Your Oneida Nation Connection (2024)

Your Oneida Nation Connection

JANUARY 2024

LOC Community Meeting pg 2

HAPPY RETIREMENT!

FLASH BACK JAN. 1993

The Oneida Nation said farewell to four outstanding women that have

served the Oneida community in remarkable fashion for so many

years. Top to bottom: Debbie Thundercloud, Carolyn Cornelius,

Deborah Heckel, and Diana King will now begin their retirement

chapters. See page 10 for more details.

See page 11 for more details.

GTC Annual Meeting Notice

Radisson Hotel

Monday, January 15, 2024 • 6pm

C O R R E CT I O N S

Dec. 2023 edition for Kevin Schoenebeck and

Woodland Indian Art Show & Market, regarding

Loretta Webster.

PG 13

2|

JANUARY 2024

FEATURE

KALIHWISAKS

LOC COMMUNITY MEETING GARNERS

IMPRESSIVE INPUT

To right, top to bottom: Jameson Wilson, Kirby Metoxen, Jonas Hill, Marlon Skenandore, and Jennifer Webster.

By Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

Council Member s Jameson

Wilson, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer

Webster, Jonas Hill, and Marlon

Skenandore facilitated the quarterly

Legislative Operating Committee

(LOC) Community Meeting held in

the Norbert Hill Center Cafeteria

Wednesday evening, December

6, 2023 for the approximately 57

attendees who came to listen to

and offer their recommendations on

important legislation happening in

Oneida.

The meeting began with an overview

of the legislative process, followed

by LOC’s guiding principles, as well

as an explanation of the purpose of

the meeting(s), which is to collect

comments, suggestions, and concerns

to be considered and utilized in the

development of new laws.

As the meeting progressed,

participants enjoyed a free meal while

discussing the Elder Protection Law,

Oneida Language Law, and finally,

the Oneida Higher Education

Law. Councilman Wilson was

quite pleased how the meeting

turned out, stating, “The LOC is

dedicated to hosting these types

of events to engage Oneida Nation

citizens in the legislative process.

We truly appreciate the comments

and feedback we received and

thus, we feel this first community

meeting was a resounding

success.”

The next LOC Community

meeting will be held Tuesday,

March 6, 2024. Together, the LOC

and the Oneida Community can make

Oneida’s laws more effective.

Click or Scan

to Learn the LOC

Process and

Strategies

Photos Courtesy Garth Webster

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NATION

JANUARY 2024

|3

BUSINESS COMMITTEE FORUM

• Educational Assistance

• Elder & Disabled Assistance

• Self-Determined Qualifying Assistance

• Cultural & Religious Programs

By Larry Barton

OBC Treasurer

Holiday greetings to the membership. I would like to

acknowledge our students at all levels as the fall semester concludes. As noted in Chairman Hill and Vice Chairman Brandon Steven’s Forum, the Oneida Business

Committee (OBC) formulated Strategic Planning using

the Native Nations Institute framework developed by the

Univ. of Arizona. According to this framework, our next

steps will be implementing and execution of the strategies. Before finalization, though, it is critical for members

to actively provide input regarding these strategies to

validate the strategic planning process. We look forward

to the views and input from the members to prioritize

direction into the future.

Recently, focus has been placed on expansion of the

General Welfare Assistance (GWA) Safe Harbor provisions. The US Treasury will be providing guidance soon

to guide the Legislative Operating Committee toward

effective application of the GWA, which is vitally important in exercising Sovereignty & Self-Governance to

develop Policy which serves the economic interests of

the members while determining rules for guidance of the

GWA. The Tribal Taxation Advisory Committee, made up

of Tribal Leaders throughout the Country, is also in consultation with US Treasury to finalize guidance for Tribes.

We’re excited that this information will help the Oneida

Nation Legislative Operating Committee (LOC) optimize

GWA benefit applicability of Federal taxation. Areas of

consideration to allocate GWA Funding are:

The Oneida Nation Treasury continues to maintain focus

to providing required reporting of both the Coronavirus

Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) from 2020

& American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from 2021. These

reports are planned for the January 15, 2024 General

Tribal Council (GTC) meeting.

My duty as Treasurer includes serving as Chair of the

bi-monthly Finance Committee meetings. Lastly, development of the 2025 Budget has commenced, attempting to align with the Nation Building & Strategy. During

formation of the budget, input from the membership, as

well consideration of finite resources, will help to prioritize funding allocations.

Recently, the LOC has formulated draft legislation

regarding the Elder Protection Law. I will address protecting our Elders & Disabled to safely exit GTC Meetings.

Central to the proposed legislation is our core cultural

teachings which value displayed respect for Elders.

In the age of climate change, a forum to guide resource

protection and environmental ethics is not only urgent

but essential. It is imperative to protect and manage the

natural resources we are blessed with. Policy formation

to activate the Oneida Environmental Resource Board

has been initiated with several of my OBC colleagues

and we welcome involvement from the community in the

effort to activate the Environmental Resource Board.

Lastly, I would like to respectfully acknowledge the

former Chairwoman & Treasurer, Ms. Cristina Danforth,

who devoted her professional career to provide leadership toward the betterment of our Oneida Community &

Indian Country. Sincerest gratitude for all the effort over

the years.

With the arrival of the winter solstice, we can look forward

to longer daylight with optimism that spring is on the

way. I would also like to convey optimism of our future

for our community, and especially our Oneida youth in

their journey.

Yaw ko

Contact myself or Janice DeCorah by phone or email.

lbarton2@OneidaNation.org

920.869.4394 or 920.609.9458

jdecora2@OneidaNation.org, 920.869.4462

4|

JANUARY 2024

DEVELOPMENT

PROPOSED ONEIDA RECREATION CENTER

KALIHWISAKS

Simplified CIP Process

By Oneida Family Fitness Team

The Oneida Recreation Civic Center building was built fifty years ago in

1973. The building has served many

programs, including Business Committee, Library, Accounting, Bingo, and

currently Oneida Recreation. The facility has undergone many updates and

repairs, with many additional repairs

needed. Currently, the building is over

ten years past its projected lifespan.

The current Oneida Family Fitness

building was purchased by the Nation

in 1994 to serve as the fitness center

for the Oneida Community. This section of the building was constructed

in 1962, with numerous updates to

accommodate services. Even with

updates, this building falls short of meeting the community's needs in several

ways; pool is nonfunctional, the building space is not suitable for youth and

elders, ropes course no longer meets industry standards, and limited space

restricts additional services.

To address these issues, the proposed joined Recreation/Fitness Complex would provide direct wellness to the Community of all ages. It would

be located in Central Oneida near Oneida schools, housing, transit and the

future growth in the community. Although the School project and Recreation

projects are separate, they will be located on the same property. This complex will also have expanded hours and services including; daycare, afterschool programming, learning center, art room, social recreation room, sports

and fitness, a teen center, sport leagues, martial arts, fitness, gymnasiums,

track, team building, ropes course, and possibly, an aquatic center. The two

options are:

• Option 1 – $87,685,000 Includes Aquatic Center (lap pool,

therapy pool, recreational)

• Option 2 – $64,117,000 No Aquatic Center

Community feedback is welcome at the January 11, 2024 GM Community

Meeting. More information available at: Oneida-NSN.Gov/Project-Status-Reports.

This information will be presented at the Oneida General Tribal Council

meeting in March 2024.

For questions, contact Arlouine Bain at abain@oneidanation.org or

Ryan Waterstreet at rwaterst@oneidanation.org.

PROJECT

CONCEPT

BC APPROVAL

DEVELOP

EXTENSIVE

CIP

PACKAGE

BC APPROVAL

FINANCE

POSSIBLE

FUNDING

OPTIONS

PAY IN FULL

MULTIPLE

BUDGET CYCLES

LOAN

COST-PROHIBITIVE

AT THIS TIME

GTC

BUDGET

MEETING

General Manager Community Meetings

Proposed Capital Improvement Projects

• Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 5:30pm • Oneida Recreation Complex

• Thursday, February 8, 2024 • 5:30pm • Transitional Residential Detox

Treatment Facility

YES

NO

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

DEVELOPMENT

JANUARY 2024

|5

ONEIDA NATION HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT

By Artley Skenandore

Oneida Nation High School Principal

First, I want to clarify that although

this project will share the property

with the Oneida Recreation Project,

this Oneida Nation High School project is a separate project.

The Oneida Nation High School is

proposing a project to construct a

new High School as part of a campus approach for education. The

$82,056,000 project, which is proposed to be funded in CIP budgets

through fiscal year 2026, would mirror current surrounding community

trends to create facilities to support

youth programming infrastructure

and create the ability to share access

to building functions and exterior

amenities including playgrounds,

ball fields, parking, etc. It is proposed

that a new school would provide the

opportunity for improved educational

programs that would attract a larger

student body and expand the learning experience. The new facility is

estimated to be 111,000 square feet

to accommodate a projected enrollment of 250 students and should

continue to satisfy the needs of the

Nation for the next 20 years. Site

analysis has determined the campus

project will need 50-60 acres. Three

potential sites have been identified.

The 75 +/- acre parcel shown below

is considered the most viable for

development and shares proximity to

the Turtle school.

One of our Nation’s goals is to

provide a safe, functional learning environment that serves as the

foundation for a quality educational

experience for all students, families,

and the Oneida Community. The new

facility will address several concerns

regarding the existing location:

• Safety and security concerns

• Limited space for teaching

and learning

• Compliance with modern

building codes

The new Oneida High School concept design may originate from the

creativity of a student, much like

the design for the Turtle school that

was created from a concept drawing

made by a former student.

Video supporting a new facility will be shared at the upcoming

General Tribal Council meeting.

A Community meeting will also be

held Wed., Jan. 10, 2024, 5:306:30pm at the Norbert Hill Center.

Learn more clicking or scanning the

QR Code below for in depth details,

including a breakdown of the projected costs.

Click or Scan QR

Code to learn more

about ONHS CIP

Project

6|

JANUARY 2024

NEWS

KALIHWISAKS

ONEIDA STUDENTS Help Light Up the

Holidays at Austin Straubel Airport

The trees were officially unveiled in a Lighting Ceremony

Wednesday, December 6, 2023. For security reasons, this

tree can be seen by travelers going through concourse

A, post-security.

Photos courtesy by Justine Braun

By Justine Braun

Green Bay Area Public School District Communications

Specialist

Over the first two weeks in December 2023, students

from Green Bay West High, Handmade Papermakers

of Green Bay, Aldo Leopold Community School, and

several Oneida 4th Grade King Elementary students

participated a Christmas Tree decorating contest.

Each school crafted exquisite tree themes that will be

displayed for holiday travelers. “Watching the students

and faculty of each school come together to bring their

designs to life has been truly amazing,” said Marty

Piette, Austin Straubel Airport Director. “Their stories

and vision will bring smiles to our travelers, and they’ll

learn something along the way.”

The King Elementary students brought the stories,

history, and culture of the Oneida Nation to their

ten-foot tree. Beadwork, language, custom ornaments,

and more tell the story of what it means to be Oneida

Nation members.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

JANUARY 2024

|7

You Have the Right Not to Remain Silent

Photo Courtesy Garth Webster

Delilah McKinney, Certified Peer Specialist for Ex-Incarcerated People

Organizing (EXPO) with Kevin Florek, CEO of Tellurian Behavioral

Health.

By Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

Delilah McKinney, Oneida Member, has been a Certified

Peer Specialist for the last year for the Wisconsin chapter

of Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO), whose

mission is to use their collective truth to bring about change

within all systems that support mass incarceration and

excessive supervision through their dedication to creating

just systems with policies that build healthy and safe

communities.

McKinney, who grew up in Oneida, unfortunately found

herself on a troubled path. As a result, she served eight

years of a 10 year sentence, followed by 10 years of

supervision for a drug charge. Before her sentence, she

was an Oneida Nation Clerk working out of the Oneida

Nation Secretary’s office. McKinney explained, with

difficulty, how her life took a turn for the worse, “With

me, I don’t even know how it happened, or why. And I

see so many people, and young people, doing the same

thing.” This is reaffirmed with the data presented in April

2023 from the MacArthur Foundation revealing that

proportionately, Indigenous people are incarcerated at a

rate of 7 to 1 as compared to the mainstream population.

Two of McKinney’s partners, attorney Kelli Thompson and

Kevin Florek, accompanied McKinney to her interview

meeting here at the Kalihwisaks, spoke more about this

discouraging dynamic.

Florek, CEO of Tellurian Behaviorial Health, is an

organization that provides a number of services, many

times to formerly incarcerated individuals, to help them

overcome an array of psychological behavioral obstacles,

including treatment for substance abuse. He explained

how recently, there’s been an uptick in Indigenous people

reaching out to his organization, “Over the last 5 years,

less than 10% of the people seeking our service were

Indigenous. Now, this has risen to about 40%.” Thus,

Tellurian is adapting to transform their service-delivery

so it’s done so in a culturally sensitive manner. Thompson

added that individuals like McKinney play a key role in

this, “We can talk and talk but until you have someone

who has walked that walk, not just experience but with

the educational piece, is where we can really make a

difference. Their motivation is get clean and stay clean.

However, when you go back to real life and you still don’t

have stable housing for yourself and children who do you

turn to–the people who have that experience and training.”

Coupled with the realities and/or lack of re-entry services

like Tellurian, McKinney adds that Indigenous individuals

also must find ways to overcome sometimes an even

greater barrier to success, multi-generational trauma.

As McKinney showed me a picture of her daughter,

she firmly explains, “It’s really imperative that we bring

awareness to the multi-generational trauma happening

in our community. When I was in prison, I lost eight

years of my daughter’s life. And then, while I was still in

prison, my daughter went down the same troubled path

I did.” McKinney continued by describing that when she

was young, her mother wasn’t reunited with her mom

(McKinney’s grandma) until she was 17, which in turn caused

McKinney herself to be in and out of foster care as a child,

“That’s generational trauma! So many of us have these

gaps and we deal with them in unhealthy ways.” The silver

lining for McKinney, though, was that she was eventually

placed with her great grandparents here in Oneida, where

she was able to attend school and in turn, reconnect with

traditional ways to help cope and heal from her trauma.

However, in this regard, not all are this fortunate, especially

for those who are still currently incarcerated and even

more so, when released.

Currently, there are three major campaigns EXPO and

McKinney are working on. First, Unlock the Vote is their

effort to restore voting rights to individuals after being

Continued on PG 29

You Have the Right Not to Remain Silent

8|

JANUARY 2024

COMMUNITY

KALIHWISAKS

MAN CLAN REACHES OUT TO WOMEN

By Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

About 30 individuals came together Saturday, December

2, 2023 at the Oneida Longhouse for Gathering IV of the

Oneida Man Clan (OMC).

The OMC, which began in October 2022, is a grass-roots

effort led by a group of local Oneida Men, John Powless

III, Daniel Guzman-King, Jameson Wilson, Dan Doyen,

Jeff Young, Greg Matson, Paul Ninham, Sid White, Marlon

Skenandore, and Garth Webster to reestablish community

by supporting and challenging the Men of the community to

strengthen their Yukwatsi’stay (fire and spirit within each

of us). Through these gatherings, a safe place continues

to be available for men to share their story without fear

or judgment. Sharing is healing. Since the OMC began,

it’s been an activity for men. Recently, however, the OMC

planning team made the decision to reach out to some of

women of our community, and beyond, to gain insights

into how the men of the community can best fulfill their

responsibilities.

Alice Skenandore of Wise Women Gathering Place,

Raeann Skenandore of Oneida, and Jonel Beauvais from

the Mohawk Nation of Awkwesasne graced the participants

of OMC Gathering IV with their presence and wisdom.

Jonel began the session by passionately explaining her

commitment to provide support for those re-entering

back into their families and the community through her

organization, Welcome Home Circle, which encompasses

the knowledge and wisdom of the Medicine Wheel,

offering mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual guidance.

Jonel has led the charge with many Welcome Home

Continued on PG 9 / Man Clan Reaches Out to Women

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

From page 8/ Man Clan Reaches Out to the Women

Circle initiatives, including

her “Tiny Homes” project

that provides housing for

formerly incarcerated

Indigenous people.

Raeann followed by

providing her vision

for the young parents

of the community and

their responsibilities to

their families. Raeann

ended her session by

providing a yoga activity

to the group enabling the

participants to feel the mind,

body, and soul’s connection to Mother Earth. Finally, Alice

eloquently expressed her journey as a midwife, eventually

leading to the creation of Wise Women Gathering Place, an

non-profit organization that provides Indigenous culturallyspecific services to any person harmed by violence. Alice

also conducted a group activity focused on how to truly

communicate with the people in your life as she explains,

“Most times, people listen to respond.” Her exercise, along

with Jonel and Raeann’s, uplifted everyone’s spirit during

the morning session of OMC Gathering IV.

Section 184 loans increase homeownership

opportunities

Submitted by Bay Bank

Oneida Nation members have an extra tool at their

disposal when looking to buy a home — the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development

(HUD) Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Program,

which Congress established in 1992 to eliminate some

of the barriers between Native Americans and home

ownership.

The Section 184 loan is a 15 or 30-year fixed-rate

mortgage with regular monthly payments including

escrow, which is money collected throughout the year

that homeowners use to pay their property taxes and

homeowners’ insurance. The loan features a low down

payment with flexible underwriting and no mortgage

insurance requirement.

JANUARY 2024

|9

After a breaking for lunch, the afternoon session brought

more from two brotherhood from Akwesasne, both of

which work closely with Beauvais and Welcome Home

Circle. Harvey Herne shared his knowledge with his work

with the Seven Dancers Coalition to bring harmony back

to Indigenous communities. Snipe Clan member, Raun

“Monjabi” Mitchell, also made the long journey to Oneida

to share how he is healing from his trauma and his outreach

work with Seven Dancers Coalition to bring awareness

regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, and substance

abuse to diligently empower the men in his community to

become the best version of themselves.

It was a long day at OMC Gathering IV but in the end,

it’s safe to say all the participants

left the Oneida Longhouse

with a feeling of inspiration

to continue practicing

Kahletsyalu’sla (heartfelt

encouragement of the

best in each of us).

Follow the Oneida Man

Clan on Facebook or

email OneidaManClan@

gmail.com. Stay tuned for

some great events coming

from the OMC!

Oneida Nation members, as well as members from

other nations, may be eligible for the Section 184

loans, which can be used for:

• Buying an existing home

• Home improvements

• New construction

• Refinancing

While Section 184 loans provide a great opportunity

for potential homeowners, it is still important to make

sure your finances are in the best condition possible

when you meet with a lender. Start with the following

steps:

• Begin saving for a down payment

• Stay current with existing payments

• Avoid taking on additional debt

• G

 et a free copy of your credit report at

annualcreditreport.com to clear up any issues

Learn more by contacting Tanya Krueger, Vice

President at Bay Bank by emailing tanya.krueger@

baybankgb.com.

10 | JANUARY 2024

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

HAPPY RETIREMENT Cont. from Cover

Submitted by the Episcopal Diocese of Fon du Lac

The Rev. Dcn. Deborah Heckel announced her plan to

retire from ordained ministry effective December 1, 2023.

She was ordained as deacon by Bishop Jacobus in August

2005. Heckel served at Holy Apostles, Oneida. In early

2023, she shared her experiences during the annual Winter

Talk conference held at the Radisson. Click or scan the QR

Code to read more.

In a letter to the people of Holy Apostles, she states,

“I want you all to know I appreciate the support and love

given me throughout my ministry. My prayer is for you all to

Deacon Deborah opening gifts at her retirement luncheon Sunday,

continue the good work you are doing for the church and

December 3, 2023 as Reverend James Biegler looks on.

continue to nourish your spiritual life in Christ.”

On Sunday, December 3, 2023, the congregation gathered

in the Parish Hall after services for a luncheon in her honor.

Deservedly so, she was showered with gifts.

During the Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Oneida

Business Committee Meeting, Carolyn Skenandore and

Deborah Thundercloud were honored for their longtime

dedication and service to the Oneida Community.

Skenandore retired from her Aging and Disability Resource

Specialist position, which she's been doing since 2018, on

Friday, December 29, 2023. In all, she's been working for

Oneida approximately 45 years. Read more about Carolyn

by scanning the QR code by her photograph.

Thundercloud's official last day was Friday, December

22, 2023. She retired from her most recent endeavor, Head

Start/Early Head Start Director. Before this, Deborah has

enjoyed a long and distinguished career in numerous highprofile positions, such as Oneida Nation Chairwoman and

Oneida Nation General Manager of Program's and Services.

Read more about Deborah's career by scanning the QR

Code by her photograph.

Carolyn Cornelius, above, and Deborah Thundercloud, each

received Oneida Commemorative Bicentennial Blankets in honor of

their dedicated service to the Oneida Nation.

The Oneida Sportsbook at Oneida's Main Casino closed

it's doors from 10am-2pm, Friday, December 15, 2023 for a

very special reason.

Friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honor Diana

King, who is retiring from her Oneida Casino position after

42 years of service to the Oneida Nation.

King spent most of her career in the gaming operations.

From Bingo Caller to her current Executive Assistant in

Administration position, and everything in between, King

has done it all with her well-known friendly and gentle

demeanor. The photo to the left shows Diana in her Bingo

Caller position, which appeared in the Focus section of the

Kenosha Newspaper on October 21, 1990. Farewell Diana.

Enjoy retirement!

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

LOCAL

JANUARY 2024

| 11

ONEIDA POLICE LIEUTENANT GOES

ABOVE AND BEYOND

By Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

Brandon Vande Hei, Oneida

Police Department Lieutenant, was

recognized by the Oneida Business

Committee Wednesday, December 13,

2023 for his outstanding performance

in both his law enforcement

responsibilities as well as the

accolade he received by the 40 under

40 program.

Vande Hei led a team of Oneida

Police Department employees to

create a Health and Wellness program specifically for Tribal Law

Enforcement officers. The Oneida

Police Department program was

unique in that it was based on

Oneida Cultural protocols. The program was submitted to the International Association of Chiefs of Police

(IACP) who selected the program to

be presented at their conference in

San Diego in October 2023.

Oneida Chief of Police, Eric Boulanger, submitted Vande Hei’s

accomplishment(s) to IACP 40 and

40 recognition program, a list of individuals the association considers to

be the most influential young leaders

for the year. Congratulations Brandon!

ONEIDA CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESENTS

MID WINTER MOON

Ceremony Education

FOOD & DRINKS PROVIDED

WED., JANUARY 10, 2024

5-9PM

ONEIDA LONGHOUSE

W370 REFORMATORY RD.

Culture is Prevention

This ceremony event may be postponed

Mid-Winter

Ceremonies

January 15-19, 2024

12 | JANUARY 2024

COURT

KALIHWISAKS

ONEIDA HEALING TO WELLNESS COURT

By Simone Ninham

Wellness Court Judiciary Admin

The Oneida Healing to Wellness Court

(OHWC) provides support and resources

necessary for participants to begin

living sober lives and reconnecting

with their families, community, culture,

and Tsi Niyukwalihó•t (Our Ways). As

an alternative to incarceration, eligible

participants agree to engage in an

intensely supervised court ordered

program, which provides support and

accountability for those living with a

substance use disorder.

The OHWC is an established division

within the Oneida Judiciary’s Trial

Court. The program is a voluntary postconviction Adult Healing to Wellness

Court that is a minimum of seventeen

(17) months and consists of five phases.

The program represents a collaborative

effort of criminal justice stakeholders

serving Oneida Nation members living

within Brown County. The partners in

this effort are committed to a nonadversarial approach while providing

culturally responsive and communitybased support. Providing cultural

options and responses into this program

is what distinguishes a difference from

similar specialty courts. Participants

must meet all eligibility requirements to

be accepted and then be sentenced to

complete the Healing to Wellness Court

by a Brown County Circuit Court Judge.

The OHWC Staffing Team consists

of representatives from Oneida

Judiciary, Oneida Behavioral Health,

Oneida Cultural Heritage, Oneida

Police Department, Brown County

District Attorney’s Office, Wisconsin

State Public Defender’s Office, and the

Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

The Staffing Team has continued to

meet every Thursday at the Oneida

Judiciary for training and orientation

purposes. In November 2023, as

part of the team’s education efforts,

Oneida community members who have

experienced substance use, recovery,

and incarceration were invited to speak

to the team to share their journeys. This

collaboration with community members

highlighted individual success stories

and provided insight into what type of

support and resources would be most

beneficial for those individuals who are

integrating back into the community

post-incarceration and starting their

recovery journeys.

Each agency and department on the

OHWC Staffing Team is required to sign a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),

which is an agreement that identifies

clear communication and a thorough

description of each area’s role and

responsibilities. In recent developments,

the OHWC Staffing Team changed the

sentencing structure to provide for more

accessible and efficient referral and

sanctioning processes. The opening

date for applications is anticipated to

be in January 2024 and the first status

hearing will be dependent on the first

accepted participants’ sentencing

timeline.

For more information, contact

Oneida Judiciary at 920.496.7200 or

judicial_system@oneidanation.org.

FITNESS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ONEIDA FAMILY FITNESS

WELCOMES YOU TO 2024!

By Mia Charnon

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

The New Year is the best time to

start your fitness journey. Continue

becoming your best self at the newly

renovated Oneida Family Fitness

Center and experience the new

strength and cardiovascular fitness

equipment while also enjoying the

group fitness classes, walking track,

and full court gymnasium. Guests

can also participate in martial arts

HOW TO SCAN

A QR CODE

and adventure programs, fitness

and wellness assessments, personal

training, disease management

(diabetes) and incentive programs.

Click or Scan the QR below to watch

a video tour of the Oneida Family

Fitness Center.

COST:

Beginner Tae Kwon Do

not only introduces students

to the Korean Martial Arts of

blocks, kicks, & punches,

it also teaches focus,

life skills, leadership

skills & discipline.

JANUARY 2024 | 13

$10

ONEIDA FAMILY

FITNESS

Cost: $20.00

CLASS AVAILABLE FOR

ALL AGES 6 & UP

NEW YEARS CHALLENGE

NEW 6-WEEK SESSION HELD ON THURSDAY’S:

January 4, 2024 — February 8, 2024

(5:00 PM - 5:45 PM)

at Oneida Family Fitness

LET THE BATTLE BEGIN...

* 6 WINNERS *

Top 3 Males & Females with the Highest Percent Weight Loss WINS!

Must complete INITIAL Weigh-In &

FINAL Weigh-In to be eligible

Registration Required. Limited spots available

Programming available to Oneida Enrolled & Descendants and Oneida Employees

INITIAL Weigh-In

January 8 - 13

FINAL Weigh-In

March 25 - 30

PRIZES

1ST PLACE: CASH PRIZE

(100% pay out for top Male/Female)

CONTACT

(920) 490-3730

FOR QUESTIONS

2ND PLACE: Fitbit Charge 5

3RD PLACE: Fleece Weighted Blanket

WEEKLY BONUS BATTLES

CHECK-IN minimum of 3X week to be

entered into Weekly Prize Drawings

* 30 min minimum activity

* 1 check-in allowed per day

ONEIDA FAMILY

1 ENTRYFITNESSWork out with us New Years Day

- Noon

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or Scan

the

Class Schedule Jan. 2 – Mar. 29, 2024 Open

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Facility Hours:

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inFamily

the week

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Monday-Thursday,

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5 ENTRIES – Kevin Schoenebeck and Woodland Indian Art Show & Market

CORRECTIONS

Sign-up for Weight Wars Challenge

The headline of the Dec. 2023 edition regarding Kevin Schoenebeck

The second to last paragraph of the center spread in the December

incorrectly states he attained the highest Jujitsu

Black Belt

Degree. He

2023 edition incorrectly cited Loretta Metoxen. It should have cited

Complete

a Fitness

Assessment

ENTRIES

*Appointment

actually attained the5highest

black belt degree in Tae Kwon

Do. Also,required

the

Loretta Webster.

article states he achieved this nine years after his 1st black belt degree.

Although we strive to be as accurate as possible, errors sometimes

He actually achieved this 9 years after his 8th degree black belt.

occur. We encourage you to reach out and notify us of any errors.

10 ENTRIES

Purchase Personal Training Session(s)

14 | JANUARY 2024

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

Turtle Island Gifts, Creating Connections

By Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

Ten years ago, give or take, Darleen

Denny began setting up shop at pow

wows and events near and far selling

an array of Indigenous products from

makers all over Turtle Island, which

happens to be the inspiration behind

the name, Turtle Island Gifts (TIG).

Despite her success traveling the

circuit, the reality is that there simply

weren’t enough events, especially

during the cold weather months, to

create enough profit to sustain the

business. She needed to find a unique

way to continue her even more unique

business philosophy.

Introspectively, Denny described

that if she was experiencing the

problem of not having enough

events to sustain her business, it

was a sure thing that many others

had the same dilemma, “It was more

than just my problem, it was creating

a solution that would serve the whole

community.” Based on this approach,

TIG began the brick & mortar chapter

of its operation whereby vendors

pay a very affordable three month

lease for space and a very affordable

percentage of their sales to the shop.

Currently, about 40 vendors

showcase their work at TIG. Denny

mentions that a few of her vendors

have remained loyal the entire ten

years since she opened the doors,

which is a result of the concept Denny

practices to create connections with

the community rather than just trying

to make money. In fact, it was this

same connection-driven economic

solution that drove Denny’s ambition

to expand her operations.

Just three weeks before the

pandemic, the space next to TIG

became available and Denny took

advantage of the opportunity to open

the doors to Inward Bound (IB), which

provides another group of artisans,

who like the vendors selling products

in TIG, needed a space that had the

ambiance to deliver their services,

such as Yoga, Meditation, Chakra

Clearings, etc. Denny expressed

how she enhanced the environment

by adorning the walls of IB with wall-

hung creations, “What a beautiful

way to be inspired to look on the

walls and see inspirational artwork.”

Like TIG, the name, Inward Bound,

also has symbolism in regard to

how individuals first seek answers

within themselves as they make their

spiritual journey through life.

Denny’s business philosophy to

create these kind of connections with

the community is and will continue

to be a key success factor, which

she mentions will advance IB even

further in 2024. As not to quell the

anticipation, Denny divulges that

she plans to continue the traditional

pathway classes she’s had but in a

new, innovative way, whereby IB will

be a venue for community gatherings

where people can exchange their

wisdom and knowledge in a more

informal, social, and fun way. When

you visit TIG or IB, Denny says, “You’ll

will be seen. You will be heard. You

will feel a part of something.” Denny

invites you to create your connection.

To learn more, go to Facebook.com/

TurtleIslandGifts

COMMUNITY

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

Free

4’X8’

Pine

Logs

12” wide

and wider

You take one,

you take them all

will not separate

Sitting 6 months • As-Is no branches

Approx 100 logs

Call if interested 262.212.8074

JANUARY 2024 | 15

2024 Oneida Parks Survey.

We’re seeking your input.

Click or Scan

QR Code to

participate in

the survey.

FAMER'S MARKET

16 | JANUARY 2024

Oneida

Farmer’s Market

KALIHWISAKS

Moved to New Location

N7284 Cth J., Oneida, WI

Due to construction at our usual site, the 2024

Oneida Farmers Market will move to N7284 County

Road J (across the road from the Hwy 54 One Stop,

where Grandma’s Diner use to be). This location

change will be for the entire 2024 season and may

extend into the 2025 season, pending the construction completion at the original site.

To address parking limitations, the gravel parking

lot on both ends of that area will be expanded using

compacted crushed limestone to allow for much more

parking. Customer friendly compacted crushed limestone walking paths will also be created between the

vendors to make it easier to move around, and be sure

the site meets customer accessibility needs.

It is our intention to also relocate the brat booth and the picnic area to this temporary new location so we

will be able to continue serving prepared foods to our wonderful customers. It will still be on Thursdays from

Noon-6pm, beginning June 13, 2024.

If you're interested in getting on Santa’s Oneida Farmers Market list for 2024, you can keep updated on

what's happening at the Oneida Farmers Market by signing up online at https://rb.gy/3hsir, or, scan the QR

code below. You can also email your information to Bill at Wvervoor@OneidaNation.Org. All information will

be kept strictly confidential.

New Location

Oneida Farmer’s

Market

Oneida One Stop

Hwy 54

Norbert Hill

Center

The Oneida Farmers

Market hopes you had

very merry Christmas.

HoYan Everyone!

Click or Scan

QR Code to view

OCIFS 2023

Year in Review.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EVENTS

JANUARY 2024 | 17

18 | JANUARY 2024

COMMUNITY

KALIHWISAKS

YEAR AFTER YEAR, GIVING TREE CONTINUES

by Garth Webster

Creative Services/Kalihwisaks

Once again, the community is answered the call of

the Giving Tree (GT) program, led by Oneida Human

Services Division Executive Assistant, Racquel (Rocky)

Hill, to provide gifts for the less fortunate in and around

the Oneida area during the 2023 Holiday season.

From what Hill gathers, the GT program was started

around 2006 or 2007 in the ICW. Since then, it has

expanded beyond ICW to help other clientele within the

Oneida programs and departments and then out to the

community at large. Hill, who has been in charge of the Raquel Hill, (center, red sweater) receives Oneida Bingo's toy donation to the Giving

GT since 2020, describes the gratification she receives Tree. Oneida Nation employees, along with Oneida Bingo customers, combined to

by ensuring she sees as many smiley faces as possible, make the generous contribution, which was worth an impressive $2,765.

“Every year is memorable because it restores my hope

Since 2020, 1,681 children benefited

in humanity, seeing how the community comes together

from the Giving Tree

to help those less fortunate.” She goes on to express the

• 2020 – 373

• 2022 – 450

fulfillment of continuing her mother’s legacy, “I have been

• 2021 – 403

• 2023 – 455

doing this in honor of my Mom, Shirley Hill, ever since I

(2020-2022

includes

clients

from

Family

Services. 2023 does not

began managing this program and when Mom was still

because Toys for Tots purchased gifts for each child valued up to $35)

with us. One of the things my mother was most proud of

Giving Tree gives thanks for the generosity of the community:

was when she founded the Amerindian Center in the mid

Everyone who took tags from the Giving Tree

1970’s to help Native Americans in need in addition to the

All those who donated new toys and other items

two homeless shelters she ran. Now that she’s passed

on, helping with the GT actually means even more to me.

Melissa Webster-Annual toy drive at Oneida Bingo

Feeling her presence is the best present for me!”

$2,200 from Wayne Metoxen-White Eagle Bar & Grill's annual

This year, the gifts were distributed via drive-through fundraiser on Nov. 23, 2023, including Big Snake Band for the

over two days, December 14 & 15, 2023 behind the

bucket raffle, Amusement Devices, Inc.,

K nikuhliyo Family Center at 2640 Westpoint Rd. After

all the White Eagle customers, and

distribution, Rocky says, “It was a lot of work but it certainly

Shawn's Power Wash Pro (see picture to right)

paid off knowing there were so many happy children on

Cliff and Tammy Webster for 2022 donation

Christmas day. I couldn't see all their smiling faces but I

Packers organization for annual donation (2023 donation

can imagine them, just as I opened presents on Christmas

included

hygiene products, Packer apparel, hats & socks)

morning as a child.”

Giving Tree Donation list continues upper right.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

Giving Tree Donation list continued:

1822 Land & Development Company of Oneida, LLC and

Bay Bank for providing gift cards each year (This year, Bay

Bank also conducted a hat/gloves/mitten drive)

$309 from The Veterans from the

Light the Bridgeway Event

Individual Cash Donations: Debbie Melchert-$300,

Anthony Johnson-$200

Craig Skenandore, Rick King & Isabel Parker, Shane John

Memorial, Steve & Florence Petri, and Ben Skenandore for

cash donations. Big Thank You to the Secret Santa who

came through with a bunch of gifts last year and a huge

cash donation of $2,950!

JANUARY 2024 | 19

College of Menominee Nation for taking 10 tags

Deke Suri-Brown County Blackjacks & Oneida VFW Post

7784 Commander for taking a number of tags

Giving Tree Elves, Stephanie Funmaker,

Melissa Jordan, and Jamie Willis. Stephanie does intake

on all incoming donated items and tag purchase item

submissions. Melissa assists with filling the remainder of

tags that gifts haven't been purchased for and with the

gift distribution days. Both Stephanie and Melissa assist

with creating all the tags for all the children on the Giving

Tree list. Jamie works at the Oneida Health Center and

takes at least 50 tags to disburse to employees of the

Comprehensive Health Division.

E Deke Suri, Robert Cornelius VFW Post 7784 Commander, along with his fellow veterans,

pictured in back with purple shirt and flannel shirt, came with plenty of turkey and all the

fixings to serve up a bountiful Thanksgiving Meal to Safe Shelter, Thursday, November 23,

2023. In front, Deke (red shirt), with Safe Shelter administrators, Larry Martinez, Executive

Director Pearl Webster, and Ashley Martinez.

E The Oneida Public Transit Team and

Oneida Family Services exchanged cookies,

coffee and treats for gifts with passers-by in

the W. Mason Walmart parking lot on Tuesday

and Thursday, Nov. 28 & 30,

2023 to Stuff the Bus. Scan

or Click the QR Code to read

their Thank You letter.

D Wayne Metoxen held fundraiser Nov.

25, 2023 to support various charitable

efforts, including Giving Tree, with Shawn

Skenandore with a donation from his

company, Shawn's Pro Wash Solutions,

LLC of $500.

E Joe Valentino, Oneida Veterans Benefits

Specialist, secured a $3,000 donation from

the Oneida Nation for Toys for Tots. Connor

Kestell, Veterans Affairs Manager, along with

Valentino, shopped and purchased the gifts

before contacting the Marines from the Navy

Center in Ashwaubenon to receive the gifts

and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

20 | JANUARY 2024

THT

KALIHWISAKS

Click or Scan

the QR Code to

view additional

Thunderhawk Times

Articles

NFL Weekly Pick Em

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

What’s due by Thursday and

prompts some good-natured teasing

and major bragging rights between

ONHS staff and students?

It’s the ONHS NFL Weekly Pick Em

run by ONHS staff member Anthony

Cornelius.

Each week about forty staff and

students fill out Pick Sheets by

choosing the winners of all upcoming NFL games. They also put down

what they think the total points for

the Monday Night contest will be as

a possible tie breaker.

Overall, participation is pretty

evenly split between staff and students but staff have done better

than the students overall. Oh, except

for ONHS junior Madalyn King who

has held the top spot a few different

weeks. (Rumor has it that she has an

expert consultant in her corner.)

Fashion Design

By Seagram Stevens

As a senior about to finish up by

semester and graduate next June,

I am looking forward to starting my

career in fashion design.

Now this may seem a bit unusual

for a guy from Oneida, WI, but I don’t

think so.

I’ve always had a fascination for

fashion because it expresses how

you feel, and I do have big plans.

Staff Contributors: Thunderhawk

Times Staff – Semester 1, 2023-2024

As for schooling, I intend to go to

college to get my business degree.

After that, I want to open a store.

A few ideas I have for fashion

include shoes, hoodies, and beanies.

Thomas’ Art Classes

are Hands-On

By Ava Danforth

This writer wanted to look at just

some of the activities that art students

in Cindy Thomas’ classes participate in.

Thomas teaches a total of 6 different

classes each semester. They include

Advanced Drawing, Painting, Reading,

Art 1 and 2, Ceramics, and Arts and

Crafts.

In Advanced Drawing, first off, students do “a lot of drawing” using different types of drawing methods.

Likewise, in Painting, students try a

lot of different painting techniques.

In Art 1 and 2, students do a wide variety” of art projects that “touch on different art methods.

In Ceramics, students work on a variety of pottery techniques and are currently making Haudenosaunee pottery.

In Arts and Crafts, pupils do a variety

of indigenous art projects. Examples

are beading, sewing, and also Haudenosaunee pottery.

As you can see, art students are very

hands-on in Thomas’ classes and learning from a successful artist herself.

Journalism Class

Learns the Stock

Market

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

Fridays in journalism class are set

aside for learning the ins and outs of

investing.

Taught by Jeff Martens, even lead

teacher Denis Gullickson becomes a

student on Fridays.

This is all in preparation for our

national competition in the Capital

Hill Challenge that ONHS first participated in during the 2022-2023

School Year.

When asked why he felt knowledge of the stock market was important, Jeff told the students, “Investing

young is the key to setting yourself

up for financial security later in life.”

To start things off, Jeff gave each

class member $250,000 in pretend

money. They then started with four

stocks from a list of about 25 different companies.

They are also working on a pie chart

representing how their $250,000 is

invested into different categories like

stocks, bonds, utilities, technology,

and so on.

The class is awaiting word on when

the Capital Hill Challenge will start.

Meanwhile, we are getting a head

start with the idea that we will win the

national competition.

Watch for updates in future issues

of Thunderhawk Times.

Ever Acostak, Willie Adams, Leland Cutbank, Ava Danforth, Evander Alavez-Danforth, Zoe Doxtator,

Caliana Guiterrez, Asa Hill, Mariah House-Bailie, Cordarrell McIntyre, Loh tiyo Metoxen,

Tehatkwa Skenandore, Seagram Stevens, Marqus Thayer, Mikael Thayer, Lewis Thunder,

Otstokhwio “Osa” Wheelock-Flores, Advisors: Denis Gullickson and Jeff Martens

EVENTS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

JUS T

M O VE

IT

JANUARY 2024 | 21

O N EI D A

WEDNESDAY,

JANUARY

17TH

Oneida Community Blood

Drive

Radisson Hotel 2040 Airport Drive

Oneida and Cayuga Rooms

January 22, 2024

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Oneida Nation Elementary School

N7125 Seminary Rd, Oneida, WI 54155

New this year is our 2024 punch card.

Attend 8 of the 12 JMIO events in 2024 to be entered in the grand prize drawing at the end of the year.

RECEIVE THE NEW 2024 JMIO T-SHIRT &

FREE CORN SOUP (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST).

THE YOUTH CAN CREATE A FUN & EDUCATIONAL STEM PROJECT.

For more information or questions contact Hanna Leisgang:

920-490-3927

hleisgan@oneidanation.org

@JustMoveIt Oneida

11/29/2023

First 25 donors receive a yoga mat and

exercise tote bag

For an appointment call American Red Cross at

800-RED-CROS. Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome!

You can save up to 15 minutes by visiting

www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading

and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Sponsored by: Employee Health Nursing Department

Join Us For the Oneida Nation

Health & Wellness Expo 2024

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Let's continue the Conversations.

Come and Learn about the variety of health related

topics from field experts on 3 panel discussions.

11am - Elder Wellness in Oneida

12pm - Mental, Physical, and Cultural Pathways to Health

1pm - Dietetics and Our Food Relatives

Space is limited for these discussions

Location: Ka'ni Kuhl:yo FC 2640 W. Point Road

Contact Amanda Riesenberg - Oneida Nation Stroke

Prevention Wellness Coach at 920.490.3984 or

email: Ariesenb@OneidaNation.Org

Health and Wellness Experts from across the

Oneida Nation will be here to educate the

community about the different programs and

services their departments have to offer!

This is a Free Event! No Registration Required

22 | JANUARY 2024

ALLAN RAY HILL

July 28, 1947 - November 22, 2023

Allan Ray Hill, an

Oneida Nation

member, age 76,

passed away suddenly on November 22, 2023 after

a short battle with

prostate cancer.

He was born on

July 28, 1947 to Violet Hill in Taycheedah,

WI. He grew up in Shiocton, WI as a foster

child of Myron and Martha Ames and was

baptized on June 19, 1959 in Chute Lake

in Mountain, WI.

Allan graduated from Shiocton High

School in 1965 and served his country in

the U.S. Army in 1967-68. He worked 19

years in various positions at Fox Brady/

Piper Industries in Appleton, WI; then

he worked 17 years as a machinist, shop

foreman, & quality control manager at

Spencer Johnston/JJ Plank Corp. of

Neenah, WI. In 1998 Allan formed his own

business, “Al’s Custom Vending,” serving

the Fox River Valley area with snacks and

soda vending until his passing.

He married the love of his life, Kathryn

(Getlinger) Hill on September 22, 1974

and recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. Allan loved adventure,

mechanical things, and raising his two

precious children, Dixie and Eric Hill. He

was known for his teasing, joking spirit

and hard-working ethics. He was rarely

far from a motorcycle throughout his life

and made several memorable long trips

on his motorcycle with his wife, son, and

grandchildren. Blessed with the speed

gene, he raced his Jeep “Savage” multiple years in mud races and won many

trophies.

He was always trying to improve his golf

score. He also greatly enjoyed watching

football, Nascar racing, and golf. He loved

shooting sporting clays with his co-workers, children, and grandchildren.

Allan is survived by his wife Kathryn,

daughter Dixie (fiance Israel) Hill, son

Eric (fiancee Laure) Hill, grandchildren

Alana (fiance Tyler) Hill and Rylan Hill;

half-siblings Rudy (Jadeen) Webster

Jr., Kevin (Mary) Webster, Bruce (Mary)

Webster, Gary Webster, Darla Melotte,

Rhonda Storzer, and Barbara Webster;

brother-in-law Gerald (Sally) Getlinger,

OBITUARIES

sisters-in-law Jenny (James) Kuske and

Sarah (Jeff) Kamin with numerous nieces

and nephews.

Allan was preceded in death by his birth

mother Violet Webster, foster parents

Myron and Martha Ames, foster sister

Marion (and Tom) Moder; half-siblings

Gerald Hill, Donald Webster, Ronald Webster, Rodger Webster, Judith Webster, and

Dayna Webster; parents-in-law LaVerne

and Carol Getlinger, brothers-in-law Stanley Getlinger and Daniel Getlinger.

Memorial Service to be held at Good

Shepherd Lutheran Church (2220 E. College Avenue, Appleton, WI) on Saturday,

December 16th at 11am (visitation from

9-11am) with military honors to follow.

We wish to thank the Theda Care Cancer

Center for their excellent care of Allan

during his cancer treatment. And Wichmann Funeral Home for their care of us

survivors.

Allan, husband, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle &

friend, you were loved greatly and will

be missed. Especially your funny sayings

like “How hard can it be?” And “Where is

your sense of adventure?”

FORREST LEE HOUSE

April 17, 1948 - December 8, 2023

Forrest Lee House,

age 75, passed

away on December 8, 2023, in Appleton. He was

born on April 17,

1948, to the late

Charles and Alma

Mae (Nunway)

House. He graduated from the college

of UW-Milwaukee and worked as a social

worker for the Milwaukee County for

many years until he retired in Keshena.

Forrest loved to spend his free time at

the casino playing slots and bingo. He

was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed playing softball where he was known as “forever pitcher”. He will be dearly missed

by his friends and family.

Forrest is survived by: his siblings Lydia

Rembalski, Renee House, Kevin House,

Estelle (Wayne) Silas Sr. and Warren Steffes. He is further survived by numerous

nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by: his parents

Charles and Alma, his siblings Delia Ko-

KALIHWISAKS

hel, Jim Brisk Sr., Norris House and Kathy

House.

A funeral mass for Forrest will be held at

11am on December 12, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit with Fr.

Hanz Christian officiating. A visitation will

be held at the Neopit Community Center

starting on Monday at 3pm and continuing until the time of services on Tuesday.

Burial will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in the spring.

MICHEAL HUBBARD JR.

February 15, 1993 - December 9, 2023

Micheal Hubbard

Jr., age 30, passed

away unexpectedly on December 9,

2023.

He was born on

February 15, 1993,

in Green Bay to

Kristen Cornelius

and Micheal Hubbard Sr. Micheal was

very creative and passionate about creating music. Micheal loved his family and

especially his three daughters. When

times were rough and things were difficult, Micheal had a unique way to make

others smile.

Micheal is survived by his daughters:

Ma'Cahyla, Ray'Niah, and Na’Laya; his

mother, Kristen (Yehoshua Tate) Cornelius, father, Micheal Hubbard Sr., three siblings: Kenesha (Reggie) Serrano, Yakira

Tate, and Nathaniel Tate; grandparents,

Jerry (Debbie) Cornelius, Chryel (Bruce)

Tate; two nieces: Sunshine and Morningstar Serrano; and one nephew, Kobe

Serrano; he is further survived by many

aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by maternal

grandmother, Kathleen Hebb, paternal

grandparents: Annie Sue Jones and Paul

Hubbard, two uncles: Stanley Webb and

Yeshiyah Tate and a cousin, Jonathon

Cornelius.

Friends and family may visit at Newcomer

Funeral Home 340 S. Monroe, Green Bay,

on Monday, December 18, 2023, from

9-11am with a sharing of memories at 11

am. Interment will take place at Oneida

Sacred Burial Grounds.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

SAMANTHA JEAN JOHNSON

October 2, 1987 - December 6, 2023

Samantha Jean

Johnson born October 2, 1987, unexpectedly passed

away in her home

on December 6,

2023. Samantha

was loved by many

families and

friends. Sam was a very good artist, sometimes she would be in her own world drawing beautiful pictures. Sam was determined

to make sure everyone was taken care of;

she would put everyone before herself. If

you needed a shoulder to lean on, she

would be there. Sam had a heart of gold;

she lit the room up with her beautiful smile

and laughter.

From Alizae, Samantha loved coloring and

beading. My mother loved the outdoors

and nature; always wanting to walk through

the woods, and going for a hike, knowing

she's going to want to sit down halfway

through the hike. Samantha always cherished all her children no matter the circumstances. She knew how to brighten my day

and make everything better. She never

played about her children when something

was wrong. She was brave and knew how

to take a punch, if she fell, she always knew

how to get back up. She was an amazing

mother, sister and best friend. There was

never a dull moment with her. She was a

warrior and a queen in the same body. She

was built differently in all the best ways.

Samantha was survived by her brother Kris

(Joanne) Johnson, sister Stacey Johnson,

twin brother Jeremy Johnson, sister Jamie Metoxen, brother Avery Nahwahquaw,

brother Gerald Morrison, sister Jessica

Morrison, brother Jack (Tawnee) Metoxen, brother Justyn Metoxen and numerous

nieces and nephews. She is also survived

by her daughter Alizae (Shawn), son’s Miguel and Alex. Her only granddaughter

Colombiana Sunrise Lee.

She was preceded in death by her mother

Shirley Johnson, father Gerald Metoxen,

Aunt Virginia Johnson and many other relatives. Family and friends may call to Ryan

Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth St. De Pere, WI

54115, on Tuesday December 12, 2023, for

visitation from 3pm until time of service at

5pm, with drums being played at 4:30pm.

OBITUARIES

HARVEY JAMES “THE MOHICAN

MACHINE” KOSOWSKI

April 13, 1977 - December 10, 2023

Harvey James “The

Mohican Machine”

Kosowski, age 46,

passed away on

December 10,

2023, in Michigan.

Harvey was born

on April 13, 1977, in

Green Bay, Wisconsin. He graduated from Nokomis High

School in Maine in 1995 and went on to

earn his associate degree from College

of Menominee Nation. He worked in law

enforcement for 20 years, serving the

Stockbridge Munsee Community and the

Oneida Nation. Harvey was a Federal

Firearms Instructor, SWAT certified, and

was a distinguished marksman, even winning the top gun pistol competition. He

was a mentor and teacher, he was selfless

and always willing to help others, and he

was a creative and talented man who enjoyed making custom knives. More than

anything else he loved spending time with

his family. Harvey will be deeply missed

by his family and his community.

Harvey’s memory will continue to live

through: his children, Dylan (Taylor-Rain)

Granquist, Sarah Kosowski, Alyssa

Kosowski, and Tony Rygula; one grandchild on the way; his parents, Lai Lonnie

and Marty Kosowski and Robert and Jodell

Granquist, Jr.; siblings, Robert (Melissa)

Kosowski, Chad Marks, Bradley (Kanani)

Granquist, Brandon (Brianna) Granquist,

and Quincy Granquist; and his partner

Kim Solo. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives,

and friends.

A memorial gathering for Harvey will be

held on Saturday December 16, 2023,

from noon until 4:00 pm at the Stockbridge

Munsee Elderly Center.

JANUARY 2024 | 23

PEARL MARIE MCLESTER

February 22, 1922 - December 4, 2023

Pearl Marie McL e s t e r, 1 0 1 ,

passed away

peacefully at

Anna John Residential Community Care Center on

December 4,

2023, of Covid

related symptoms. She was born in Oneida on February 22, 1922, to James Schuyler & Hattie (Moore) Schuyler.

Pearl is survived by her sisters Evelyn (Raymond – deceased) Elm, Harriet (Warren

– deceased) Reiter and Cleo (Wayne –

deceased) Cornelius; her children Judy

Cornelius, Winnifred Thomas, Donnie (Lori)

McLester, Pearl (Ken) Webster and daughter-in-law Janice McLester; her grandchildren Julie, Jennifer (Donnie), Skipper

(Penny), Eric (Belinda), Crystal, Michael,

Connie, Matthew, Tamar (Kiko), Tina (Greg),

Lee (Paula), Corinna (Tracy), Scott (Linda),

Tonya (Gerald), Garth (Falicia), Kaylynn,

Dianne (Paul) and RJ (Justin). She is further

survived by her many great grandchildren

and great-great grandchildren along with

her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Barbara (Donald) Denny, Mary

(Nick) Metoxen, Eva (Leslie) Danforth and

Rita (Arthur) Webster; brothers Joseph

Schuyler and Lester (Althea) Schuyler, husband Lee Gordon McLester II; her children

Patsy Jean McLester, Ronnie McLester,

Lee (Gordy) McLester III, daughter-in-law

Betty McLester, sons-in-law Robert Thomas, Bernie Cornelius; grandsons Brian McLester and Robert (Yuma) Thomas.

Family and friends may come to call at

Holy Apostles Church, 2937 Freedom

Road, Oneida, WI from 9-11am on Friday,

December 8th, 2023. The Oneida Singers

will sing at 10:30am. A Mass of Christian

Burial will begin at 11am with Fr. James

Biegler. Burial to follow at Holy Apostles

Cemetery. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere,

is assisting the family.

A very special Thank You to Anna John

Staff. Pearl had said she considered you

(the staff) as part of her home. You are all

a part of her family.

*With such a large family, we are sorry if

we missed anyone.*

24 | JANUARY 2024

PATRICIA ANN “PATTI” METOXEN

December 13, 1952 - November 19, 2023

Patricia Ann “Patti” Metoxen, 70,

passed away following a health

complication on

Sunday, November 19, 2023. She

was born to

Freeman and

Hazel (Smith) Metoxen on December

13, 1952.

Patti grew up in Freedom and moved

to California in the early 1970s. She

spent over 30 years as a nurse in behavior health and enjoyed spending

time with family.

She is survived by her siblings, Dewey,

Gary (Pat), Mike, Allen, Roger, Rose

and Daryle; sister-in-law Carole; many

nieces, nephews and other extended

family members.

Patti was preceded in death by her

parents, Freeman and Hazel; siblings,

Gordon, Ronnie, Freeman Jr. and Janice; and other members of her extended family.

Special thanks to the staff at St. Mary’s

Hospital and nieces Lori Metoxen and

Jaime Metoxen.

Family and friends may visit at Ryan

Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street,

De Pere, beginning at noon on Monday, November 27, 2023. The Oneida

Hymn Singers will begin at 1:30pm with

a service to follow at 2pm with Pastor

Jane Sommers officiating. Burial will

take place at the Oneida Methodist

Cemetery.

KATHLEEN ANN POLAR

March 24, 1950 - December 10, 2023

Kathleen Ann Polar, 73, passed

away Sunday, December 10, 2023

surrounded by

family and friends.

She was born

March 24, 1950 to

OBITUARIES

Irving and Leona (Bowman) John. Kathleen was the 7th child of Irving and Leona’s 21 children.

She worked many years for the Oneida

Casino in the custodial department. She

enjoyed working in customer service.

She was people person and always put

a smile on everyone’s face.

Her hobbies included beading, visiting

with family and friends, crafts, putting

together puzzles, jigging, and listening

to old country, most especially Patsy

Cline. She enjoyed cooking, which she

loved sharing her recipes and that always included a storytelling session.

She was a very talented baker, and her

family especially loved her delicious

biscuits, donuts, and cinnamon rolls hot

out of the oven.

She was devotedly religious. She was

raised catholic growing up in Milwaukee, and later in life she attended the

Lion of Judah Church of Green Bay.

When diagnosed with cancer in early

2022, she remained dedicated in her

will to fight her illness. She remained

a brave, iron-willed woman, even

throughout her final months.

Kathleen is survived by her children,

Phillip (Beth), Jeffery, Mary, Leah, Jennylyn (Jeffrey) and Rolf. In addition to,

she is survived by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren which she

loved very dearly. She is further survived

by her siblings, Herman (Jackie), Carol,

Andrea, Gregory, Kristen (Porky), Robin,

Forest, Kevin, Patrice and Anthony.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Leona; siblings, Linda,

Irving Jr., Glenda, Eunice, Michelle, Gabriel, Arvella, Timmy, Todd and Ted, and

her grand-daughter Cynthia.

Family and friends may visit at Ryan

Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De

Pere beginning at 4pm on Thursday, December 14, 2023. A prayer service will

conclude the evening at 7pm Burial will

take place at Holy Apostles Cemetery

with a graveside service beginning at

11:30am on Friday, December 15, 2023.

KALIHWISAKS

JOE “TSAWGIH' GWAS” RICE

September 30, 1980 - December 12, 2023

Joe “Tsa gihgwas”

Rice, 43 years old,

passed away

peacefully December 12th,

2023, after a

nearly 2-year illness. He was

born in Woodruff,

WI at Howard Young Medical Center on

September 30, 1980, to Sherwin (Tonja)

Rice and Lea (Mark) Warrington.

Joe was a member of the Prairie Band

Potawatomi Nation of Kansas and was

a talented artist making beautiful beadwork, fans, bracelets, and necklaces. He

was a welder by trade and worked for 13

years on oil rigs in Wyoming, Montana,

and North Dakota. For the last several

years he worked as a driller for a company who contracted with the rural internet

initiative, until his illness stopped him

from work in 2021. Joe was a member

of the Native American Church and was

a kind and generous man helping and

supporting others. He enjoyed fishing,

spending time in the woods and with his

family, his dogs and helping family with

maple sugar camp, wild ricing, feasts,

and gatherings.

Joe is survived by his wife, Martina

Thomas, and children Rashaun (Alaska),

Roman and Joe, at home. He is further

survived by his mother and father, sister

Lily (Nasiqua) Rice, her daughter Colleen (fiancé Christoper Soriano), sister

Kaluyatatsyes and sons Liam and Emerson, and brother Wahake, all of Green

Bay, mother and father-in-law John and

Faye Thomas, Bartlesville, Oklahoma,

sister and brother-in-law Red Day and

Jeremy Johnson, and their children Marion and Jennings of Norman, Oklahoma.

He is further survived by Uncles Arnie

(Lori) and Bill Rice, Burton (Sandy), Bruce

(Janeen) and Winslow Warrington, aunts

Luanne (Don), Dawn (Greg) and Becky

Continued on PG 25

Joe “Tsa gihgwas” Rice

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

From page 24/Joe “Tsawgih' gwas” Rice

(Jonesy) Miller. He has numerous cousins who called him brother or uncle,

and elders who called him nephew and

grandson. He also is survived by lifelong friends Ernie Stevens and Damon

Skenandore. He leaves behind his dogs

Kutty and Sadie.

Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents Lillian and Kendall Rice and Burton and Colleen Warrington, his uncle

Richard Rice, Aunt Mimi Rice, Uncle Richard Lawe, and Uncle Royal Warrington.

Wayne “Tab” Jessepe of Kansas will

conduct Native American Church Services which will begin Saturday December 16th at sundown, with funeral

Services Sunday December 17th at the

Lac du Flambeau Multipurpose Center

and burial at the family cemetery at Partridge Lake.

Thank you to those who supported Joe

throughout his life, the people of the

Hayward and Wittenberg Native American Church communities, and his relatives in Kansas. Charlie and Donnie

Carufel and Joe Graveen, Mike Murray,

and Michelle Haskins. If we have forgotten anyone, know that we felt your

prayers and good thoughts for healing.

Ryan Funeral Home of De Pere and Bolger Funeral Home of Woodruff assisted

the family with arrangements.

All is forgiven as my spirit returns to

where I came from, at rest with my relatives who have passed on, until we

meet again.

TIMOTHY P. SAUER SR.

January 31, 1953 - December 13, 2023

Timothy P. Sauer

Sr., 70, passed

away at Bellin

Hospital on

Wednesday, December 13, 2023,

with his family by

his side. He was

born in Green

Bay, WI on January 31, 1953, to William

OBITUARIES

and Ella (Summers) Sauer.

He graduated from Abbot-Pennings

High School in 1971. He attended NWTC,

earning a Police Science degree. He

worked for the City of Green Bay as a bus

driver, then as a 911 operator at GBPD

and he retired from the city’s printing

department.

He married Colleen Hanson of Stoughton, WI on June 11, 1977, in Green Bay. As

a lifelong Packer fan finally getting his

season tickets was incredibly rewarding

to him. Tim enjoyed hanging out at the

family cabin. Later, he had great enjoyment at the camper, where the whole

family gathered most weekends during

camping season.

Tim is survived by his wife, Colleen; his

children Elizabeth (Jason) Pries, Timothy

Jr (Kristin) and Emily Sauer. He is further

survived by his grandchildren Annika,

Elodie and Inessa Pries, Timothy Sol Viduski-Sauer, and Ida Arroyo-Sauer; his

siblings William Sauer, Edith Sauer, John

Sauer; his brothers-in-law, Dean Hanson,

Pat Hanson, Bill Fried, and sister-in-law

Jeannette; several nieces, nephews,

aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Ryan Funeral Home

305 N. Tenth St De Pere, from 4-7pm. A

prayer service will conclude the evening. Visitation will continue Tuesday,

December 19, 2023, at St. Willebrord

Catholic Church, 209 S. Adam St. Green

Bay beginning at 9-10:15am. Mass of a

Christian Burial will begin at 10:30am.

Entombment will be in Allouez Catholic

Mausoleum. Please visit www.ryanfh.

com to leave an online condolence.

Many thanks to

the staff at Bellin

ICU for their care

and compassion

during Tim’s

short stay.

JANUARY 2024 | 25

DALE A. SKENANDORE

August 21, 1978 - December 3, 2023

Dale A. Skenandore, 45, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away

on December 3,

2023. He was

born on August

21, 1978, in Milwaukee. Dale

was a passionate and hardworking

individual who dedicated his career

to being the best Diesel Mechanic, he

was truly a jack of all trades. He had a

deep love for his family and was always caring for anyone in need. Dale

had a loving and goofy personality; he

was always outgoing and happy. He

never failed to put a smile on someone's face. He took pride in being a

proud father to his sons, Ethan and

Logan Skenandore.

Dale will be deeply missed by his wife,

Joetta (Putter) Skenandore, his mother,

Lisa Skenandore, and his mother-inlaw, Laurie Sobanski. He is also survived by his siblings: Jimmy (Missy)

Skenandore, Andrea (Timothy) Dauer,

Melissa Skenandore (Jose), Theresa,

Sara (Conin) Douangvihanh, Earnie

Skenandore, Olivia Skenandore (Ray),

Steve Skenandore, Teri (Ed) Erdman,

Jodi Hagen, Greg (Kim) Sobanski, and

many more loving nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by

his father, Dale A. Skenandore Sr., his

uncle, Dennis Skenandore, his grandfather, Patrick E. Skenandore Sr., his

niece, Aiyana Skenandore, and his

father-in-law, Harry Sobanski.

In his free time, Dale enjoyed being

with his family, taking vacations, and

simply enjoying life. He cherished the

moments spent with his loved ones and

made every gathering a joyful occasion.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday,

December 13, 2023, from 1-6pm at

Peace of Mind Funeral Home, located

Continued on PG 26

Dale A. Skenandore

26 | JANUARY 2024

From page 25/ Dale A. Skenandore

at 5325 W Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53214. A celebration of Dale's

life will be held on Saturday, December

16, 2023, from 2-7pm at Mo's Irish Pub,

located at 142 W Wisconsin Avenue,

Milwaukee, WI 53203.

The compassionate staff at Peace of

Mind Funeral Home in West Milwaukee, WI, is assisting the family with the

arrangements.

The family of Lynn King would

like to thank DaVita Titletown

Dialysis, Ryan Funeral Home,

and a special thank you to the

friends and family who have

supported and showed compassion during this time, as

well as all our fire keepers and

everyone who made food donations, or even just checking

on our family. Our gratitude is

beyond words, but we appreciate our community for the

support through one of our

most difficult times. Yaw ko

swakwe.ku

Celestine (Randy), Sherri

(Steve), Terrence, Brent, & The

King Family

COMMUNITY

KALIHWISAKS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

MISS ONEIDA

JANUARY 2024 | 27

She·kú swakwe·kú Kahteli·yó niyúkyats wakeskle·wáke niwakit lot okhále on yote a·ká· niwakatunhutsyot

kata talu kowanhné teknákehle khále tewásh úskah tewakohsliyá·ku.

Hello everyone, my name is Kahteli·yó, which translates to good root. My English name is Kaylee Schuyler.

I am Bear Clan, and the People of the Standing Stone is the land or earth I come from or Duck Creek, the place

of the big ducks.

These past months have been significant to me because I have had the opportunity to gain experience and

grow as a leader while representing the Oneida Nation. My royalty sisters and I have been remarkably busy

attending various events while meeting new people and sharing our roles and responsibilities. Incredibly, we

even had the opportunity to be featured on Fox 11 news to promote the Fall Family Festival.

Among the numerous events, I was able to represent our Nation at the 2nd Annual Tuscarora Nation Powwow and Hunting Moon Powwow. There, I excitingly placed in the Women’s Smoke Dance Special in Tuscarora

Nation. If you know me, you know dancing and singing are what I enjoy most. The Powwows gave me the

chance to visit, sing, and dance with friends and relatives from across Indian Country. It strengthens my fire seeing relatives from different communities reunite.

One of my favorite events that my royalty sisters and I attended recently was the Gambler’s game. We were

invited to drop the opening puck together. The girls and I had a wonderful time spending time together and it will

be a moment I will never forget. Another memorable event was participating in the annual Tsyunhehkwa Husking Bee. We spent the entire day picking and husking corn and making corn husk dolls. I am so grateful to have

Junior and Lil Miss by my side as I look to them as my younger sisters. I love being able to represent and attend

events while having them by my side. We continuously teach each other while also fulfilling our responsibilities.

I also enjoyed attending the 5th Annual Iron 5 Basketball Tournament at the Oneida Nation Elementary school.

At the tournament, they also hosted the Iron Man and Iron Woman Smoke Dance Contest where I humbly won

while being simply happy to just be a part of it. I show my love and gratitude for everything through dance, and

I am so thankful I could be there dancing for my friends, family, and community.

Most recently, we attended the Green Bay Holiday Parade and I wanted to give a big Yaw ko to the Stevens'

family for assisting us with the vehicle. It was so wonderful to see all the children and families waving back at us.

Lastly, I just loved the wonderful experience of attending the Fall

2023 Sing at Onondaga Nation that brings all Haudenosaunee

Nations together to sing our traditional earth songs.

Overall, I am honored to be representing the Oneida Nation and

I am continuously putting my best efforts towards our community.

I want to express my gratefulness and gratitude towards my friends

and family for helping and guiding me. I also want to express my

thankfulness to the community for always supporting and encouraging me. I cannot say it enough, but I am beyond grateful to be a

part of such a great village.

Yaw ko

Miss Oneida 2023-2024

Kahteliyo

Kaylee Schuyler

28 | JANUARY 2024

MISS ONEIDA

Hoyan!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season!

These past 6 months as Jr. Miss Oneida have been

exciting and full of adventures! During this time, I

have gone to numerous events where I made new

friends and experienced memories to last a lifetime!

I have traveled to the homelands a couple of times

and attended many events including the National

Tribal Child Support Conference, JMIO Bicentennial Walk, Bicentennial Week, Great Law Recital,

Kroc Center International Fest, Green Bay Holiday

Parade, Hunting Moon Pow Wow, Indigenous People’s Day, Green Bay Botanical Garden Fall Festival,

and Oneida Orchard Family Day. I also attended

the Gathering of Native Americans, Child Support

Community Resource Fair, and Packer Family Night,

Annual Blanket Making event with OPD, Wisconsin

Child Support Association Conference in Appleton,

Green Bay Holiday Parade, Green Bay gamblers

hockey game for Native American Heritage Night,

and Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army. One of my

favorite events I attended was the George Greendeer Dedication as he was a family friend that I cherished and miss very much!

Recently, I was featured as Jr. Miss Oneida

on the Howard-Suamico and Bay Port High School

websites where I was able to share my culture and

role as an Oneida ambassador. Educating our community about our people is very important and I

believe we should take every opportunity to share

who we are and what we represent.

In my free time, my favorite things to do include

spending time with friends, competing on my high

school dance team, and playing the violin. I would like

to thank the community for the continuous support.

Yaw ko

Jr. Miss Oneida 2023-2024

Riley Aguirre

KALIHWISAKS

Shekóli swakwekú,

It has been quite a busy year for us so far and I

have loved everything we have been able to experience. Some events I have attended include the

Oneida Apple Orchard Family Day, Fall Family Festival at Botanical Gardens, Husking Bee at Tsyunhehkwa, Indigenous Peoples Day at Norbert Hill, First

Nations Heritage Night at the Gambler game, and

the Green Bay Holiday Parade.

Prior to my reign I had two knee surgeries, and

since then I have worked to relearn many movements. By becoming Lil Miss, I have been given the

opportunity to learn how to smoke dance by my royalty sister and become comfortable dancing again.

My favorite experience so far has been attending

the First Nations Heritage Night at the Gamblers

game where we were able to drop the puck out on

the ice and be featured on the jumbotron.

Satunhá.lak tsi w towa.n okhale hoya.n

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Lil Miss Oneida 2023-2024

Milah Kah takta John

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

LOCAL

From page 7/ You Have the Right Not to Remain Silent

released from prison. The second and third initiatives are

Locked Up on the Outside: Prison Without Walls and Expo

Safe Home, which addresses Wisconsin’s long supervision

and providing housing to formerly incarcerated people,

respectively. Wisconsin has the 6th longest supervisionafter-release policy, which according to EXPO research,

many times lead to violations. In fact, EXPO’s research

reveals that 40% of new prison admissions come from

simple rules violations during supervision rather than

new crimes committed. The same research also shows

the cost to Wisconsin taxpayers to incarcerate people

is $147.5 million dollars. EXPO recommends a portion

of this expenditure be reallocated to increase housing

availability as a re-entry service, which will go a long way to

create stability for folks trying to atone. In addition to these

campaigns, McKinney points out another very important

opportunity to advocate for Indigenous people who are

currently incarcerated.

Within men’s institutions, the access to spiritual services

for Indigenous inmates is improving. However, for

women, according to McKinney, it definitely needs work.

Specifically, she is calling for volunteers to provide sweat

lodge services. Aside from psychologically uplifting the

spirits of currently incarcerated individuals, it’s a way for

them to gain knowledge of their traditional ways. It’s the

first proactive step that could prove to prepare their minds

for when they eventually begin their re-entry journey.

Learn more by contacting Delilah McKinney by emailing

delilah@expowisonsin.org or call 608.467.2495 or to go

ExpoWisconsin.org. As McKinney says, “You have the

right not to remain silent.”

Blood Quantum Forum

Topics of Discussion: Identity and Belonging

ONEIDA THOUGHT

LEADERS WILL BE

AVAILABLE FOR

COMMENT

January 17, 2024

5-6:30pm

Oneida Veterans

Services

131 Riverdale Dr.

Food available

until gone.

JANUARY 2024 | 29

Time of Crisis Resources

Non-Emergency OPD: (920) 869-2239

920-490-3860

Behavior Health Triage

920-490-3950

Recovery Coach

Call 211

Text 898211 • 211.org

Help starts here 211 connects you to expert,

caring help. Every call is completely confidential.

Safe Call Now (206) 459-3020

safecallnowusa.org

Safe Call Now is a 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety

employees, all emergency services personnel and their family.

National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

The National Domestic

Violence

1-800-799.SAFE(7233)

or Text 88788 • thehotline.org/

National Drug Helpline

1-800-289-0879

drughelpline.org/ • Help with Drug and Alcohol addiction.

Crisis Line Text

HOME to 741741

crisistextline.org/ • Support in an emotional crisis.

Brown County Crisis Center

(920) 436-8888

familyservicesnew.org/crisis-center/

Outagamie County - Crisis

Phone Counselor

(920) 832-4646 or (800) 719-4418

30 | JANUARY 2024

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

NEW EMPLOYEES to Big Bear Media

By Mia Charnon

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

Mia Charnon is the new Creative

Services Trainee at Big Bear Media.

In her role, she drafts stories for publication and helps development the

Kalihwisaks. Mia was born and raised

in Oneida, Wisconsin by Donald and

Patricia Charnon and grew up dancing

with her grandmother Sandy “Happy

Feet” Charnon. She attended Seymour

Community High School and competed on both the dance and track

team while also teaching dance at the

Seymour Extreme Dance Club. Track

took Mia to the 2017 Native American

Indigenous Games in Toronto, Canada

where her 4x1 relay received a bronze

metal. Mia went on to graduate from

the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

where she studied biology and Spanish. During her time there, she became

Communications VP of her sorority,

Alpha Xi Delta, whose philanthropy

raises money for youth experiencing

homelessness and foster care. During

her free time, she enjoys photography,

thrifting, watching movies, and spending time with friends, family, and her

puppy Darryl.

Leah Kuchta is the new Mail Clerk

at Big Bear Media. Her responsibilities include sorting and delivering all

incoming and outgoing mail, operating postal software, and performing

various duties in the mail center. Leah

grew up the middle child of four children in Green Bay and was raised by

her parents Charlene Charles and

Keith Kuchta. She then attended Green

Bay Southwest High School where she

loved playing and coaching volleyball.

In her spare time, Leah enjoys playing

volleyball, traveling, swimming, watching movies, and spending time her two

sons, DeAngelo and Ares.

NFL INSPIRE CHANGE AWARD

Submitted by the Green Bay Packers Organization

The Green Bay Packers have announced Pearl Webster as the team's

2023 "Inspire Change Changemaker Award" recipient. Webster was

recognized at the Sunday December 17, 2023 game for going above

and beyond in her pursuit of social justice.

The Changemaker Award recognizes individuals in each NFL team

market making a difference in their community across Inspire Change's

four focus areas: education, economic advancement, police-community

relations, and community justice reform.

"We are pleased to honor Pearl with this award," said Packers

President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Her dedication to serving others has

allowed her to have an incredible impact in the community throughout

her life and career. We're proud to highlight her work addressing a

critical need in our area and providing a safe, comfortable place for

families in crisis."

In addition to receiving special recognition at the Inspire Change

game, Webster will receive a $10,000 donation from the NFL

Foundation to benefit Safe Shelter.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

HEALTH SERVICES

JANUARY 2024 | 31

NACHP Celebrates 10 Years

By Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

The Native American Center for Health Professions

(NACHP aka Nay-Chip), located in the UW School of

Medicine and Public Health created by former director

Erik Brodt, MD, an Ojibwe Family Medicine Physician,

celebrated its tenth year of operation in pursuit of its

mission-to enhance the recruitment, retention, and

graduation rates of Native American health professional

students and to promote health education, research,

and community-academic partnerships with Native

communities.

As of 2018, the Association of American Medical

College’s report, Reshaping the Journey, finds that roughly

just a half-of-a-percent of physicians or medical school

faculty identify as American Indian (AI) or Alaska Native

(AN) descent and 41% of newly enrolled AI/AN medical

students plan to participate in underserved communities.

These are the numbers NACHP strives to change and is

doing so with a variety of methods.

Through cultural programming on the UW-Madison

campus that provides outreach and support to precollege students, undergraduate and health professional

students (MD, PA, PT, MPH, Pharmacy, Vet Med) more

and more awareness is being raised to promote and

forward NACHP’s mission. On a larger scale, NACHP

also partners with many Wisconsin Nations, including

Oneida, to create opportunities for aspiring Native Health

Professionals to engage with tribal communities. With the

Oneida partnership, Melissa Metoxen, who serves as its

assistant director, began working for NACHP in 2013 and

since 2015, through formal partnership with the Oneida

Community Health Center, began operating NACHP’s

Tribal Engagement Office. The office supports AI students

across Wisconsin tribal communities who are interested

in pursuing a health career. Metoxen oversees tribal clinic

rotations which take place at most of the tribal clinics in the

state. Students meet program requirements by learning

alongside providers, like Dr. Jay Kennard. Dr. Kennard was

the first provider to work with Melissa in 2015 to offer a

rotation to Native American health professional students.

Since then, there have been over 45 students who have

completed rotations at tribal clinics. Says Metoxen of

her work at NACHP, “I am grateful to get to work with

students from our communities and want to encourage

anyone who might be interested in a health career to

reach out to me.” In addition to Metoxen, NACHP has 2

other Oneida staff and 10 Oneida health professionals on

its advisory council. Recently, John Breuninger, longtime

advisory council member, was recognized for his service to

mentoring students. Breuninger describes the gratification

he receives from his duties on the Advisory Council,

“Having been in the medical field for the past 60 years,

I feel that it’s one of my charges in life, especially being a

member of the Bear Clan (Medicinal Clan) of the Oneida

Nation.”

Since forming, NACHP proudly reports a 100% graduation

and residency placement for their students, now has 91

health professions graduates, and UW-Madison is now in

the top-10 among medical schools for graduating AI and

AN students. Learn more by contacting Melissa Metoxen

at 920.869.4990 or email mfmetoxen@wisc.edu.

32 | JANUARY 2024

OBC TOUR

KALIHWISAKS

Photo Courtesy by Garth Webster

Members of the Oneida Business Committee (OBC) recently began touring various areas and departments of the Oneida Nation to better

understand the daily work and activities happening across the organization. The tours are followed by a question-and-answer session focused on a pre-determined list of key success factors/and or list of concerns each department submitted before their scheduled sessions.

The OBC hopes the result will lead to discoveries on what they can do to enhance productivity. Pictured here is this meeting at Oneida Big

Bear Media on Monday, November 27, 2023.

1071 Riverdale Dr.,

Oneida, WI 54115

1434 Sq. feet / 3 bedrooms /

1.1 bathrooms / New Furnace /

New Water Heater / Central Air

2 Stall Garage / 2 acre

OPEN HOUSE

Est. Monthly Payment: $1,027.31

Tribal fee land

$223.81

Total

$1,251.12

Applications who have a

minimum monthly gross income of

$4,469.00 are encouraged to apply.

$260,000 @ 2.5% for 30 years

Homeowner insurance is required but not included in

this total. Lessee/Homeowner pays taxes on the

improvements and the Nation pays the taxes on the land.

COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING

DIVISION

920-869-2227

2913 Commissioner Street, Oneida, WI

This is a spec sheet only and is non-binding. Onsite viewing is recommended.

Home is vacant/ unfurnished. Must be enrolled citizen of Oneida Nation.

TUE., FEB. 6, 2024

11:30am - 1:30pm

WED., FEB. 7, 2024

4 - 6pm

$260,000

Period: Mon., Feb. 12 – Fri., Feb. 16, 2024 at 12pm

https://oneida-nsn.gov/ Prequalification

Offer Period: 8:30am - 5pm • Mon., Feb. 19, 2024

resources/housing/ Bay Bank • 2555 Packerland Dr., • Green Bay, WI 54313

LEGAL NOTICES

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ONEIDA JUDICIARY

NOTICE OF INTENT

TO GARNISH

Tsi nu téshakotiya tolétha

TRIAL COURT

Payment can be made either in person at the Oneida Trial Court located at

2630 West Mason Street, Green Bay, WI 54303;

or by mailing said payment to Oneida Trial Court P.O. Box 19, Oneida, WI 54155

Oneida entities owed a debt: ONEIDA TRIAL COURT

NOTICE OF

PUBLIC MEETING

TO BE HELD

January 11, 2024 at 11am

in the Conservation Conference Room

470 Airport Drive, Oneida, WI 54155

In accordance with the Administrative Rulemaking Law, Land

Management and the Oneida Land Commission are hosting

this Public Meeting to gather feedback from the community

regarding the following rule:

TOPIC: Land Use License Rule

This is a proposal to create a rule by:

• Replacing the current Standard Operation Procedure format

to formalize through the Rulemakering process.

• Delgate Land Commission's decision making the Land

Management Division Director so that requests can be

responded to more timely

• Creating an Appeal process to the Oneida Land Commission:

• Creating an evaluation team to consider any land use impacts

or terms and conditions that should be imposed; and

• Incorporating the Land Use Permit process for temporary

structures into the Land Use License Process as needed.

To obtain copies of the Public Meeting documents for this proposal,

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

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

OPEN UNTIL January 26, 2024

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

dwilson@oneidanation.org • Phone: 920-869-6614

JANUARY 2024 | 33

Debtor's Names:

Margaret Cornelius

Clyde N. Skenandore

Jennifer L. Summers

First published notice 1/24

LEGAL NOTICE

Setting Time and Notice

to Creditors.

Setting Time and Notice to Creditors.

The following estates are being prepared

for probate by the Oneida Nation, Land Commission

Hearing Body.

Submit creditor claims to: Diane M. Wilson, Probate,

Oneida Nation, Land Management, • PO Box 365,

• Oneida, WI 54155, • 920-869-6614 • dwilson@

oneidanation.org

In the Matter of the Estate of Franklin Nicholas,

Case No. 2023 LCP 0002

1. An application for probate was filed.

2. T

 he decedent with a date of birth of 12/18/1963 and

date of death 7/05/2023, was an Oneida Nation

member, domiciled on the Oneida Reservation at

2840 Chickadee Lane, Green Bay, WI 54313.

3. T

 he deadline to submit claims is January 8, 2024.

4. All interested persons are hereby noticed.

In the Matter of the Estate of Priscilla Shegonee,

Case No. 2023 LCP 0003

1. An application for probate was filed.

2. T

 he decedent with a date of birth of 7/19/1959 and

date of death 10/30/2022, was an Oneida Nation

member and domiciled on the Oneida Reservation

at 661 Dead End Road, Oneida, WI 54155.

3. T

 he deadline to submit claims is January 8, 2024.

4. All interested persons are hereby noticed.

34 | JANUARY 2024

LEGAL NOTICES

KALIHWISAKS

LEGAL NOTICE

Setting Time and Notice

to Creditors.

Setting Time and Notice to Creditors.

The following estates are being prepared

for probate by the Oneida Nation, Land Commission

Hearing Body.

Submit creditor claims to: Submit creditor claims to:

Cindy L. Lecker, Probate, Oneida Nation,

Land Management, PO Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155

920-869-6610 or clecker@oneiedanation.org

Aspiro Adult Work Program assists Oneida Big Bear Media with stuffing GTC

and annual reports for the upcoming January 15, 2024 meeting. 0Clients

really enjoyed the experience of being in a fun work environment. The staff at

Oneida Big Bear are very appreciative of all your hard work!

In the Matter of the Estate of Rita Summers,

Case No.

1. An application for probate was filed.

2. The decedent with a date of birth of 11/26/1929 and

a date of death 08/06/2023, was an Oneida Nation

member, domiciled on the Oneida Reservation at

2892 Commissioner St., Oneida, WI 54155

3. T

 he deadline to submit claims is January 8, 2024.

4. All interested persons are hereby noticed.

2023 LATE GENERAL

WELFARE ASSISTANCE

PAYMENTS REMINDER

C Oneida Nation Assistance Fund

($1500.00/ 18+) ($2000.00/ 62+)

C Elder Assistance Program ($703.54/ 65+)

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Oneida Trust Enrollment Department

PO Box 365, Oneida WI 54155-0365

(920) 869-6200 • 800-571-9902

No Mailbox. In person or courier delivery only (Fed Ex, UPS) at street address 210 Elm St, Oneida WI 54155

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

SCHEDULE AND APPOINTMENT

GET YOU

FLU SHOT

Thurs., Dec. 7, 1:30-4pm

Fri., Dec. 8, 8:30-11:30am

Thurs., Dec. 14, 8:30-11:30pm

Fri., Dec. 15, 1:30-4pm

Tue., Dec. 19, 1:30-4pm

OCHC REGISTERED PATIENTS ONLY

Do you just want the Flu Vaccine? Don’t want to wait in

long lines? Get in and out in 10-15 minutes?

The Oneida Community Health Center (OCHC) Clinic

Nurses will be offering FLU SHOT CLINICS in the

Medical Clinic

920.869.2711

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ENTERTAINMENT

JANUARY 2024 | 35

Rose Malinik Creates Book to Honor

Her Mentors

By Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

Rose Malanik (Powless), who has

always been interested in the arts,

grew up in Chicago and attended

Wright College where she would earn

an Associate of Arts degree. It was also

at Wright College where she became

involved in photography and eventually, even became an employee of

Wright College as a photographer. It

was also during this time that Malanik

wanted to learn more about Oneida

culture and the language.

Her resource to learn the culture

and language was her grandmother.

Unfortunately, Malanik's grandmother

did not teach her these ways out of

fear from the trauma created by the

boarding schools. Nevertheless, Malanik always still felt her ancestral connection to Oneida, as she describes,

"Whenever I was back in Oneida, I

always felt so at home there...like my

roots were there. There's a comfort

there for me." Then, as fate would have

it, an opportunity came to Malanik to

participate in a raised beadwork class

from a legendary Oneida teacher.

"I was thrilled," says Malanik, that

Loretta Webster was giving classes,

"Loretta was so warm and welcoming

and I considered her a mentor." In fact,

Malanik is debuting a book coming

out in early 2024, Iroquois Designs for

Beadwork, which Malanik is dedicating to the memory of Loretta Webster.

The book will briefly discuss how the

art of raised beadwork began but will

mostly focus on beadwork examples

and design patterns that she learned

from Webster, Rosemary Hill, and her

cousins, Sandra Gauthier & Judith

Jourdan. "I want to honor my teachers

and inspire those interested in raised

beadwork to keep this art form going,"

say Malanik. Also interesting is that the

publication of the book is being made

possible by Malanik's prior church, St.

John's of Chicago.

The Rev. Kara Sherer of St. John's

explains that her church has estab-

lished an anti-racism program dedicated to identifying, disrupting, and

dismantling systems of oppression

to honor all people, including Indigenous People. For example, recently St.

John's unveiled a brass plaque at their

entrance as a Land Acknowledgment

to First Nations, including the Oneida.

As Sherer says, "It was another great

opportunity to honor Malanik and her

efforts to keep the Native American

(Oneida) Cultural ways moving forward." Sherer says when the books

are printed in early 2024, they will be

shipped to Malanik where people can

contact her direct to purchase a book.

All the proceeds of Iroquois Designs

for Beadwork will benefit the Oneida

Nation Arts Program.

A notice will be posted in the February 2023 edition regarding contact

information for Malanik to purchase a

book.

Click or Scan to

view a sampling of

Iroquois Designs

for Beadwork

Below shows the proposed cover artwork for Rosa Malanik's book.

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE

PAI D

ONEIDA WI 54155

PERMIT NO. 4

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

Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks/Creative Services

920.496.5632

For All Submissions

kalihwisaks@oneidanation.org

Michelle Danforth-Anderson

Marketing & Tourism Director

Nicole Hrabik

Graphic Designer

Contributors: Mia Charnon • Eric Doxtator

Trista Cornelius-Henrickson • Leon Webster • Peggy Doxtater

Nevada Skenandore • Mel Webster • Leah Kuchta

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

@kalihwisaks

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center – Three Clans Ballroom

2040 Airport Dr. • Green Bay, WI • 54313

Public is Welcome • Dancing, Singing, & Craft Vendors

Grand Entry at 1pm and 7pm • Registration closes at 4:30pm, sharp

Head Dancers: TBA • MC: Dylan Prescott • Arena Director: Daris Killspotted

All Drums Welcome – Drum Split

All Specials sponsored by the Oneida Pow Wow Event Team:

Luck of the Draw – Women’s • Luck of the Draw – Men’s

Teen Girls Smoke Dance • Teen Boys Smoke Dance

All craft vendors will be assigned a spot once payment is received. First come first assigned. For payment call Tonya 920.496.5311

or email twebster@oneidanation.org. To reserve a hotel room at the Radisson, mention the Oneida Pow Wow Room Block when

calling 920.494.7300. Rates will vary if there is a Packer home game. For more information call Tonya at 920.496.5311 or Trista

at 920.496.5621 or email tcorneli@oneidanation.org or follow the Oneida Pow Wow Event Team on Facebook.