Shannon

(Jenny) Burns of Whitefish Bay, WI, Sean

(Kim) Burns of Cottage Grove, MN, Sarah

(Dennis) Neitz of Cottage Grove, MN and

Shane (Jen) of San Diego, CA.; her siblings

sister Carol (late Bob) Smart of Waukesha,

WI and Shawn (Janet) O'Loughlin of

Venice, FL; seven grandchildren including

Mikaela, Abby, Max, Kacie, Jack, Truxton

and Beau; sister-in-law Sharon (Doug)

Terrill of Fond du Lac, WI, sister-in-law

Judy (Rev. Bob) Gurgel of Milwaukee, WI,

brother-in-law Dan (Michelle) Burns of

Kenosha, WI, brother-in-law Mark (Karen)

Burns of Oshkosh, WI, and sister-in-law

Wendy (Rich) Petak of Fond du Lac, WI;

and many, many beloved nieces and

nephews. She was preceded in death

by her beloved husband, Terry Burns;

her parents, Raymond and Jane (Hill)

O'Loughlin; sister Janet Merz and brothers

Jim, David and Dan O'Loughlin.

A Celebration of Life for MJ will be held

Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 4-8pm at

River Oaks Golf Course, 11099 US-61,

Cottage Grove, MN 55016. There will also

be a burial ceremony on Sunday, April

6, 2025 at 3pm at St. Charles Cemetery,

W4287 Golf Course Dr., Fond du Lac, WI

54935, followed by a Celebration of Life

from 4pm-9pm at the American Legion,

500 Fond du Lac Ave, Fond du Lac, WI

54935. The family would like to thank

United Hospital in St. Paul, MN and Our

Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, MN.

Read the full obituary

RAMONA J. POWLESS-CARLSON

July 12, 1929 - February 20, 2025

Ramona J. PowlessCarlson, 95,

passed away

peacefully at Anna

John Nursing

Home on February

20, 2025. She was

born in Cass Lake,

Minnesota, on July

12, 1929, to Merville Powless (Oneida) and

Jessie Snow (Red Lake Ojibwe). She was

later raised by Merville and Adeline

Powless.

Ramona spent her early childhood raised

by her father and in an orphanage with

her brother and sister until their father

remarried.

She trained at a secretarial school

in Milwaukee, WI and worked for a

newspaper and many manufacturing

companies. She also worked as an au pair

for several wealthy families. Ramona had

lived in many cities, including Milwaukee,

Chicago, New Orleans, Los Angeles,

Dallas, and San Francisco.

Ramona was always very popular, and

she loved to entertain friends and family

who loved her dearly. She worked for her

APRIL 2025 | 27

younger brother as he started several

businesses focused on environmental

recycling and manufacturing for Native

American tribes throughout the country.

Ramona was very well loved by all the

tribes she came in contact with, including

the Oneida Nation.

Ramona retired in Southern Wisconsin,

with her husband Stew Carlson, on a

beautiful lake. After Stew’s passing,

Ramona moved to the Oneida Reservation

where she met and made many new

friends. Her final days were spent in the

Anna John Residence Center where she

received excellent care until her passing.

She is survived by her sisters, Dr. Donna

(Dave) Powless Grignon and Shirley

(Robin) Moore (deceased); her brothers,

David Powless, Lloyd (Darlene) Powless

and Ron (Shirley) Powless (deceased); and

by her cousins Kathy Hughes, Barb Dixon,

and Dottie Krull. She is further survived

by her nieces, Darnel Powless, Crystal

Powless, Rami Hoaglin, Kenew Tucker, and

Jane Wagner; her nephews, John Powless,

Grant Powless, Doug Powless, Cameron

Cunningham and Shawn Cunninham; and

many other family and friends whom she

loved dearly.

Friends and family may call at Ryan

Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth Street, for

visitation from 10:00 am until the time of

funeral service at 12:00 pm on Wednesday,

February 26, 2025. Oneida Hymn Singers

will begin at 11:30 am.

Her father told her, “There is no Oneida

word for death. There is just those who

have gone on ahead of us.”

RANDY POWLESS

June 23, 1957 - , February 25, 2025

Randy Powless, AKA

Saawin DeBoy AKA

Dekuss, 67, of

Seymour, passed

a w a y Tu e s d a y,

February 25, 2025.

He was born June

2 3 , 1 9 5 7, i n

Milwaukee to the

late Myron A. Burns Sr. and the late

Eleanore (Powless) Ellis.

Randy was a man who enjoyed his time

Continued on PG 28

Randy Powless

ON THEIR JOURNEY

28 | APRIL 2025

Continuing from PG 27

Randy Powless

outdoors hunting and fishing. He spent

countless hours collecting eagle feathers

on Lake Superior and he knew the Bad

River like the back of his hand. He was

a member of the Bad River Tribe of the

Ojibwe as well as a member of the Oneida

Nation. Randy took great pride in his 2023

Anniversary Edition Harley Davidson

motorcycle, which he kept spotless. He

cherished going on road trips with Chrissy

and delighted in hearing his favorite

Motown singers through the speakers as

they hit the road. Randy had an incredibly

strong work ethic and always got things

done. He even put in new flooring at home,

a gift he lovingly gave to Chrissy. Above

all else, Randy was also a dedicated father

who loved spending time with his family.

He will be deeply missed by all that knew

him.

Randy is survived by the love of his life,

Chrissy; son, Saawin Powless; grandson,

Wakiza Powless; step-children, Katie

(Jamie) Burns, Kelly (Frank) LaRoque,

Michael LaRoque; 11 step-grandchildren;

siblings, Bill (Hiedi-Beth) Burns Sr., Myron

A. Burns Jr., Christina (Bob) Ante, Etta

Burns; he is further survived by his auntie,

Babe, as well as many nieces, nephews,

other relatives, and friends.

Randy was preceded in death by his

children, Cory Joe Powless, Rebecca

Powless; parents, Myron and Eleanore;

sisters, Rhonda Schroeder and Joetta

Powless; brother, Donald Burns.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney

Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March

2nd. Randy will be laid to rest at Bad

River Cemetery in Odanah, WI. To send

online condolences, please go to www.

BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

ROSE MARY “GUSHA” METOXEN

August 13, 1949 - March 2, 2025

Rose Mary “Gusha”

Metoxen, Kaukauna,

age 75, died

unexpectedly at

her home on

Sunday, March 2,

2025. She was

born on August 13,

1949, to the late

Hazel (Smith) Metoxen-Noble and

Freeman Metoxen, Sr. Rose worked as a

catastrophic claims adjustor for American

Family Insurance, retiring after 35 years

of service. She also worked part time at

the Oneida Casino E & EE One Stop for

many years. Gusha was a huge Packer

fan and loved to travel. She and her niece

Lori Metoxen took numerous cruises

together and traveled to New Orleans for

a Packer game. Rose was a proud member

of the Oneida Nation. Through the years,

Gusha played softball and shot pool in

various local pool leagues.

Gusha is survived by her brothers: Dewey,

Gary (Pat), Allen, Roger, and Daryle

Metoxen; sister-in-law, Carole Metoxen;

special niece Lori Metoxen; and loving

dog, Flower. She is further survived by

many additional nieces, nephews, other

relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was

preceded in death by her brothers:

Gordon (Ann), Ronnie, Michael, and

Freeman, Jr.; sister, Patti Metoxen; sistern-law Beverly Metoxen; her good friend,

Maxine Smith; and her beloved dogs

Sampson and Sunshine.

The family would like to give a big thank

you to the Kaukauna Police Department.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March

11, 2025, at PEACE FAMILY UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH (2300 E. Wisconsin

Avenue, Kaukauna) from 10:00 a.m. until

11:45 a.m. Her Funeral will follow at 12:00

Noon, officiated by the Rev. Elizabeth

Jacob. She will be buried in the Oneida

United Methodist Church Cemetery.

To sign the guest book, please visit

oconnellfh.com. O’CONNELL FUNERAL

HOME 1776 E. Main Street Little Chute

920-788-6237

LEONARD J. "JAMIE" STEVENS

December 21, 1962 - February 17, 2025

Leonard James

“Jamie” Stevens

passed away

Monday, February

17, 2025, at the

age of 62 after a

long battle with

cancer. Jamie was

born in Appleton

on December 21, 1962, to Mary and Baptist

Stevens, and had a stepdad, Louie

Danforth.

KALIHWISAKS

He was a hardworking and dedicated

to his job with the Oneida Nation. Jamie

loved get-togethers and cookouts, fishing,

playing volleyball, and casino hopping. But

his favorite pastime was going to the lodge

spending time with his good buddies, the

Red Hails and many others.

Jamie is survived by his wife Georgia “Jo”

Stevens and their four children together,

Jerilyn, Desiree, Roman and Cameron

“Cubby”. Brothers and sisters include

Eunice “Chicky”, Baptist Stevens, MaryLou

Danforth and Sam Danforth. He is further

survived by his grandkids, Andre Stevens,

Kyara Skolaski, Shalyn Guillermo, Wanbli

King, Sequoia King and Rhianna Stevens.

Jamie will be missed by many other family

members and friends.

Services will be held at the lodge at

2546 S. Overland in Oneida. A fire has

begun and will continue until the time

of his burial at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday,

February 22, 2025. Jamie’s body will be

present beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday,

February 21 until the time of burial.

LATAKEH "DUCK" SMITH

February 22, 1981 - March 7, 2025

Latakeh “Duck”

Smith,

44,

Appleton, passed

a

w

a

y

unexpectedly at

home on Friday,

March 7, 2025.

The son of Diane

Moore and Paul

Smith was born in Akwesasne, New York

on February 22, 1981.

Duck grew up in Oneida and attended

Oneida Nation schools, where he was

very active in school sports. He was raised

in the traditional Longhouse beliefs as a

part of the Bear Clan of the On yote a·ká

(“People of the Standing Stone”). Latakeh

means The Runner.

He loved music and was a great cook,

grilling any time he had a chance. He was

the type of person who loved to make

people laugh, and though he loved

“talking his sh*t”, he was always helping

others in any way that he could. He was

an avid Packers, Brewers and Bucks fan

and he had a huge collection of hats and

shoes to match every outfit.

On April 11, 2009, he married his best

friend, Tara Adams. Together, they had

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ON THEIR JOURNEY

seven children, and he was very proud to

be a stay-at-home father.

He is survived by his wife, Tara; mom,

Diane; father, Paul; children, Vianna,

Vashantai (Marc Doxtater), Vintz,

VaRyeuce, Vontayveuce and Valynteno;

grandchildren, Matthew and Madeleine,

whom he was extremely proud of. Duck

is further survived by Meadow (Rolf)

Moore, Nikal^tha “Bug” Smith, Sterling

(Chantelle) Webster, Devin Webster,

Preston Harrison, Tavia “Bunny” Moore,

Oka-Rose “Yonakwala” Scow, Synala

Smith, Kwnwahta Smith, and Qualayou

Smith; step-mother, Beverly Scow; and

other members of his extended family.

Duck was preceded in death by his

daughter, Vaniecia; sister, Yotsitsyakele

"Jiggy" Smith and baby sister, Rose; niece,

Yoseline Carolina Smith; uncles; Loren

Avery Moore, Rory L. Moore and Keith

“Tink” Moore; aunties, Terry (Moore)

Skenandore, Caroline Sue VanEnkenvoort,

and Brucelyn Benson; special cousins,

Krystal Torres Smith and Dwayne Moore;

and grandparents; Bernice Moore, David

C. “Joker” Moore, Evans P. Smith and Rose

Denny.

Family and friends may visit at the Oneida

Longhouse, W370 Reformatory Road,

Seymour, on Thursday evening, March

13, 2025. Visitation will continue overnight

until the time of service on Friday, March

14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take

place at a later date.

Special thanks to the firekeepers, our

friend Kanataloloks, and everyone at the

Longhouse for all their help and support

during this difficult time. Additional thanks

to Josephine Webster for making ribbons

shirts.

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

APRIL 2025 | 29

Sustaining the Tribal

Elder Food Box Program

By Lea Zeise, Assistant Coordinator of Ohe⋅láku

Jen Falck, Intertribal Food Business Development Coordinator – Menominee Tribe

You can Help! Contact the USDA at 202.720.4517 to tell them to keep the

Tribal Elder Food Box Program going. You can also donate to the Great Lakes

Intertribal Food Coalition at GreatLakesIntertribalFood.org.

“Elders eat first,” is something we

hear from a young age in Oneida.

We grow up learning how important

it is to make sure elders eat well. This

value is also at the core of the Tribal

Elder Food Box Program. Since 2021,

elders have received 90,000 boxes

with local foods, including Oneida-made products like corn mush

flour from Ohe⋅láku. Last year, the

program purchased food from 66

small producers who rely on the program as a dependable customer and

take pride in providing elders with

high quality and culturally important

food.

Roughly half of the program in

2024 was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) thanks to

the Local Food Purchase Assistance

(LFPA) program. LFPA has four purposes: 1) purchase food from local,

small-scale food producers, 2) provide it to people who need it, 3)

improve local food systems and 4)

build local economies.

With federal funds in place for 2025

and 2026, plans were set in motion

by farmers, tribes, and program

administrators to reach more elders.

In February, those plans were put

at risk when the USDA terminated

all LFPA contracts. Why cut such a

popular and effective program? The

USDA’s termination letters bluntly

state that the LFPA program “no longer effectuates agency priorities.” In

other words, the USDA has decided

to stop supporting small local food

producers like Ohe⋅láku and programs that provide healthy food to

our elders.

The program will run this season

with the first week of delivery May

26. The Great Lakes Intertribal Food

Coalition is working hard to keep the

program alive in 2026 and beyond.

2025 Tribal Elder Food Box

Distribution Schedule

N7372 Water Circle Place, Oneida, WI 54155

ALL DATES ARE FRIDAY, 10AM

May 30 • June 13 & 27 • July 11 & 25 • Aug. 8 & 22

Sep. 5 & 26 • Oct. 10 & 24 • Nov. 7 & 21 • Dec. 5 & 19

Each box contains proteins, produce, and shelf-stable items, sourced from Indigenous and non-Indigenous local producers and will be representative of traditional

foods whenever possible. The average box will be 20 pounds. The contents of the

boxes will change for each distribution based on what is available seasonally for

the given distribution week. PLEASE NOTE: Food provided is for Tribal members, 55

and older. This project is funded by a Feeding America National Organization grant,

Feeding Wisconsin's Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ARPA grant, and an Intertribal Local Food Purchasing Agreement grant.

30 | APRIL 2025

NOTICES

Setting Time and Notice to Creditors

The following estates are being prepared for probate by the Oneida Nation, Land

Commission Hearing Body.

To attend a scheduled hearing virtually contact:

Diane Wilson, Oneida Nation Land Management, • 470 Airport Dr., PO Box 365

Oneida, WI 54155 920-869-6500 • DWilson@OneidaNation.org

Second publish date of the following cases is April 2025

Estate of Elaine A. Melchert, Case No. 2024-LCP-0001

1. An application for probate was filed.

2. The decedent with a date of birth of 08/11/1940 and date of death 5/21/2023, was

not an Oneida Nation member, domiciled on the Oneida Reservation at W670

County Road EE, De Pere, WI 54115

3. The deadline to submit claims is March 31, 2025.

KALIHWISAKS

Estate of Merlin Melchert, Case No. 2024-LCP-0002

1. An application for probate was filed.

2. The decedent with a date of birth of 10/02/1941 and date of death 08/02/2023,

was an Oneida Nation member, domiciled on the Oneida Reservation at W670

County Road EE, De Pere, WI 54115

3. The deadline to submit claims is March 31, 2025.

4. All interested persons are hereby noticed.

Estate of Russell Metoxen, Case No. 2024-LCP-0003

1. An application for probate was filed.

2. The decedent with a date of birth of 07/06/1934 and date of death 07/05/2023,

was an Oneida Nation member, domiciled on the Oneida Reservation at 235

Valley Dr., Oneida, WI 54155

3. The deadline to submit claims is March 31, 2025.

4. All interested persons are hereby noticed.

4. All interested persons are hereby noticed.

Estate of Karen K. Nolan, Case No. 2024-LCP-0004

Estate of Martha Braeger, Case No. 2024-LCP-0005

1. An application for probate was filed.

2. The decedent with a date of birth of 5/13/1959 and date of death 12/28/2024, was

an Oneida Nation member, domiciled on the Oneida Reservation at 2775 Metoxen

Lane, De Pere, WI 54115

3. The deadline to submit claims is March 31, 2025.

4. All interested persons are hereby noticed.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

1. An application for probate was filed.

2. The decedent with a date of birth of 03/29/1950 and date of death 12/18/2024,

was an Oneida Nation member, domiciled on the Oneida Reservation at 2700 He

Nis Ra Lane, Green Bay, WI 54304

3. The deadline to submit claims is May 9, 2025.

4. All interested persons are hereby noticed.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:00am

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 10:00am

Little Bear Development Center Conference Room

N7332 Water Circle Place, Oneida, WI 54155

CHD Conference Room

2913 Commission Street, Oneida, WI 54155

In accordance with the Administrative Rulemaking Law, Land

Management and the Oneida Land Commission is hosting this

Public Meeting to gather feedback from the community regarding

the following rule:

In accordance with the Administrative Rulemaking Law, the

Comprehensive Housing Division (CHD) is hosting this Public Meeting

to gather feedback from the community regarding the following rule:

Topic: Agricultural Leasing Rule

This is a proposal to revise a rule through:

◊ A full review and revision of existing agricultural leasing

regulations created to make agricultural lands available

to tribal members and third parties for leasing that

implements the following new provisions:

◊ A clear and concise requirement for an absolute

tribalmember preference in agricultural lease selection;

◊ Easily identified pricing models that follow market trends;

◊ New limitations on chemical use on tribal lands aimed

at improving future soil health while protecting the

Reservation’s air, soil, and water health; and

◊ Financial incentives to encourage lessees to use the best

regenerative agricultural practices available

To obtain copies of the Public Meeting documents for this

proposal, please visit www.oneida-nsn.gov/Register/PublicMeetings.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES: Wed, April 16, 2025

During the Public Comment Period, all interested persons may

submit written comments and/or a transcript of any testimony/

spoken comments made during the Public Meeting. These may be

submitted to Oneida Land Management by U.S. mail, interoffice

mail, e-mail or fax.

Oneida Land Management

P.O. Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155 • shunting@oneidanation.org

920-869-6610

Landlord-Tenant Rule No. 1 - General Rental Program

Eligibility, Selection and Other Requirements

This is a proposal to amend a rule through:

◊ Updating the rule's existing income eligibility

requirements to better assess affordability as the Nation

transitions the general rental program into more of a

market rate program.

◊ Updating various sections of the program rule to better

align with daily operations and implementation of the

rental program.

To obtain copies of the Public Meeting documents for this

proposal, please visit www.oneida-nsn.gov/Register/

PublicMeetings.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES: Wed, April 16, 2025

During the Public Comment Period, all interested persons may

submit written comments and/or a transcript of any testimony/

spoken comments made during the Public Meeting. These may be

submitted to The Comprehensive Housing Division by U.S. mail,

interoffice mail, e-mail or fax.

Comprehensive Housing Division

2913 Commissioner Street, Oneida, WI 54155 • sdenny@oneidanation.org

920-869-2227 • Fax: 920-869-2836

LOCAL

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

Class of

Move It Oneida

Just

Spring

High School Graduates

INTO ACTION

Photo submission

APRIL

WEDNESDAY

16

4-6PM

All Oneida seniors graduating high school!

2025

ONEIDA NATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Email Full Name,

N7125 SEMINARY RD, ONEIDA, WI 54155

Join us for a delightful evening of walking,

games, music, and free corn soup!

Monthly incentive is a JMIO baseball cap.

Exercise bingo from 5-5:30pm!

Photo, and

High School Name

Submit by Thursday, May 1, 2025

to Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org

MORE INFORMATION

920-490-3927

hleisgan@oneidanation.org

JustMoveit Oneida

APRIL 2025 | 31

03/04/2025

*Submissions will be published in the June 2025 Kalihwisaks

32 | APRIL 2025

EVENTS

KALIHWISAKS

EVENTS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

Winter Wellness Talks

April 2

Culture - Danial Thomas

When: 12:10pm

Where: Oneida Community Health

Center Conference Room

Questions?

Contact Taylor Jean at 920-490-3940

09/30/2024

APRIL 2025 | 33

34 | APRIL 2025

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

By Michelle Danforth-Anderson

In the summer of 2024, Carter King

embarked on his next Tourism project

to recreate four sets of boarding school

uniforms for the Salt Pork Avenue Log Home

exhibits. The uniforms will include two styles

of girl’s everyday dress, boy’s everyday

suit, and boy’s everyday dress uniform. For

uniform reference, Oneida is blessed with an

assortment of Oneida boarding school photos

from the early 1900s housed at the Oneida

Museum. His research also uncovered

documents from several archives, including

the Nation Archives in both Chicago and

Washington DC to find purchasing and fiscal

records that are not present in the Gordon

McLester archive materials. Additional

photographs were found at Milwaukee Public

Museum, the Neville Public Museum, the

Wisconsin State Historical Society, and the

Library of Congress. In the Department of

the Interior’s Warehouse for Indian Supplies,

at the National Archives, there is a list of

anything and everything to run a boarding

school from food to clothes and more, as

determined by the federal government. A

ledger from the Oneida Boarding school

purchases, letters, and employee costs for

the school are additional examples. “This

has been such a worthwhile investment of

our resources. The most exciting addition on

top of all the valuable information provided

was the colorization of some of the boarding

school photos. It is unbelievable how it makes

that period of time come alive.” said

Michelle Danforth-Anderson, Director

of Marketing and Tourism.

Carter commented, “Our next steps

are drafting patterns and procuring

the final cuts fabrics. In the next

few months, the stitching process

will begin, and we will see these

reproduction uniforms come to life. I

feel like it’s critical now to keep the

buzz around the Federal Boarding

School Initiative’s dialogue open

with the renewed interest between

Canada and U.S. governments and

organizations in boarding schools.

By creating these uniforms, we have

an opportunity to learn and heal

generational trauma. This could be

an incredibly unique opportunity

for a living exhibit and the Amelia

Cornelius Culture Park making

history come alive and educating

students and community members

beyond just looking at photographs

and archival material.

APRIL 2025 | 35

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

June 27 – 29, 2025 • Norbert Hill Center

N7210 Seminary Rd • Oneida, WI

Public is Welcome

Food and Craft Vendors

With a good mind, a strong heart, and strong fire, the

Oneida Nation invites all to enjoy song and dance at this

year’s 51st Annual Pow Wow.

ADMISSION

Weekend Pass $15

Daily Pass

$10

62 & Over

Free

5 & Under

Free

ExploreOneida.com

GRAND ENTRIES

Friday, June 27

7pm

Saturday, June 28 1pm & 7pm

Sunday, June 29

Noon

OneidaTourism