Executive Order Affects (2025)

Executive Order Affects

Oneida Libraries

IMLS Grants Terminated Under New Federal Directive

PG 5

2025 Draft

Draft Activities Kicked Off with NFL Green at

Amelia Cornelius Culture Park

PG 6

Arts & Culture

Oneida Art Elevates Austin Straubel Airport

Fostering Community Through Culture

PG 10

Sports

Ron Powless Inducted into North American Indigenous

Athletics Hall of Fame

PG 23

2|

MAY 2025

KALIHWISAKS

From the Kali

Shekóli Swakwe • kú. Ohne • ká

(water) is life and life is Ohne•ká.

Without it, all of Creation, whether it be

the things that walk, fly, swim, or grow

would not exist. It is the sustenance that

enables all things to flourish.

Page 14 of this edition announces the

opening of Oneida Lake. Page 31 discusses what we must keep in mind with

our recreational pools. Finally, the center

spread on page 18 takes an in-depth look

at how the Oneida Nation cares for our

water resources.

The mission of the Oneida Utilities

Department is to provide safe drinking

water and environmentally safe wastewater treatment for the Oneida Nation.

After seeing our Wastewater Treatment

Facility in action, I can personally attest

they are accomplishing their mission.

As they strive to continue doing so,

we must also help them. There are some

important steps we can abide by when

pouring or flushing waste down the drain.

Milk, juices, and used cooking oils

do great harm to our water systems. To

safely dispose of these types of liquids,

put them in a container or saturate them

into paper towels, freeze them, and

then dispose into the trash. These

liquids are incredibly difficult and

expensive for treatment plants

to remove. Another type of

item that wreaks havoc on

our water systems are rags,

including flushable wipes. They

take years to biodegrade, they clog

pipes, and cause significant wear on

water systems. Place them into the trash

and do not flush them. Enjoy the May edition and enjoy our water.

Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks-Creative Services

Big Bear Media

2701 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI 54303

Creative Services/Kalihwisaks

Garth Webster

Mia Charnon

Marketing & Tourism Director

Michelle Danforth-Anderson

Layout Design

Richard Summers III

Contributors

Eric Doxtator ⋅ Leah Stroobants

Leon Webster ⋅ Nevada Skenandore

Peggy Doxtater ⋅ Leah Kuchta

Sophia King ⋅ Mel Webster

Carly Skenandore ⋅ Kaylee Schuyler

Trista Cornelius-Henrickson

All content is © Big Bear Media

unless otherwise noted.

KALIHWISAKS

Official Publication of the Oneida Nation

"She Looks For News"

Kalihwisaks

Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org

Oneida-nsn.gov/resources/kalihwisaks

Scan for more

Kalihwisaks

stories

The views and/or claims of interviewees or advertisers do

not necessarily represent the thoughts and sentiments of

the Oneida Nation or Kalihwisaks.

Our Stories

4

8

Spotlights

5 

Executive Order Affects

Oneida Libraries

IMLS Grants Terminated Under

New Federal Directive

6 

2025 Draft

Draft Activities Kicked Off with NFL Green

at Amelia Cornelius Culture Park

10 Arts & Culture



Oneida Art Elevates Austin Straubel Airport

& Fostering Community Through Culture

18 Water is Life

Oneida Wastewater Treatment Facility

23 Sports



Ron Powless Inducted into North American

Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame

9

12

14

15

 neida Nation BC Continues to

O

Engage at Local & National Levels

IGA Honors Matriarchs

of Indian Gaming

 ll New E/EE Oneida One Stop

A

Nearly Complete

 elebrating Our

C

Community's Dedication

Education

Oneida Reads & UWGB Scholars

Here at Duck Creek

Amelia Cornelius Culture Park upgrades

Youth Writers

Thunderhawk Times & Civic Chronicles

16 

Exciting Updates at the

Oneida Farmers Market

17 

Food Sovereignty

Mending the Disconnect

20 

Oneida Health Advances

Doula Support, Mammography,

& Mental Health

21 

Supporting Caregivers

Oneida Kinship Care Project

22 

Honoring Oneida Excellence

WI 25 Most Influential Native

American Leaders for 2025

24 

On Their Journey

33 Fee-to-Trust Update

Oneida Vocational

Rehabilitation Program

A Journey of Resilience & Empathy

34 

Oneida Falling Leaves 4-H is Now

Oneida Soaring Eagles

Oneida Forester Bradley Thomas (left) and Billy Pocan,

Non-Point Project Technician, help to plant trees at the Amelia

Cornelius Culture Park to ready the venue for summer activities.

4|

NATION

MAY 2025

KALIHWISAKS

Oneida Nation Business Committee Continues

to Engage at Local and National Levels

▲ Vice Chairman Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens and Councilman Jonas

Hill with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) President,

Dr. Kristen Raney. Yellowbird-Stevens and Hill represented the Nation

as Dr. Raney hosted the annual NWTC State of the College, an event

which brings together elected officials, industry leaders, and community partners to discuss ways to bolster the areas workforce and

economic growth. Learn more at www.nwtc.edu/news/2025/04/building-a-stronger-northeast-wisconsin-together

Oneida Business Committee members met with Scott Davis, Acting

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs for the Department of the Interior, during the Tribal Self-Governance Conference April 7-10, 2025 in

Chandler, AZ. Chairman Tehassi Hill and the Business Committee discussed the Nation’s priorities, including land, public safety and justice,

and resources for tribal programs.

Community Input Sessions:

Agenda

• Welcome & Introductions • Video on Blood Quantum

• Meeting Purpose

• Focused Conversation

and Background

• Wrap Up/Closing

WE

WANT

YOUR

Friday, May 2, 2025

4:30-6:30pm

INPUT

Microsoft Teams

(Virtual)

Pre-registration Required

For Pre-Registration,

call 920.869.4481 or visit

Oneida-NSN.Gov/IAmOneidaProject

Upcoming

Facebook Live

Streaming

Sessions

Noon, Thursday, May 1

Noon, Tuesday, May 6

Noon, Thursday, May 8

(Each session guest is TBD)

OneidaNationWI

Facebook.com/OneidaNationWi

NEWS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

MAY 2025

|5

Executive Order Affects Oneida Libraries

IMLS Grants Terminated Under New Federal Directive

By Trista Cornelius-Henrickson

On March 14, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive order

“Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” with the purpose

of reducing the elements of federal bureaucracy that the President has

determined are unnecessary. Included in this order is the Institute of

Museum and Library Services (IMLS) along with seven other agencies,

where the order declares “…the

following governmental entities shall

be eliminated to the maximum extent

consistent with applicable law, and such

entities shall reduce the performance of

their statutory functions and associated

personnel to the minimum presence

and functions required by law.” The

U.S. Office of Management and Budget

has also been directed per this order, to

reject any budget requests from these

agencies other than funds needed to

shut down.

The IMLS is one of several government

agencies that work alongside each other

to provide much needed funding for the

467 Libraries in the State of WI including

the Oneida Community Library and the

Green Earth Branch Library. Oneida

submits for the IMLS Native America

Library Services Grants annually.

Oneida’s Library was awarded an

Enhancement Grant for FY25, however, on April 8, 2025, a notice was

received from the new Trump appointed IMLS director, Keith Sonderling, that

the remainder of their grant was terminated, effective immediately. Steps

had been taken to improve the shelving system, replace the deteriorating

circulation desk, upgrade workstations, and future comprehensive training

for staff, but now is on hold. This loss of funding will also impact Oneida’s

library collections, digital resources, development, and library programming

according to Eliza Skenandore, Library Director.

In response, libraries across WI and the U.S. are teaming up to advocate

for the importance of IMLS funding. Oneida is part of the Nicolet Federated

Library System (NFLS) who along with organizations like WiLS and ATALM

are working to address funding challenges. “They’ve been awesome getting

all of the tribal libraries together and connecting us and just setting up like

spaces for us to collaborate.” Skenandore explains. “It goes back to the

Haudenosaunee teaching of the five arrows,

with all of us together we’re stronger.”

When asked what the everyday

person can do to help support Oneida’s

Libraries, Skenandore suggested “We

really encourage patrons and community

members to take action by contacting their

federal elected officials, whether that’s

calls, emails, letters, visits, whatever you

can do” The Staff at Oneida’s Libraries are

determined to stay true to their mission

statement and continue to offer enriched

programing for all ages despite this new

challenge.

You can find more information and other

resources for what you can do by scanning

the QR codes or reach out to your local

library on how to help.

Executive

Order

American Library

Association (ALA)

Nicolet Federated

Library System (NFLS)

6|

MAY 2025

2025 DRAFT

2025 Draft Activities Kicked

Off with NFL Green at Amelia

Cornelius Culture Park

From NFL Green Press Release

The chilly and windy weather couldn't dampen the spirits of all

those who gathered at the Amelia Cornelius Culture Park on Monday,

April 21, 2025 as NFL Green and Verizon, along with partner, Oneida

Nation, kicked off the 2025 Draft activities by acknowledging Earth

Day.

These community greening events create cooperative efforts to

plant shade trees and clean up important waterways, helping to

improve air quality, reduce urban heat, support local wildlife, and

improve the Fox-Wolf watershed which flows into Green Bay and

eventually Lake Michigan.

Jack Groh, NFL Green Director, (shown right, blue jacket),

enthusiastically emceed the event, introducing dignitaries such as

Susan Lucas, Assoc. Director of Sustainability at Verizon, (right, red

sleeves) the Oneida Nation Royalty and Student Singers, Oneida

Nation Veterans, Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill, and WI

Governor, Tony Evers. Groh's wife, Susan, Assoc. Director of NFL

Green, was also on hand to help acknowledge the attendees,

including the Oneida's environmental staff who set up stations

for community volunteers to complete planting 15 trees after the

presentations.

Says Chairman Hill, "I'd like to thank this program for the tree

planting. As we continue to restore our reservation land, forestry

is a very important aspect of that recovery so anytime we can plant

some trees and reestablish the forest or help clean the water and

the other things that are important because we are only as healthy

as our environment."

KALIHWISAKS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

2025 DRAFT

MAY 2025

Oneida Nation Shares Culture

During 2025 Draft Activities

By Mia Charnon

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Draft Week continued with a vibrant

celebration of Oneida heritage in Green Bay. The day's events started at

9:30am with Lauren Cornelius singing the National Anthem, accompanied

by the Oneida Nation Color Guard at Titletown. The celebration continued

with two dance exhibitions by over 50 Oneida Nation Smoke Dancers and

Singers at the Discover Green Bay Visitor Center at 10am and 1pm. These

free performances showcased the rich traditions and cultural pride of the

Oneida people, highlighting their significant role in the community and their

enduring legacy in Green Bay.

|7

8|

MAY 2025

LEADERSHIP

KALIHWISAKS

IGA Honors Matriarchs

of Indian Gaming

By Rege Behe,

Freelance journalist and lead contributor to CDC Gaming

Oneida Casino General Manager, Louise Cornelius was one of 13

individuals recognized Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the Indian Gaming

Tradeshow and Convention at the San Diego Convention Center.

At one point during the celebration for the “Matriarchs of Indian

Gaming – Honoring Our Women Warriors,” Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens seemed overwhelmed. The women on

stage with him during the ceremony at Indian Gaming Tradeshow &

Convention at the San Diego Convention Center last week outshone

the always-garrulous Stevens.

“We don’t have the time to tell you what this group of women

warriors did for Indian country,” said Stevens as he introduced

them. “We want to take the time to give them recognition… The

Indian Gaming Association proudly recognizes these individuals

who have dedicated their lives to serving and promoting Native

American culture. These honorees have made lasting contributions

to their communities through their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to honoring tradition.”

“This is the first class of the Matriarchs of Indian Gaming,” Stevens said, “our women warriors, some with a lot of experience,

some with not a lot of experience. These ladies have given their

lives to Indian gaming. Our next class won’t be as large, but it will

be as powerful.”

All New E&EE Oneida One Stop Nearly Complete

By Phil Wisneski, Oneida Retail Communication/Strategic Planner

The new E&EE Oneida One Stop Mobil is hitting the homestretch

as construction has shifted to inside and hardware finishes. The

store is tentatively scheduled to be open in mid-June and Oneida

Retail is excited to provide a much-improved customer experience

for their guests.

Flooring has been completed and siding is near completion. The

next major milestone will be the installation of cooler and freezer

doors and completing the restrooms.

Once these are finished, work will transition to outside as the

weather warms up. Curb and gutter will be poured along the exterior perimeter of the parking lot along with the store sidewalk being

laid down. Kitchen completion is also on the schedule as this location will also be featuring Hunt Brothers Pizza.

Oneida Retail has also taken an environmentally responsible

approach to the main sign for the property. They will be re-using

the sign from the current site with a few updates and a fresh coat

of paint. This will not only save on the overall cost of the project but

also reduce waste by not having the sign go into a local landfill.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

LEADERSHIP

MAY 2025

|9

Celebrating Our Community's Dedication

Helen Huff, Custodian

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Norbert Hill Center in Oneida,

Wisconsin, Helen Huff was honored for her 30 years of dedicated service.

Huff, who retired at the age of 81 and is now 82 years old, worked

tirelessly as a custodian for the Oneida Nation. The Nation extends their

appreciation for your hard work, and unwavering commitment during

your many years of service. Yaw kó Helen!

Darla Dorosz, Title VI Teacher

Darla Dorosz is retiring in May 2025 after 14 years of teaching

Indigenous students in the Seymour Community School District (SCSD).

The Oneida Business Committee and SCSD faculty organized a surprise

party to honor her, attended by many of her YES students, teachers,

and faculty. The Nation thanks you for your 14 years of service and

commitment to education. Yaw kó Darla!

Vicki Krueger, DTS Operations Analyst

Vicki Krueger provided an economical solution to hosting the Nation's

Geographical Information Systems (GIS). She worked collaboratively

within DTS to assist Community Development to implement an

on-premises solution, ultimately saving the Nation approximately

$200,000 per year. The Nation thanks you for your innovative solutions.

Your leadership will make a lasting impact on the Nation's technological

infrastructure. Yaw kó Vicki!

Marilyn King, Food Distribution Manager

Marilyn King saved the Nation $90,540 in tribal contributions this

fiscal year by successfully requesting a waiver of the Nation match for

her grant. The Nation is deeply grateful for your dedication to fiscal

responsibility! Yaw kó Marilyn!

10 | MAY 2025

ARTS

KALIHWISAKS

Oneida Art Elevates GRB Airport

2025 Draft Visitors Welcomed by Indigenous Masterpieces

“The experience that visitors

receive is thanks to the many

partnerships and contributions of

local vendors who help make GRB

the perfect first stop while they

explore our community,” said Airport

Director Marty Piette to WBAY. “The

GRB Art Program gives us the chance

to promote local artists, and the

Oneida Nation is one of the amazing

partners eager to highlight their

beautiful work.”

By Mia Charnon

As stated by Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB),

the Oneida Nation Arts Program (ONAP) has collaborated with eight

talented artists to display 22 pieces of artwork from the Oneida community

throughout the concourses of GRB. This dynamic exhibit, perfectly timed

for the influx of visitors due to the upcoming 2025 Draft, will be on display

from March until August 2025.

The exhibit features captivating pieces from the 2024 Oneida National

Treasures, including Scott Hill and Loretta Webster, as well as remarkable

works by winners of the 2024 Woodland Indian Art Show & Market: Jennifer

Jordan, Rae Skenandore, Eliza Skenandore, Sunny Webster, Liandra

Skenandore, and Richard Gonzalez. The artists showcase various media,

including acrylic paintings, historical photographs, textiles, bead work,

sculptures, and basketry.

The Grand Lobby will include one display case, and each concourse will

feature display cases along with wall-mounted artworks, ensuring that

travelers can enjoy the diverse and rich artistic expressions of the Oneida

community throughout the airport.

The ONAP is excited about this collaboration, emphasizing the chance to

share the rich culture and artistic talent of the local Indigenous communities

“It's a wonderful opportunity for us to

share our art and traditions with travelers

exploring Green Bay, and we truly appreciate

this opportunity - Yaw kó (Thank you)," said

ONAP to WBAY.

with travelers.

The artwork will remain on display through August, and the airport is

working with other groups to continue highlighting the dynamic art scene

of Northeast Wisconsin. GRB aims to enhance the user experience by

promoting local artists and educating visitors about the region's cultural

heritage.

The GRB Arts Program began in 2023 with a holiday display of Evergleam

Christmas trees. The following year, current art displays and a tree decorating

contest were introduced. The program's roots date back to 2019, when

a conversation between Melinda J. Danforth and airport administration,

inspired by similar initiatives at other airports, led to the incorporation of

a sense of place in the airport spaces. The GRB administration felt it was

important to reflect the unique cultural identity of Northeast Wisconsin in

the airport environment.

Gradually, a sense of place has been realized at GRB. Regional lighthouses

now highlight walls throughout the airport, a unique collection of Green Bay

Packers memorabilia is displayed, veterans of all wars have a devoted area

and video, and The Artists of The Oneida Nation display is fully installed.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

CULTURE

MAY 2025

| 11

Fostering Community

Through Culture

By Garth Webster

The December 2024 edition

highlighted the exciting development

of Tsi nahté•shu wáhstake (Various

Things Are Useful), a new program

from Oneida Cultural Heritage. This

initiative, much like the Youth Rites of

Passage, is designed for adults who

are eager to deepen their cultural

knowledge and enrichment.

As the students progressed

through the education, program

administrators, including Stephenie

Muscavitch-VanEvery, expanded the

original platform to include social

dance education (SDE) between

breaks of the six-week Tsi nahté•shu

wáhstake curriculum.

Originally, SDE was originally for

Tsi nahté•shu wáhstake enrollees.

However, all the participants couldn’t

make it, so Muscavitch-VanEvery and

her SDE instructors, Kash Berg and

Taylor Berg (pictured below), opened

the SDE portion to all adults in the

community, marking the first time

such a program has been offered to

Oneida adults.

Muscavitch-VanEvery says they

have been averaging about 20

participants since the SDE began

the sessions in April. MuscavitchVanEvery enthusiastically expressed

how much the students are enjoying

the event, “The pick their songs. It’s

wonderful to see how everyone is

finding comfort, acceptance, and

belonging.” She goes on to add,

“People have told us they wanted

more confidence when going to social

dances on their own. In this way, each

person is finding their own space to

do so.”

12 | MAY 2025

EDUCATION

KALIHWISAKS

Year to Date Recap

October 2024 – April 2025

Four Focus Areas:

1. Kindergarten Readiness

• Launch of the Online Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at

Oneida Child Care, Oneida Early Intervention, Oneida Head

Start, FACES and Oneida Comprehensive Health has allowed

for the completion of almost 400 development screens as of

January

• Launch of the Waterford Family Academy at Oneida Head Start

in April

• Oneida Reads met with Governor Evers and his team on the

topic of kindergarten readiness while he visited Oneida Head

Start in February

2. School Attendance

• Data and Action Review meetings with school district partners

were held

• Oneida and GBAPS Action Team meets quarterly

• School attendance message postcard sent to 347 Oneida

households in January

3. How Reading is Taught

• Eight Oneida team members completed the LETRS volume 1

course with partnership from Cooperative Ed. Service Agency

(CESA) 7

• Three new FT Specialist roles added to Oneida Youth Enrichment Services elementary schools focused exclusively on early

literacy in grades 5K-3rd

• Provided approximately 30 days of CESA 7 coaching in structured literacy with Oneida team members who support literacy

• Purchased decodable books to be housed at the Oneida Community Library through a grant from Wisconsin Literacy (March)

• Wisconsin Reading Corps programming was launched at GBAPS

King, GBAPS Kennedy and Seymour Rock Ledge in partnership

with Oneida Reads for the 2024/2025 school year

4. Out of School Programming

• Planning for early literacy programming for the Summer of 2025

in partnership with Seymour Community School District and

Oneida Recreation

Woven within our Work

Awareness Building

• Oneida Reads has been featured in the Kali several times

• Oneida Reads Overview Video by Halona Media launched in

February

• Oneida Reads was a featured topic on the Oneida Nation Facebook Live four times

• The Oneida Reads Facebook page has over 300 followers and

150 likes

• Oneida Reads presented to the more than 50 members of the

teaching staff at Seymour Community School District in February

• Oneida Reads hosted a table at the GBAPS Native Student

Achievement Summit at UWGB in November

Data

• Planning for the Oneida Reads Data Dashboard kicked off in

January

• Updated 3rd grade Forward exam data for Native students in

Brown and Outagamie Counties was shared with Oneida Reads

by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (data was

previously not available publicly)

• ASQ data is tracked at quarterly ASQ User Meetings with our

partners from Flipped Classroom (FCR) NEW/Help Me Grow N.E.W.

Family Engagement

• Author Maya Payne Smart events to be held April 30 (Lunch and

Learn and Family Night)

• Oneida Reads hosted a booth at the Green Bay Packers Time

Out for Reading Event at Lambeau Field on March 1 where over

500 kids were in attendance

• Oneida Reads Family events held at the following locations:

• Pulaski Hillcrest Elementary

• Oneida Community Library

• MacArthur Elementary (Luka and

Little Feather Reading only)

• Seymour Rockledge Primary

• SEOTS

• Oneida Reads provided information in connection with the

Oneida Community Education Center’s Hallow-Read in October

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EDUCATION

MAY 2025 | 13

Congratulations

University of Wisconsin

Green Bay Scholars!

ONHS Students Excelling in

Rising Phoenix and Dual

Credit Programs

By Garth Webster

Left to right, front: Ari Mousseau and Luis Delacruz-Cornelius

Back: Rebecca Doxtator, Mia Leicht, Miko Leroy, and Jonas

Johnson. Not pictured: Jaylyn Caldwell and Delianna Gonzales.

Several surrounding schools, including

the Oneida Nation High School,

have recently began participating in

an educational partnership with the

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

(UWGB).

Students participating in UWGB’s Rising

Phoenix (RP) program can simultaneously

earn their high school diplomas and

an Associates of Arts and Sciences

Degree while they are still in high school.

Recently, RP received the Academic Staff

Excellence Award, the highest form of

recognition from the UW System board

of Regents.

UWGB’s website (UWGB.edu) states

their RP program partners with businesses

and organizations committed to publicprivate collaboration and inclusive

representation. By working together,

they work to build a powerful model

for encouraging a diverse community

ONHS Juniors and Seniors that have been

participating in the UWGB Dual Enrollment (DE) Program

• Jaylyn Caldwell • Luis Delacruz-Cornelius

• Ari Mousseau

• Mia Leicht

• Jonas Johnson

(All DE students have earned 12 or more credits

since Fall 2024 with a average GPA of 3.5 or better)

of learners that will make up our future

workforce.

RP accepts applications for the awardwinning program during students’

sophomore year. If accepted, they enroll

during their junior and senior years.

Each student receives assistance from a

Student Success Coach and flexibility in

class scheduling.

ONHS Sophomore Students

accepted into Fall 2025 RP Program

• Delianna Gonzales

• Rebecca Doxtator

• Miko Leroy

• Oneida Reads External Partner Meeting – November 2024

• Oneida Reads Internal Partner Meeting – December 2024

• New collective impact partners added since October 2024 include:

Waterford.org, Future State Consulting and Teaching Strategies

• Oneida Reads is partnering with Campaign for Grade Level Reading

14 | MAY 2025

Here at Duck Creek

KALIHWISAKS

Sun is Shining on Amelia

Cornelius Culture Park

Oneida Tourism Staff Readies ACCP

for Summer Events

▲ Throughout April, Oneida

Tourism Team, along with

the Environmental and

Department of Public Works,

have been busy beautifying

the Amelia Cornelius Culture

Park (ACCP) by planting trees

(see the Table of Contents

photo), cleaning the log

homes, and installing Oneida

themed borders along the

paved walkway.

On March 26, 2025, the Oneida Business Committee approved additional funding for the Amelia Cornelius Culture Park Visitor Center

to cover the inflation increase contingency for fiber and surveillance

requirements. The design phase is 75% complete with projection of

spring 2026 for construction to begin. The current design reduced the

building size but maintained three toilet stalls and a community space

to seat roughly 100 people.

Rustic Camp Sites

Camping permits are required and available

on a first come first served basis. Registration

forms are available at the Conservation and

Land Management office.

470 Airport Dr., Oneida, WI 54155

(Monday – Friday 8am-4pm).

To request a form by mail or email:

Call 920-869-6500 or email

Conservation_Department@OneidaNation.org

Oneida Lake is a TENT ONLY campground

RV's, Motorhomes, Truck Bed Campers,

or Camper Units are not allowed.

⊳ Two miles west of ACCP, the

Oneida Nation Orchard (ONC)

installed a fresh look to their

sign, featuring an updated

logo. ONC's recently opened

their store, M-S, 11am-4pm,

offering beef & bison sales,

among other items.

YOUTH

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

Schools Happenings

for ONHS students. Oneida community resources

have supported these efforts such as Oneida

Transit, Higher Ed, and Vocational Rehabilitation.

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

May is always a busy month every and there is

a lot going on at ONHS as the end of the 20242025 School Year arrives. It’s easy to follow dayto-day school happenings by following Oneida

Nation High School on Facebook. Further details

on these stories and more can be found there

as well.

On the Academic Front, Honor Roll was

announced following the close of the 3rd

Quarter on March 31. Eleven ONHS students

earned Highest Honors including seniors

Mandi Beans, Luis Delacruz-Cornelius, Jaylyn

Caldwell, Rhianna Danforth, and Madalyn King

and sophomore Miko Leroy who all posted a 4.0

GPA. Sixteen students earned High Honors and

Honors.

As for Post-Secondary Education, the

connection between ONHS and area colleges

continues to thrive and grow thanks to the effort

of ONHS staff creating even more opportunities

Thunderhawk Times Staff

Basketball Players made by senior Kayree House

4 Directions Feather Wind Chime made by

senior Alessandro Rodriguez-Ignacio

The success of the pilot year of the Oneida

Academy at NWTC has been reported in previous

issues of Thunderhawk Times. This program

continues and even improves for the 2025-2026

School Year. So, too, does the Rising Phoenix

program in conjunction with UWGB. ONHS

students Delianna Gonzalez, Rebecca Doxtator,

and Miko Leroy have been accepted into that

program and will earn an associate’s degree by

the time they graduate.

Randell Denny, Joie Gutierrez, Steven Guzman,

Jasani Myke, Saniya Ninham-Clark

Advisors: Denis Gullickson and Johnny Danforth

By Evelyn Rodriguez

When I grow up, I want to get good and when

I’m happy I’ll go back to the Civic.

By Dae’lynn Danforth

I want to be a teacher when I grow up and

do math.

Read more

Civic Chronicles

MAY 2025 | 15

By Jalayah Danforth

I want to be a police officer when I grow

up. How I am going to get there is by going to

college and practice every day. And the reason

why I want to be a police officer is because it is

fun and you get to drive around and get paid for

doing it.

By Esmeralda Morlan

I want to be a teacher because I like teaching

my brother. Why I want to be a teacher is so I can

teach people

ONHS students in the program this year

included Jaylyn Caldwell, Luis, DelacruzCornelius, Jonas Metoxen, Mia Leicht, and Ari

Mousseau. These students each earned 12

college credits or more and scored a 3.5 college

GPA or higher.

End of the Year Calendar

• June 5: High School Graduation

• June 10: End of Q4 & 2nd Semester

• June 11: Last day for staff

• Early July: Core Academic Diplomas awarded

• August 19: Staff report

• August 25: Students start

Read more ONHS

Thunderhawk Times

By Camille Blackowl

I want to be an Officer because Officer Eddie

inspired me. First, I need to go to school and

take classes. Then I need to train.

By Natelei Noyes

One of my favorite memories is probably

when we all played volleyball in the gym. We all

were on teams and then every time I served, I

like felt a spark. It felt nice to be around people

that like the same sport as me. It felt nice being

around people that feel like they are my family,

and it feels good to be around my friends and

family!

By Icelyn Padula

What I want to be when I grow up is an artist.

So, my first step to get there is to make it through

school and then go to a university for art stuff. I

should go to university because I can get better

at art and I want to make my own art show.

16 | MAY 2025

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

Exciting Updates at the

Oneida Farmers Market

By Mia Charnon

The Oneida Farmers Market, located at N7284 County Road J (across

from Hwy 54 One Stop), is set to run every Thursday from June 19 through

September 25, from noon to 6 PM. This vibrant market offers a variety of

fresh produce and engaging activities for the community.

OFM Bashes

Mark your calendars for the OFM

Bashes on July 17 and August

21. These events promise food,

fun, music, and fresh produce.

Highlights include the REZurrected

Ridez car show, horse and wagon

rides, face painting, balloon

twisting, live music, and a special

appearance by Steve Keller, known

as the Snake Dude. All activities

are free to the public.

Oneida Black Angus Burgers

A popular feature at the market is

the raffle for 10 pounds of Oneida

Black Angus burger patties,

held at every market in 2025.

Attendees can enter their names

for a chance to win these delicious

burger patties.

Vendor of the Week

Each week, visitors can take

advantage of the Vendor of the

Week promotion. By purchasing $10

worth of products, shoppers receive

$5 in Oneida Farmers Market dollars

to use at any other vendor. This offer

is limited to one per person per week

and is available while supplies last.

EBT/QUEST Cards Accepted

The market now accepts Wisconsin

EBT QUEST Cards, allowing

shoppers to purchase fresh produce

such as corn, strawberries, cherries,

green beans, broccoli, greens,

tomatoes, squash, and lettuce.

This initiative aims to make locally

grown foods accessible to more

community members.

Stay Informed

To keep up with the latest

happenings at the Oneida Farmers

Market, subscribe to the weekly

newsletter via email by contacting

WVervoor@OneidaNation.org.

Subscribe to the

Oneida Farmers

Market Weekly

Newsletter

KALIHWISAKS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

Greetings,

Chef Arlie Doxtator here from the

WPP Food Sovereignty grant.

We've re-branded

this project to

Mending the Disconnect with

Food: An Oneida Food Sovereignty

Initiative. We feel this new title better

explains the end goal for our community. Recently, we acknowledged our

Bicentennial here in Wisconsin. We

also recognize that during this time,

we lost the sacred relationship we

shared with many of our original food

relatives. These relationships were

replaced with many foods we did not

recognize and thus, the downward

spiral of our people’s health began.

Along with this historical trauma, the

post WWII era brought forth industrial

food production, bringing with it highly

processed foods like soda, artificial

flavors, and artificial sweeteners. Fast

food and convenience stores also

became factors.

As our Project Manager states, “If

food is the cause of most chronic

health diseases, then it's also the solution.” These words could not be truer.

As we continue to Mend our Disconnect with Food, we studied our sacred

cultural views as it relates to more

contemporary foods. The result is the

refrigerator magnet shown to the right.

It depicts a small list of ukwehu•wé•

(Indigenous) foods you need in your

kitchen. We feel it’s a good starting

point for the community to come full

circle and re-connect to our food relatives. Together, let’s begin the journey

to better physical, mental, emotional,

and spiritual health.

Contact our office to get

your refrigerator magnet:

920.869.4576 or 920.869.4577

ukwehu·wé· food

you need in your kitchen

THREE SISTERS

1

2

4

6

8

10

BERRIES

Strawberries, blackberries,

blueberries, & so many more

They protect cells from damage,

help stabilize blood sugar, and

are an excellent source of brain health.

CUCUMBERS

Crunch into these to help

manage blood sugar. These are

also good for gut and

digestive health.

TOMATOES

A versatile superfood packed

with vitamins and minerals to

help lower your blood pressure.

YAMS

A valuable addition to your

plate, yams are filled with fiber

and powerful antioxidants.

Yams reduce inflamation and

improve blood sugar.

PURE RAW

MAPLE SYRUP

The sweet goodness is rich in

antioxidants, has an anticancer

effect, and has lower glycemic index

than refined sugar. Enjoy in moderation.

Wisconsin Partnership Program

Mending the

Disconnect

MAY 2025 | 17

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Corn, Beans & Squash

Our original Sky World foods that

make a complete protein.

MEAT

Venison or Bison

Great lean protein options!

Great for immunity, brain, and

metabolic health.

FRESH

WATER FISH

Keep heart disease at bay

with this high omega-3 fatty

acid protein source. It also

works to lower cortisol.

MELONS

A tasty way to keep you

hydrated. Bonus – your skin

will glow!

WILD RICE

A great plant-based protein

source to help build muscle.

Wild rice also has 30 times more

antioxidants than white rice to

help protect against disease.

TREE NUTS

Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts,

just to name a few! Many are

high in omega-3 fatty acids,

magnesium, and phosphorus,

making them a great way to support

your brain and heart health!

3

5

7

9

11

WPP COMMUNITY

IMPACT GRANT/ FOOD

SOVEREIGNTY INITIATIVE

920.869.4576 or 920.869.4577

Oneida-nsn.gov

Reconnecting to our ukwehu•wé• food relatives is a great pathway to overall health and wellness.

18 | MAY 2025

WATER IS LIFE

KALIHWISAKS

1

John Nicholas, Manager of Oneida

Nation Wastewater Treatment Facility

(ONWTF), graciously provided the Big

Bear Media Team a tour of ONWTF on

Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Above, Nicholas stands above Lift

Station Wetwell 1 (LSW1) near the east

end of the Duck Creek Bridge. This

station, along with the rest of the facility, was built in 2006. It pumps water

1.5 miles to the ONWTF located near

the Hwy 54 wetlands between the

Hwy 54 One Stop and Little Bear

Development Center.

The largest of 13 lift stations in

Oneida, LSW1 pumps 95% of Oneida's wastewater (WW) from over 690

resident and business connections to

the treatment facility. Currently, the

facility is operating at 50% capacity,

handling roughly 300,000 gallons of

water per day.

Nicholas oversees the operations

and his team of 11 employees, along

with partnerships with plumbing and

the rest of the divisions in Oneida's

Department of Public Works to ensure

Oneida's water supply is as clean as

possible before it's released back into

the natural aquafier. Nicholas says that

Oneida Nation's water is constantly

monitored and proudly assures that it

is some of the cleanest water in the

area.

Oneida has two 4,500 gallon septic trucks, (shown

below) that are filled up to 8 times per day to service

Oneida's connections. Along with the lift stations, they

transport the wastewater to ONWTF's holding tanks,

where it begins its first stage of treatment beginning

with the Headworks system shown above.

The Headworks is a series of lifts, pumps, and filters that move the WW through the system. Nicholas

say the biggest obstacle this system faces is catching flushable wipes and other rag type material from

entering the facility.

Nicholas says flushable wipes can take

up to 3 years before degrading.

Located near

the Wastewater

posite Sampler. T

samples for the

tests for harmfu

cals, or bacteria.

1

WATER IS LIFE

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

2

the Headworks is

(aka Influent) ComThis device provides

lab which routinely

ul materials, chemi.

2

MAY 2025 | 19

3

Pictured above is the Oxidation Deck. These

large tanks are continuously agitated and aerated driven by the large motor shown or blowers

beneath the tanks. The topmost photo shows the

tank where fats, oils, and greases are separated,

some of which must be brought to the reed fields

shown below in the background where it's dried

and filtered through the reeds and recycled back

into the plant for further treatment. The lower left

photo above is where WW is introduced to microorganisms too small to be seen with the naked

eye that help consume harmful chemicals like

phosphorous and nitrogen.

3

Top, Nicholas samples water from one

of two 30-foot-diameter Clarifier tanks

that utilize mechanisms to filter unwanted

grease and floating solids from the water.

After clarification, clean water is pumped

through one last step, shown below the

clarifier photo that flashes the water

with Ultraviolet Light before it is finally

released back into nature.

Learn more by

reading the

ONWTF's

informational

pamphlet

20 | MAY 2025

HEALTH

KALIHWISAKS

Oneida Health Advances

Doula Support, Mammography, & Mental Health

Celebrating Crabb's

Mental Health Certification

Indigenous Doula Services Revives Traditional Practices

The Oneida Comprehensive Health

Division has launched the Indigenous

Doula Services program to provide

culturally sensitive, non-medical

support to Native American mothers

during pregnancy, childbirth, and

postpartum. Funded by the Maternal

Health Innovation Grant, the program

has expanded to include eight doulas,

all Native women trained in traumainformed care. This initiative aims to

revive traditional birthing practices and

support families in Brown and Outagamie

counties, offering prenatal visits, labor

and delivery support, and postpartum

care.

The doulas educate mothers on

birthing options and postpartum

recovery, providing emotional and

informational support. The program

focuses on pregnant women receiving

obstetric care at Oneida Comprehensive

Health Division, with eligibility based on

various factors such as social support

and medical history. Indigenous Doula

Services seeks to create a lasting

support network that honors culture,

strengthens community, and empowers

mothers, with hopes to expand its reach

and sustainability through continued

funding and growth.

OCHD Earns Top Mammography Accreditation

OCHD has earned a three-year

accreditation in mammography from the

American College of Radiology® (ACR).

Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to

examine breasts, aiding in early detection

and diagnosis of breast diseases.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation,

representing the highest level of image

quality and patient safety, is awarded

to facilities meeting specific standards

through a peer-review evaluation by

board-certified physicians and medical

physicists.

Image quality, personnel qualifications,

facility equipment, quality control

procedures, and

quality assurance

programs

are

assessed, providing a

comprehensive report for continuous

improvement. “We are incredibly proud to

receive this accreditation,” said Division

Director Deb Danforth. “This recognition

is a testament to our team's commitment

to providing the highest quality imaging

and care.”

To make a mammography appointment,

call (920) 869-2711 and choose

“medical” to schedule a time.

OCHD proudly announces that

Candice Crabb, a family nurse

practitioner, has earned her Psychiatric

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board

Certified (PMHNP-BC) credential. This

certification highlights her commitment

to providing comprehensive care,

combining expertise in family practice

with a focus on mental health.

 rabb's credentials now include:

C

⋅ Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP),

⋅ Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber

(APNP)

⋅ Family Nurse Practitioner – Board

Certified (FNP-BC), and PMHNP-BC

⋅ Bachelor of Science in Nursing from

the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Before her role as an FNP, Crabb

worked as an inpatient RN for seven

years on a medical/surgical/cardiac

unit. She also serves as an adjunct

faculty member at Bellin College,

working with FNP students.

“We celebrate Candice’s initiative

in securing her PMHNP-BC credentials

and are extremely proud of her

commitment to her patients,” said

Division Director Deb Danforth. Since

joining the Oneida community in 2017,

Crabb has made a positive impact as a

Family Nurse Practitioner.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

FAMILY

MAY 2025 | 21

Supporting Caregivers

Oneida's Kinship Care Project

By Oneida Family Services

The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Family Services

Department is collaborating with the National Indian Child

Welfare Association (NICWA) on the Bridging Systems for

Kinship Families initiative. This project aims to support

relative/kinship caregivers, who

are crucial for the well-being

of children in the community.

The initiative will address

service barriers and enhance

collaboration across tribal and

state systems to better serve

these families.

In August 2024, ten

representatives from the

Oneida Nation's social services

departments and a tribal

council member attended the

virtual kickoff meeting. They

expressed their commitment

to the project, rooted in the

Oneida Nation's core value

of Yukwahwa:tsi’le (Our

family and our Nation), which

emphasizes shared responsibility for the safety

and well-being of children and families.

Louise Padron, Oneida Nation Family Services

supervisor, highlighted the importance of supporting

relative caregivers, who are often the least supported

yet most valuable resources for children. She stated,

“They are some of the most valuable resources for

children in the community and often the least supported.

This project will ensure that our traditional value of

Twahwahtsilay (All of us are

family) will be honored.”

Changing systems can be

challenging, especially given the

historical and intergenerational

trauma the Oneida community

has faced. Relative caregivers

in the Kinship Care Program

are vital, serving as prevention

resources to keep at-risk

kids out of the child welfare

system and providing essential

intervention support. They

align with the Wisconsin Indian

Child Welfare Act's placement

preferences, strengthening

family preservation and wellness

for the Oneida community.

NICWA is excited to work with

and learn from the Kinship Care Program over the next two

years. This collaboration aims to create a reliable system

that empowers caregivers, ensuring children thrive and

stay connected to their families and tribal community.

5 COLUMN 1/8 PAGE HORIZONTAL (8.31 X 2.625)

22 | MAY 2025

RECOGNITION

KALIHWISAKS

Honoring Oneida Excellence

WI 25 Most Influential Native American Leaders for 2025

The Kalihwisaks collected the Oneida Nation Members who were recognized as Wisconsin's 25 Most Influential

Native American Leaders for 2025 from Madison365

Madison365 proudly presents the community advocates who are making connect with them, and share their

sixth annual edition of Wisconsin’s Most remarkable contributions despite impactful work. The goal is to honor

Influential Native American Leaders! facing discrimination and historical and celebrate the efforts of Indigenous

As the CEO of 365 Media Foundation oppression. While the list features leaders who are paving the way for a

and Publisher of Madison365, Henry 26 outstanding leaders, it’s just the thriving Wisconsin for all.

Sanders is dedicated to showcasing the beginning—many more influential

Learn more about WI

incredible diversity and achievements figures were nominated and deserve

25 Most Influential

of Indigenous leaders across the state. recognition.

Native American

The spotlight shines brightly on

Henry Sanders invites readers to

Leaders for 2025

elected officials, business leaders, and dive into the stories of these leaders,

Apache Danforth

Todd VanDen Heuvel

Apache Danforth is founder of public relations firm Good

Words Consulting and travel agency Good Words Travel,

which connects international travelers with Indigenous

cultural experiences across Wisconsin. She is also

co-founder of She Rises Collective, a group of six Indigenous

women business owners dedicated to supporting other

women entrepreneurs. She has previously worked as tribal

tourism director for Native American Tourism of Wisconsin

and public relations specialist for the Oneida Nation. She

holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational administration

from UW-Milwaukee and a master’s degree in public

relations from Kent State.

Todd VanDen Heuvel is associate vice president for

human resources at Lawrence University in Appleton, a

role he took on in January. He comes to Lawrence from

the Oneida Nation, where he served as executive human

resources director since 2021. He previously worked in

HR leadership positions at North Star Mohican Casino &

Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, Winnebago Mental

Health Institute, Brown County, and the State of Wisconsin.

He also serves on the board of directors of Oneida Bay

Bank. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Florida State and

a master’s degree in human resource management at

Marquette.

SPORTS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

MAY 2025 | 23

Ron Powless Inducted into North American

Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame

By Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer

Ron Powless was born on March

17, 1931, in Milwaukee Wisconsin and

passed away September 9, 2011,

in Marietta, GA while enroute to his

winter home in Ft. Myers, FL. His

father was Merville Powless from

the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. His

mother, Jesse Snow Powless, was

from the Red Lake Chippewa Nation.

Ron, the oldest of three brothers,

was highly motivated and an

athletically talented youth. He played

high school football at Morgan Park,

Chicago, IL and Washington High

School, Milwaukee, WI. His success

as a receiver and punter led to his

recruitment and scholarship offers.

Ron attended Indiana University

on an athletic scholarship playing

football for the Hoosiers in the Big

Ten. Following his time at Indiana,

Ron served in the military stationed in

Tokyo, Japan, where he was selected

to the U.S. Army All-Star football

team and played in the first American

football game in Tokyo Stadium

against the Marine All-Star’s.

After his time in the military and

playing for the U.S. Army All-Star

football team, he continued his

education in Mexico City at Mexico

City College and later graduated

from Indiana University with a degree

in Marketing and Economics.

Ron’s competitive nature led to

successful careers with companies

like Xerox and Itek before founding

his own corporation, International

Data Systems. His success allowed

him to contribute to American Indian

causes and enjoy homes in Wisconsin

and Florida. Ron’s legacy lives on as

he had a son and daughter both of

whom followed him with successful

careers and healthy families.

24 | MAY 2025

ON THEIR JOURNEY

SHARON (SHERRY) L. CHESNIK

April 16, 1936 - March 31, 2025

Sharon (Sherry)

Lynn

Chesnik

passed away on

March 31, 2025,

in

Madison,

Wisconsin at age

88. She was

surrounded

by

her family.

Born April 16, 1936 to Lou and John Huff,

Sherry grew up in Milwaukee. She was

close with her adoptive father, John

Rau, whom Lou married when Sherry

was four years old. At age 15, Sherry

met Earl (Bud) Chesnik at the Riverside

ice skating rink and instantly fell in love.

They married on September 12, 1953

and were together for 67 years.

Sherry and Bud welcomed their

daughter, Carrie, in 1957, and their son,

Kevin, in 1959. The family moved to

Redfield, South Dakota in 1961. While

there, Sherry joined the Lioness Lion’s

Club and the Jayceettes (serving as

President).

Sherry attended Northern State College

in Aberdeen, South Dakota—where she

earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

in 1982. She worked as a psychologist in

Pennsylvania and as a consultant for the

Harrisburg Police Department, offering

support to victims of domestic violence.

Sherry was a tribal member of the

Oneida Nation. She felt deeply proud of

her Native heritage and cared about the

preservation of Indigenous culture. She

loved attending Pow Wows and was

an avid reader of the Oneida Nation’s

official publication, Kalihwisaks. Carrie

remains connected with several tribal

communities and Kevin currently serves

as Executive Director of the American

Indian Chamber of Commerce Wisconsin.

Sherry is survived by her two children,

Kevin and Carrie; her daughter-in-law,

Connie; her sister-in-law, Marilyn; her

brother-in-law, Jerry; her nephew, Ben

(Shannon); her grandchildren, Kelly,

Hayley, and Valerie (Lee); and her great

grandson, Theodore. If you would like

to honor Sherry’s memory, the family

kindly asks you consider a donation to

The Southern Poverty Law Center at

https://www.splcenter.org/support-us/

We miss you Sherry. We love you. Hugs

and kisses.

VINCENT A. LEMIEUX

September 21, 1983 - April 3, 2025

Vincent

Arthur

LeMieux,

41,

Oneida started his

journey on April 3,

2025. Vin was

born on September

21,

1983,

to

Raymond & Debra

LeMieux

in

Wausau, Wisconsin. He was the proud

father of Vincent II and James. He was the

loving partner to Miranda and dad to

Jaymeson.

Vin grew up on the Stockbridge-Munsee

reservation but later moved to Oneida

where he spent most of his adult life. The

baby of the family, Vin always had a smile

on his face and would put a smile on anyone

else’s. He was usually the funniest one in

the room. He poured love into everyone

in his life and will be greatly missed by all

those that were lucky enough to know him.

Vin loved the Green Bay Packers and

Milwaukee Bucks, always sporting the

coolest jerseys and matching sneakers.

Even more so, he loved spending time with

his family especially his sons, nieces and

nephews. He was the proudest father and

uncle around, always checking in with his

loved ones.

Vin is survived by his sons; Vincent

(Brianna) LeMieux II, James Vaughn III,

his parents Ray and Deb, his partner

Miranda Kulow and their son Jaymeson, his

siblings; Raylene (Jeffrey) LeMieux, Colleen

LeMieux, Raymond (MaKenzie) LeMieux,

Joe (Tracy) Pecore, Ed LeMieux, and all of

his nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents

Clyde & Beatrice LeMieux, and best friend

Jay Thunder Williams.

Friends may call on Tuesday, April 8 at

Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth Street,

De Pere, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The

Oneida Hymn Singers will begin a song

service at 11:30 AM. A funeral service will

begin immediately following at 12:00 PM.

KALIHWISAKS

ROBERTA LEE DOXTATOR

April 19, 1937 - April 4, 2025

Roberta was born

April 19, 1937 in

Tomah, WI to Isadore

Doxtator and

Beatrice (nee Hill)

Doxtator and passed

away peacefully on

Friday, April 4, in

Cudahy, WI at the

age of 87 years. She is survived by her children

Lorene (Tom) Patnode, Lisa (Jose) Ramirez,

Brian Doxtator and Karin Doxtator; also her

closely held, Antonio Doxtator, Armando

Doxtator, the late Michael Doxtator and the late

Crystal Doxtator. Dearest sister of Brenda

Doxtator, the late Delores Skenandore and the

late Carol Jean Doxtator. Also survived and

fondly remembered by many grandchildren,

great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other

family and friends.

Amongst Roberta's schooling she attended

a year at Neillsville, WI boarding school and

a one at another boarding school Marty,

South Dakota. She spent 8 summers at the

Wittenberg boarding school. She moved to

Milwaukee in 1951 and later went to Lincoln

High School.

The Doxtator family joined United Indians

of Milwaukee 1981and were core members

until 1989. Her children went to the Indian

Community School. Roberta was on the school

board when it entered into partnership with

the Forest County Potawatomi. This led to the

opening of the Potawatomi Bingo and Casino

with revenue sharing for the Indian Community

School. Roberta remained on the school board

until 1994 when work and home obligations

forced her to resign.

Roberta worked at Astronautics in Shipping for

10 years, Master Lock on the assembly line for

10 years and retired in 1999.

She never slowed down in her community

service, she helped found the Lutheran Church

of the Great Spirit in 1991 and was a church

council member until 2014. She joined the

Oneida Hymn Singers in 1999-2015 and

enjoyed singing for the community and

supporting families in need. She volunteered

with the American Indian Task Force on

Domestic Violence from 1999-2008 Roberta

received the Wallace Pyawasit Community

Leadership Award in 2014 from UWM. She

is featured in the Milwaukee Public Museum

diorama, "Tribute to Survival," as a dancer.

As busy as she was, the ONE true constant in

ON THEIR JOURNEY

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

her life was her love and unwavering support

for her family.

Visitation at Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Home,

3275 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, on

Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM.

Funeral Service at 5:00 PM.

Read the full obituary

MICHAEL G. SMITH

July 17, 1954 - April 6, 2025

Michael Gordon

Smith, 70, took the

journey from this

earth on the 6th day

of April, 2025 of

natural causes. He

was born in Chicago,

IL on July 17, 2025, to

Malphias Smith and

Verila Silas.

Mike attended Flandreu and received his

GED later in life. In his prime, he was an avid

boxer for the Soaring Eagles Club of Oneida.

“Pompero” was his nickname.

Mike worked as a construction worker for the

earlier part of his life. He then preceded to

work for the Oneida Casino, first as a bingo

caller, then table games. He loved to gamble,

play cribbage, and 10,000. He also loved the

outdoors.

Mike is survived by his children Michael

Shannon Powless (Veronica), Tera Jean Smith

(Chris), Johnathan Smith (Amber) and Jacklyn

Smith; his siblings: Elizabeth Dennison, Cecil

Smith, Rose (Harvey) Thompson, Valerie La

Plante, Dawit Smith, Selma Smith, Malphais

(Ginny) Smith, and Verda (Kim) House. He

will be deeply missed and loved by many

grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gerald

Smith and daughter, Megan Smith; his siblings:

Gerald Silas Smith, Joan Lee Smith, Melvin

Smith, Terry Smith, Judy Smith, Earl Smith and

Sharlene Kasee.

Family and Friends may visit Ryan Funeral

Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, on

Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 4:00

PM. A funeral service will begin at 4:00 PM with

Sonny Hill speaking.

The family encourages those who attend

the funeral to please wear Packer apparel in

memory of Mike.

CECIL ALLEN SMITH

October 24, 1946 - April 10, 2025

Cecil Allen Smith, 78,

peacefully passed

away on April 10,

2025. He was born

in Green Bay, WI, on

October 24, 1946, to

the late Malphias and

Verila (Silas) Smith.

In Cecil’s younger

years he loved raccoon hunting with his great

friend Clayton Elm. He was a very religious

man, serving as an alter boy at Holy Apostles

Church. Throughout his life he volunteered

with the military helping to recruit for the Army,

Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Later in life he

enjoyed tinkering in his garage with electronics

and motors.

Cecil is survived by his children, Tiffany Ann

Smith and Lori Anne Smith. He is also survived

by his grandchildren, Chanel Winter Garcia

(Zachary T. Peterson), Isabel Catalina Garcia,

and Gabriel Garcia Jr. Cecil is further survived

by his great grandchildren, Lilianne Salas and

Olivia Yukino Peterson.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Mike,

Earl, Melvin, and Terry Smith, as well as his sister,

Judy Adams.

Friends and family may call at Holy Apostles

Church, 2937 Freedom Rd. Oneida, WI 54115,

on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 9:00am until

time of service at 11:00am, with Fr. James Biegler

presiding. A song service sung by the Oneida

Hymn Singers will start at 10:30am.

CAROL MARY MADL

August 28, 1927 - April 10, 2025

Carole Mary Madl,

97, Oneida, passed

away on the

evening of April 10,

2025, in her home,

which is the same

home she was

born in 97 years

ago on August 28,

1927, to the late Clarence and Blanche

Polzin.

On October 21, 1944, she was united in

marriage to Joseph W. Madl.

Carole was a lifelong United Methodist.

A longtime member of Oneida United

Methodist Church, Carole was a member

of the Methodist Women Group, cleaned

the church for many years and took care

of the flower beds.

MAY 2025 | 25

An avid gardener, Carole loved taking care

of her flowers. She also enjoyed shopping

with friends, especially at Resale Shops.

In addition to her profound love of God,

her family was so important to her. Carole’s

children, grandchildren, sisters, and

cousins brought her so much happiness.

She is survived by her children; Brian (Kim)

Madl, and Michelle Madl. Seven grandsons,

Twenty – four great grandchildren, three

great great grandchildren, as well as her

sister Faye Huchro, and nieces, nephews,

Godchildren, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her

husband Joseph, her son Dennis, and

siblings; Fred Polzin, and Barbara Polzin

Wilson.

Friends may call at Oneida United

Methodist Church, Saturday, May 3,

2025, from 10:00AM until time of service

at 10:30AM. The Oneida Hymn Singers

will sing at 10:15AM. Ryan Funeral Home,

De Pere, is assisting the family.

Carole’s family would like to thank Unity

Hospice and Melissa Fleming for your

compassion and care over the last several

weeks.

VINCENT F. MOREHOUSE

September 2, 1962 - March 2, 2025

Vincent went up to

the Spirit in the Sky.

He passed away

unexpectedly at

home on March 2.

He was a member

of the Oneida

Nation Turtle Clan.

He served in the

128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin

National Guard for 20 years. Vinnie was a

fix-it-guy who was always willing to help. He

enjoyed skateboarding, biking, music, and

cooking. He made good chili, roasts, ham,

beans, and soups. Vinnie also made model

airplanes, helicopters, and cars. His Dad

called him Tiger. He was loud and could

talk your ear off.

Vinnie is survived by his brother Mark

Morehouse (close bros), sister Beth A.

Avina (He called her Ber), niece & friend

Tara Morehouse, newphew Samuel Avina

(He was always giving Sam things).

Vinnie was preceded in death by his parents,

Milan L. and Kathlaleen Morehouse, older

brother Mike D. Morehouse, and many

Airforce friends. RIP Vinnie.

26 | MAY 2025

NEWS

KALIHWISAKS

Please submit obituaries (300 words or less) and a high

quality photo to Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org

Obituaries longer than 300 words

will be linked online

Miss Oneida

Farewell Letters

EVENTS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

MAY 2025 | 27

June 27 – 29, 2025

Norbert Hill Center

N7210 Seminary Rd

Oneida, WI

Public

is Welcome

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

invites all to enjoy song and dance at this year’s 51st Annual Pow Wow.

ADMISSION

Weekend Pass $15

Daily Pass

$10

62 & Over

Free

5 & Under

Free

GRAND ENTRIES

Friday, June 27

7pm

Saturday, June 28 1pm & 7pm

Sunday, June 29

Noon

ExploreOneida.com

OneidaTourism

Want to Save Costs on Energy?

Attend our Energy

Information Sessions

Earth

Biomass

Wind

Solar

Conventional

VFW Post 7784 • 2980 E. Service Rd., Oneida, WI 54155

Virtual Solar Power Hour Registration

link:

Tuesday, May 6 • Noon

General Energy Information Session • Tuesday, May 13, 5-8pm

Grow Solar Program Power Hour • Tuesday, May 27 • 5-8pm

We’ll talk about energy savings ideas, including:

Energy Audits • Energy Efficiency

Electrification • Solar

For questions, email Mike Troge at

mtroge@oneidanation.org or call 920.869.4571.

GSP is a group-buy program managed by the

Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).

Endries Solar & Electric will install the systems.

Press Release

28 | MAY 2025

EVENTS

KALIHWISAKS

SOUTHEASTERN ONEIDA

TRIBAL SERVICES(SEOTS)

UPCOMING EVENTS

FAMIL Y &

CUL TURAL

D AYS

May 6th - Brewer

Tailgate & Game:

Limited spots

available. Sign up

required.

May 20th Cultural

Day- Strawberry

Theme, food,

storytelling, and

activities provided.

RSVP required.

ELDER

E V E NT S

May 13 (Brain

Health Topic)

&27th (Elder

Yoga), Elder

lunch and Bingo,

various

activities

provided 10am12pm.

May 21st 10amElder Food

Boxes

CO MMU N IT Y

EV EN T S

May 10th 11am2pm- Mother’s

Day Craft Fair

June 21st 12-3pm

SEOTS

Community

Picnic at

Humboldt Park.

Food, activities,

and raffles

provided.

Limited to 120

participants,

sign up required.

FOL LOW U S ON FACEBOOK OR CH ECK OUR

WEBS I T E FOR OU R MOS T U P T O D A T E EVENT S !

H TTPS ://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SOUTHEA STERN

ONEI DA TR I BA LS ER VICES/

HTTPS: //ON EID ANSN .GOV/R ESOU R CES/SOU TH- EA S TERN ONEI D A- TRI BA L- SER VI CES/SEOTS- EVEN TS /

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

LOCAL

PLEASE JOIN US!

WALK WITH A DOC

LEAD WALKER: DR. VALERIE HEY

TOPIC: KIDS SUMMER SAFETY

May 7, 2025

12:10 - 12:45 PM

Oneida Community Health Center

No registration Required! Walk with a Doc series will

occur on the 1st Wednesday of every month from May

through October. Meet by the front entrance.

03/31/2025

For more information contact Amanda Riesenberg at

920-490-3984 or ariesenb@oneidanation.org

MAY 2025 | 29

LOCAL

30 | MAY 2025

Connect with us

on Facebook

920.869.4432

KALIHWISAKS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NOTICES

MAY 2025 | 31

A swimming pool can be a great way to both cool off and get some exercise during

the hot summer months. Be aware that there are some rules and regulations that

must be followed. Knowing and understanding the rules and regulations prior to

installation can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

1. Depending on the size and depth of the pool, a permit may

be required from the Zoning Department.

2. Housing Homes require approval from Comprehensive Housing

prior to installation. Please call Comprehensive Housing at

(920) 869-2227 for any questions or approvals.

3. The Code Compliance and Zoning Department follows the

requirements of Oneida Law Chapter 603.23 for pools located

on reservation land.

4. M

 ost pools, whether in ground or above ground, will require a

fence for safety purposes. Fence requirements are also found

in Chapter 603.23.

5. Most smaller, temporary pools which are dismantled and/or

removed for the winter are exempt from the requirements of 603.23.

6. You will also want to contact your homeowners insurance agent.

Installing a

Pool this

Summer?

These guidelines are offered not only to assure permitting requirements are satisfied, but also as a reminder that safety is an important component as well. Children should always be supervised by an adult around pools. They should also be taught to respect and

avoid the dangers a pool may pose.

Contact the Code Compliance & Zoning Department (920-869-4510 or 920-869-4564) with any questions you may have. They are

willing to assist, and can offer advise as well as make permit determinations on a case by case basis.

ONEIDA NATION PARDON AND FORGIVENESS HEARING NOTICE

Purpose: Pardon or Forgiveness – a Tribal member may receive a pardon for the conviction of a crime(s); or a Tribal member may receive forgiveness for acts that render

him or her ineligible for housing with the Tribe or other Tribal benefits. A Tribal member or non-Tribal member may receive forgiveness for acts that render him or her

ineligible for Tribal employment; an occupational license, certification or permit issued

by the Tribe; housing through the Tribe; or other Tribal benefit.

When: Thursday, May 22, 2025

Where: 

Norbert Hill Center - Business Committee Conference Room. N7210

Seminary Road, Oneida WI 54155

Time: 10:00 AM

Pardon and Forgiveness Hearing Process

1. Registration: Pardon or Forgiveness petitioners must register witnesses twenty-four (24) hours prior to the public hearing date by contacting the Government

Administrative Office at 920-869-4303.

2. Testimony

a. Oral: Each witness will be limited to 5 minutes. Witnesses who have not

pre-registered will not be allowed to testify. There will be no exceptions.

b. Written: Written testimony must be submitted on or within five (5) days of the

pardon and forgiveness hearing date.

c. Witnesses: Witnesses who wish to testify against the granting of a pardon

or forgiveness must register twenty-four (24) hours prior to the pardon and

forgiveness hearing date. There will be no exceptions.

3. Petitioners: The following pardon and forgiveness application(s) will be considered: Robert Webster Jr, Michael Hardin, and Amy Schoen.

This pardon and forgiveness hearing notice conforms to the Oneida Pardon and Forgiveness Law notice requirements 126.8-1.

2025 Minor Trust Payment Information

If you were born between 9/2/2003 – 9/1/2007

There may be a Minor Trust Account available for you to claim or defer.

Minor Trust Accounts have been established for enrolled tribal members under

the age of 18 for those members eligible to receive their Minor Trust Account or

the members who previously deferred.

The Minor Trust Payment Deferral forms were mailed the first week in March 2025

If you do not receive a PINK Minor Trust Payment Form packet

in the mail by April 1, 2025 contact our office or find the

Minor Trust Payment Deferral forms available online:

https://oneida-nsn.gov/resources/enrollments/

Deadline to submit the PINK Form to Defer or to Claim all is:

Tuesday July 1, 2025, 4:30 PM (CST)

(No Exceptions)

Receipts: A receipt will be mailed within 2 weeks of your submission whether

you defer or claim all. If not received, contact the Oneida Trust Enrollment Department.

Deadline for Proof of Graduation Document & Direct Deposit Form is:

Tuesday September 2, 2025, 4:30 PM (CST)

(No Exceptions)

If you have not yet claimed your Minor Trust Account and you are 21 contact

the Trust Enrollment Department immediately.

Minor Trust Payment will be issued…end October 2025

Please visit our website for additional information: https://oneida-nsn.gov/resources/enrollments/

Oneida Trust Enrollment Department • Mail-ins USPS -> PO Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155-0365

920-869-6200 • 800-571-9902

Please deliver in person or by courier delivery only (Fed Ex, UPS) at street address below

210 Elm St, Oneida WI 54155 (No office mailbox)

32 | MAY 2025

EVENTS

2025

Tribal Elder

Food Box

Distribution

Schedule

N7372 Water Circle Place

Oneida, WI 54155

ALL DATES ARE FRIDAY, 10AM

May 30

June 13 & 27

July 11 & 25

August 8 & 22

September 5 & 26

October 10 & 24

November 7 & 21

December 5 & 19

Each box contains proteins,

produce, and shelf-stable items,

sourced from Indigenous and

non-Indigenous local producers

and will be representative of

traditional foods whenever possible. The average box will be 20

pounds. The contents of the boxes

will change for each distribution

based on what is available seasonally for the given distribution week.

PLEASE NOTE: Food provided is

for Tribal members, 55 and older.

This project is funded by a Feeding

America National Organization

grant, Feeding Wisconsin's Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,

Trade and Consumer Protection

ARPA grant, and an Intertribal Local

Food Purchasing Agreement grant.

We look forward to engaging

with you and hearing your feedback!

For More information, visit our project

website: tcenergy.com/HEARTLAND

KALIHWISAKS

LOCAL

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

Fee-to-Trust

Follow-Up

MAY 2025 | 33

Oneida Vocational Rehabilitation

Program

A Journey of Resilience and Empathy

570 Acres of New

Trust Lands

By Ernest L. Oberst,

Oneida Vocational Rehabilitation Services Manager

By Garth Webster

The April 2025 edition discussed a community meeting held by General Manager, Mark Powless and Deputy

Director of Land Management, Nicole Rommel regarding

the new fee-to-trust (FtoT) process.

In addition to new process, Powless and Rommel

revealed that recently, eight FtoT applications within

Hobart and Green Bay transferred 570 acres of taxableland into trust status. We asked Rommel to share some

more details about these new trust lands. Rommel also

recognized Brenda Skenandore, Environmental, Land,

and Agriculture Budget and Trust Analyst, for the great

job she did processing these FtoT applications.

Where is the land located?

Five properties were in Hobart and three were in Green Bay.

When was the applications for these properties submitted?

The five in Hobart were applied for in 2008 and were

appealed by Hobart.

Was this partly a result of the new efficient process

mentioned in the April Community Meeting?

The applications that were submitted prior to 2024 will

continue under the prior process, as far as we know.

There hasn't been clarification yet with the BIA on how

the prior applications will be handled by the BIA. There

are 27 applications in the prior process. Applications

submitted after 2024 will be processed with the new

regulations. There are 25 submitted under the new process. ELA is currently working to complete 150 additional

applications for submittal.

Can you share how parcels are selected for trust

applications?

The order for completing applications is by the oldest

acquisition date. ELA is currently working on applications

for property purchases from 2008, 2009, and 2010.

What is the end-goal of the new trust status land?

It depends on what the property is currently being used

for. Most of the time, the use of the property continues

as is. For example, a home on the property will continue

to be a home.

Pending Fee to Trust

Applications via old

and New Process

This is a story of a lady, BS, who shall remain unnamed

for privacy. BS' story is one of remarkable resilience and

unwavering empathy. As a dedicated Recovery Coach

at Oneida Behavioral Health's Recovery Nest, BS has

transformed her personal struggles into a powerful drive

to support others within her community.

Navigating the challenges of being a single mother, BS

sought assistance from the Oneida Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. As she worked closely with the VR

psychological consultant to enhance her mental health

support, she demonstrated her commitment to personal

growth and well-being. Additionally, she reached out to

the Oneida VR program for help with acquiring new business attire for her newly-obtained full-time employment,

showcasing her determination to succeed.

Having been in her current position for almost a year,

BS found her calling. BS passionately considers her

role as a Recovery Coach her career goal, driven by the

empathy she’s developed through personal experiences.

BS’ success as a participant in VR is a testament to her

strength and dedication.

Her journey is an inspiring example of how personal

challenges can be transformed into a source of motivation to help others. Her story highlights the importance of

community support and the impact of VR in empowering

individuals to achieve their career aspirations.

We will be at the Community Education Center on

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 1-4pm.

Oneida Vocational

Rehabilitation Services

LOCAL

34 | MAY 2025

KALIHWISAKS

Oneida Falling Leaves is Now Oneida Soaring Eagles

4-H Students Create Their Own Play

▲ Oneida Soaring

Eagles 4-H club in

costume for the play,

The Bus Stop.

Abi Ferrell (left),

played Miss Chowder, the Hypochondriac Passenger

and Autumn Cooper

played Miss Mabel,

the Librarian in The

Bus Stop play.

By Garth Webster

Recently, the Falling Leaves 4-H club renamed themselves the Oneida Soaring Eagles (OSE). As the club

moves forward with their new name and logo (see

photo to right) they are staying quite busy, says Team

leader Harlen Cooper.

"The children had their choice of over 150 projects they

could work on," says Cooper.

On March 8, 2025, OSE competed in the County Wide Drama Festival at Seymour

Community High School by putting on their own comedy play called The Bus Stop. The

annual event, hosted by the Outagamie 4-H of Wisconsin, is held to provide participants experience in acting and directing.

The Bus Stop, sponsored by the Freedom 4-H Club, Smile Awhile, was written to

make a point that 4-H is more than just raising farm animals. In this way, OSE utilized a time-honored approach outlined in the 4-H guidelines, which emphasize project-based learning. This method enables youth to explore different areas and develop

mastery in areas of interest, especially when it relates to the four focus areas for 4-H

students: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Agriculture, Healthy

Living, and Civic Engagement.

If you have or know children who would like to develop life-skills, build confidence

and independence, or explore their interests, contact Harlen Cooper to become a

member of the Oneida Soaring Eagles. Reach him at 920.254.9641

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

MAY 2025 | 35

Monday, May 26, 2025 • Annual Cemetery Tour

Members arrive 7:40am • Depart 8am

Oneida VFW Post 7784 • 2980 E. Service Rd., Oneida, WI

1. Lutheran-Riverdale Dr.

2. Morman-Riverdale Dr.

3. Assembly of God-Hwy 54

4. St. Joseph-Seminary Rd.

5. Holy Apostles-Freedom Rd.

6. Methodist-Freedom Rd.

7. White Cemetery

Freedom Rd. & EE

8. Oneida Tribal Cemetery

Adams Dr.

9 Anna John Nursing Home

2901 S. Overland Rd.

• • • Break • • •

10. Oneida Veteran's Memorial

Hwy 54 & Pleasant Lane

Approximately Noon or 1pm, lunch will be provided

at Oneida VFW Post 7784 (While food lasts.)

Thank You for your support & service to

our community Veterans.

Sincerely, Commander Deke Suri

Mobile: 920.445.1972

MMIR

MISSING & MURDERED INDIGENOUS RELATIVES

KWANUHTUNYUHE

Missing & Murdered

Indigenous Relatives Walk

Saturday, May 10 • 10am Registration

Oneida Recreation • 2913 Artley St., Oneida, WI 54155

11am: Walk begins to Oneida Nation Elementary School (Turtle School)

Light meal provided, presentations & music • email TAP@OneidaNation.org

She Looks for News

PO Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155-0365

2701 W. Mason St., Green Bay, WI 54303

WE'RE HIRING!

Gaming and Hotel Positions

Program and Service Positions

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

@kalihwisaks