Strengthening Community (2026)

Strengthening Community

Oneida Nation Helps Power Local, State Economy

PG 6

From the Sand to Civilian Life

Desert Veterans of Wisconsin Non-Profit Provides Assistance

to Desert War Veterans

PG 9

ONHS Junior Standout Lives

and Breathes Lacrosse

Mason Laster Prepares to Play for University of Albany

PG 13

Winter Gathering Pow Wow

PG 16

Cover: Oneida Nation High School Thunderhawks. See inside front cover for description.

2|

MARCH 2026

KALIHWISAKS

From the Kali

Shekóli Swakwe•kú. A few years

ago, a very wise person said this

to me regarding his thoughts on

parenthood, "Don't prepare the

road for your children. Prepare your

children for the road."

Inevitably, our children, as well as

anyone for that matter, will encounter

ups and downs, triumph and defeat,

and all of the emotional, physical, and

spiritual effects that result during our

life endeavors.

In my opinion, aside from the

guidance our parents and guardians

provide, few other life experiences

deliver lessons of perseverance, hard

work, dedication, humility, among

others, as well as playing sports

does.

For many, March is the time of

year when basketball is the most

prevalent sport on our minds. In fact,

in my younger years, basketball was

my favorite sport. I learned all the

lessons above, but I think the most

valuable attribute that I've been able

to apply in life is teamwork. As they

say, "If you want to go fast, go

alone but if you want to go far,

go together."

In this issue, there are a

few great examples of the

power of teamwork. As

you probably noticed,

the cover features

both the girls and boys

Oneida Thunderhawk varsity

basketball teams. On page

12, read about a local co-op

basketball team and then on

page 13, learn how Mason Laster

is progressing through his journey

playing the Creator's game.

Garth Webster

Kalihwisaks Senior Editor

Big Bear Media

2701 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI 54303

Senior Editor

Garth Webster

Creative Services Trainee

Yewelah wi•se Cornelius

Marketing & Tourism Director

Michelle Danforth-Anderson

Contributors

Eric Doxtator ⋅ Leah Stroobants

Leon Webster ⋅ Nevada Skenandore

Peggy Doxtater ⋅ Leah Kuchta

Sophia King ⋅ Mel Webster

Carly Skenandore

All content is © Big Bear Media

unless otherwise not

The views and/or claims of interviewees or

advertisers do not necessarily represent

the thoughts and sentiments of the Oneida

Nation or Kalihwisaks.

KALIHWISAKS

Official Publication of the Oneida Nation

"She Looks For News"

Scan for more

Kalihwisaks stories

Kalihwisaks

Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org

Oneida-nsn.gov/resources/kalihwisaks

920.496.5632

Cover Photo: ONHS Basketball

Both the girls and boys Oneida Nation High School Varsity basketball teams were victorious in their match-up

against St. Thomas Aquinas at the Oneida Nation Elementary School on Friday, February 6, 2026. The girls

played at 11am, winning 50-21 while the boys played at

1pm, winning 58-44. Make sure to stay connected and

support ONHS basketball as they head into March tournament season.

OneidaNationHS

Our Stories

4

5

BC Forum

Secretary Lisa Liggins

AJRCC Receives 5-Star Rating

Baby Opie Appears on Jennifer

Hudson Show

Spotlights

7 

Two Indigenous Women,

6 

Strengthening Community

8

9

 neida Nation Helps Power Local,

O

State Economy

From the Sand to Civilian Life

 esert Veterans of Wisconsin Non-Profit

D

Provides Assistance to Desert War Veterans

13 ONHS Junior Standout

Lives and Breaths Lacrosse

Mason Laster Prepares to play for

University of Albany

16 Winter Gathering Pow Wow

10

11

Immortalized on $1 Coin

Time to Awake

Megan Minoka-Hill, Cultivating a

Culture of Continuous Improvement

Lexus King, Aspiring Pharmacist

King Completes Rotation at Oneida Pharmacy

Improving Community Health Together

4th Annual Health & Wellness Expo

Eyes on the Environment

Invasive Beetle in Quarry Park

Deer Harvest Report Reminder

February 2026 Corrections

12 

Driving to Strengthen Future of

14

15

Girls Basketball

Thunderhawks Times

United by Culture,

Strengthened by Community

Ron McLester, Jr. Forms Group to Engage

Oneida Citizens

18 Years of Service

19 

A Century of Caring

20

30

31

Ryan Funeral Home Achieves Milestone

On Their Journey

Traditional Knowledge,

Modern Entertainment

Oneida Community Integrated Food

Systems Develops App

Preparing for Change

A Look into the Demolition of Morgan's Store

4|

BC FORUM

MARCH 2026

KALIHWISAKS

Over the past two months, the Oneida Nation has continued advancing important

initiatives that support the well being, sovereignty, and long term stability of our

community. As such, I want to share a broad update with you on several areas of focus

that reflect both our strategic direction and our shared responsibilities to one another.

Contact me at 920.869.4421 or email lliggins@oneidanation.org.

Intergovernmental

Relations

Looking forward to work with the State

of Wisconsins in 2026, I am anticipating to

again participate on the state–Tribal relations

study committee. It is clear with recent activity taking place with the State that the Nation

must continue its persistence in ensuring

collaboration in areas such as public health

coordination, and policy development that

intersects with Tribal jurisdiction. These discussions help ensure that the Nation’s sovereignty is respected while strengthening

cooperative relationships that serve both

the Oneida community and the broader

region. Maintaining consistent communication with state partners helps ensure our perspectives are understood and that policies

affecting Tribal Nations are shaped through

genuine dialogue rather than assumption.

Recent activity at the state level includes

the Assembly’s bill which changed Higher Ed

Race-Based Minority programs and Grants to

Disadvantaged students as well as their vote

on a bill relating to certifying who can teach

our indigenous languages.

Secretary Liggins shown here providing testimony on matters of healthcare to the Wisconsin Assembly on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Onyote a·ka·ní Plan

Great strides have been made relating to the Onyote a·ka·ní Plan which was approved

by GTC. This long-term strategic framework remains the main guide to how the Nation is

approaching the critical subject of enrollment design. The community driven committee and

support team are well underway with the second part of Phase II, which is having community

identify what alternative approach in determining enrollment can be supported, moving the

Nation away from the use of blood-quantum as a factor. It is important to keep in mind that

exploring potential impacts will be largely driven by potential solutions the community raises

as possibilities – this is the work currently taking place in the community input sessions –

“What change to the Nation’s enrollment criteria can you support?” Please visit the Nation’s

website for more details on these meetings, the details can be found under the I am Oneida

Project – upcoming events.

GTC Rules of Decorum

Lastly and most importantly, an on-going important topic continues within the community

and leadership on the need to reaffirm and actively practice GTC’s rules of decorum at GTC

meetings. As your representatives, the OBC relies on GTC as our governing body of the Nation

to meet in larger numbers to consider legislation or policy. The safety and effectiveness

of our meetings rely on the ability of every participant to contribute or listen without fear,

interruption, or hostility, including safe exiting.

On-going issues raised by meeting participants continues to highlight concerns, many

from elders, who have shared that crowded or tense environments make them feel unsafe or

reluctant to participate. While no single individual is to blame, this serves as a reminder that

maintaining respectful conduct is not only a long-standing culturally supported expectation,

but also an expression of who we are as a people. Elders carry knowledge, experience, and

cultural teachings essential to our governance. It is our collective responsibility to ensure they

are given deference, physical space, and a sense of safety in all large gatherings, including

GTC. The OBC has requested a team be developed to examine the policies which require the

GTC meeting check-in and out processes and to bring back recommendations for change or

improvement. Please reach out to me at any time if you have suggestions on how to make

improvements. lliggins@oneidanation.org or 920-869-4483

As we continue moving forward, our work will remain grounded in open

communication, collective responsibility, and long term planning. I am deeply

grateful to the community members, staff, leaders, and partners who contribute

to this work each day. By strengthening our programs, honoring our elders, and

upholding respectful governance, we build a stronger future together—one that

reflects the values and identity of the Oneida Nation.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

LOCAL

MARCH 2026

|5

Anna John Resident Centered Care Community

Receives 5-Star Rating

A 5-star nursing home rating, awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, indicates "much above

average" quality based on health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. These top-tier facilities

represent the top 10% in each state. Watch for the full article to be published in the April 2026 edition.

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, eight-year old Opichee, aka "Baby Opie" and his familiy

appeared on the Jennifer Hudson Show, providing them a national stage for him, brother,

and sister to dance their style for all the world to witness. Their mother was also present

stating, "All three of my children..to see them singing and dancing it's truly healing for me, I

feel so incredibly proud."

Watch Baby Opie

and his family on the

Jennifer Hudson show

6|

MARCH 2026

NATION

KALIHWISAKS

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

THE ONEIDA NATION ECONOMY AT WORK

By Yewe Cornelius

The St. Norbert College’s Center

for Business and Economic Analysis (CEBA) was created to build and

strengthen relations between the

faculty and staff of St. Norbert College and the local business community. CEBA works with leaders in

local businesses and nonprofits to

be a source of information, networking and collaboration, as well as help

with any problem-solving that might

be needed. Most recently conducted

an Economic Impact Study on the

Oneida Nation. This study had two

avenues of focus, the nation’s impact

on both Brown and Outagamie counties, and the nation’s impact on the

State of Wisconsin. On Wednesday,

January 28, 2026, the Oneida Nation

Business Committee (OBC) hosted

the press release of CEBA’s economic impact study results.

This study was conducted by a

team of researchers, including Kevin

Quinn, the Dean of the Schneider

School of Business and Economics

at St. Norbert who gave the presentation of the study at press release.

The study used data from the 2023

fiscal year, (FY23) usually an economics study would look at data

from multiple years. However, the

years after the Covid-19 pandemic

created non-typical behaviors, so to

get the most recent and accurate

data this team only looked at the one

year. Using data from the FY23, the

study was able to determine that the

Oneida Nation generates $652.3 million in economic output, $179 million

in labor compensation and 3,266

jobs in direct impact within Brown

and Outagamie Counties, the total

direct and indirect economic impact

of the nation within the two counties creates a total of $983.8 million

in economic output, $305.6 million

in labor compensation and 5,409

jobs. Looking at a broader scope, the

nation generates $1.09 billion in total

economic output, $334.7 million in

total labor compensation and 5,883

jobs statewide.

The study was also able to determine that 30% of the nation’s revenue comes from federal sources

with the remaining 70% coming from

the nation’s economic enterprises

and other tribal sources, consisting

of capital projects, economic enterprises, government healthcare, housing, human services, internal services

and public services. These operations span through multiple industries and include the Oneida Nation

Farm and Apple Orchard, Oneida

One-Stops, Thornberry Creek, and

the Oneida hotel, among many others. The tribe’s own profit generating

operations have generated a total of

$416.2 million in economic output,

$91 million in labor compensation

and 1,961 jobs. After wages, benefits,

compact fees and operational costs

this means that the Nation’s own

operations have generated a net pay

of $148.5 million in FY23.

Most of Oneida’s economic impact

is driven more specifically from the

nation’s enterprise sector, which generates 61.3% of the total economic

output, 53.8% of the labor compensation and 59.4% of jobs, with a total

of 1,961 jobs. The nation’s economic

enterprise sector is the largest contributor to total economic output,

employment and employee compensation in Brown and Outagamie

Counties. The study also took time

to look at where most of the nation’s

money gets invested back into. It

was identified that the nation has 6

priority spending areas, education,

government services, healthcare,

housing, human services and public

services. The study concludes that

the Oneida Nation plays a vital role

in the economy of Brown and Outagamie Counties, creating 2.4% of

its total economic output, 1% of its

total labor compensation and 2% of

all jobs across both counties, and is

one of the largest employers in the

region. The study also notes that the

nation’s impact goes well beyond

profits, as the nation invests heavily

in core services that elevate the community’s well-being.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NEWS

MARCH 2026

|7

Two Indigenous Women,

Immortalized on $1 Coin

The new 2026 United States $1 coin

depicts Oneida heroine Polly Cooper on

offering a basket of white corn to George

Washington. The reverse side features

the famous Indigenous guide

to Lewis and Clarke,

Sacagawea.

Stay tuned for more

information in a

future edition of the

Kalihwisaks.

Time to Awake

By Michelle Danforth-Anderson

Early in the morning of February

18, 2026, those awake were able

to hear the return of the thunders.

Their return signals the waking of

Mother Earth, causing the maple

sap in trees to flow again, among

other things. This also signals the

time to begin getting ready for

Maple ceremony by tapping the

maple trees and collecting the

sap to boil down to maple syrup.

Keep an eye out for more maple

tree taping information in a future

edition of the Kalihwisaks.

8 | MARCH 2026

STRONG FIRES

KALIHWISAKS

Megan Minoka-Hill, Cultivating

a Culture of Continuous

Improvement

By Yewe Cornelius

The MacArthur Foundation is dedicated to finding creative solutions and new ways to help the world move forward in a more just and equitable way. To accomplish this,

they have many programs dedicated to helping people all

over the world who are looking to improve a wide variety

of situations that people face.

One of their newest programs will be a Native Self-Determination program, which will be committed to the strength

and well-being of Indigenous peoples. As part of this new

program, the MacArthur Foundation has hired a team of

Indigenous staff, including Oneida Nation’s Megan Minoka

Hill, who was brought on as Director this past February

2026. Hill will oversee the development and implementation of the foundation’s strategic approach.

With 20 years of experience across many different

focuses, philanthropy, government and community-based

organizations, Hill has had the opportunity to work on

numerous projects, including

the Harvard Project on Indigenous

Governance and

Development and the

Native American Graves

Protection and Repatriation committee. Hill is also a published author, working alongside her father, Norbert Hill, in

their work; Beyond Blood Quantum: Refusal to Disappear.

Many are looking forward to what Hill will accomplish

in her new role.

Lean more about Native

Self-Determination program

Lexus King, Aspiring Pharmacist

King Completes Rotation at Oneida Pharmacy

By Michelle Danforth-Anderson

One may remember

Lexus King as Miss Wisconsin Rodeo riding horses at Big

Apple Fest years ago. As dynamic

as her years of riding rodeo, she is now completing her

Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Lexus graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in

Animal Sciences in May 2019 leading her to her role as a

Veterinary Assistant. Pharmacy, as it turns out, is a natural

crossover because as an assistant, you learn and research

various animal medications.

Midwestern University encouraged her to transfer her

veterinarian school application into Pharmacy and in turn,

she was quickly accepted into the program. The accelerated three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program requires

pharmacy rotations in the final year. Lexus finished one of

these rotations at the Oneida Community Health Center,

where she explains how much she enjoyed interacting

with her clients, “People would come to the counter and

say, "Are you Denis’ daughter or who are your grandparents?”

Next, she will be traveling to the Navajo Nation where

she will continue her next 6-week rotation and then in May,

it’s onto graduation.

King is extremely thankful for the Oneida Higher Education Grant and an additional Indian Health Service (IHS)

scholarship that she was awarded in her second year of

school. IHS scholarship funding requires awarded students

to work for 2 years for IHS or another tribal pharmacy upon

completion of their program. After years in academia, King

has some sound advice for anyone wanting to accomplish

their academic and professional goals.

“It is really important to make sure that you know what

field you would like to go into before going on to school.

There will be some bumps, but at the end of the day it will

all pay off, so go for it,” says King.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

VETERANS AFFAIRS

MARCH 2026

|9

From the Sand to

Civilian Life

Desert Veterans of Wisconsin

Nonprofit Provides Assistance

to Desert War Veterans

Submitted by Wendy Dowd-Cornelius

L to R: Desert Veterans of Wisconsin (DVOW) Board Members

Mike Gerrits, Phillip Cornelius, and Matt Cowell at the Give BIG

Green Bay Event at Lambeau Field on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

DVOW was one of many non-profits chosen to be a beneficiary

of proceeds donated during the annual fundraising event.

Desert Veterans of Wisconsin was founded in 2006 by

four veterans—three who served in the Gulf War, as well as

one who served in Vietnam. After recognizing that veterans in the area lacked sufficient support and resources, the

group asked a simple but powerful question: “What can

we do?” From that conversation, Dave “Razz” Rasmussen

and Jimmer Christensen took the first steps to bring the

mission to life. Their goal was clear: “Vets Helping Vets.”

Mark Christensen and Phillip Cornelius soon joined as the

first board members, helping establish the foundation of

the organization.

In the early years, funds were raised through membership dues and small community fundraisers. What the

group lacked in resources, they made up for in heart.

Members offered their time, energy, and compassion—

volunteering countless hours and spreading the word that

the Desert Veterans of Wisconsin (DVOW,) was a place

veterans could turn to without judgment, without obligation, and without the pressure of repayment. The belief

was simple: everyone needs help at times, and those who

have sacrificed to protect our country should never have

Learn more by contacting DVOW

Facebook.com/DesertVeteransofWisconsin

Info@DVOW.org

920.265.1528

DVOW.org

to face hardship alone.

The DVOW has always been more than just a resource

for those facing challenges. It is a community—a gathering

of brothers and sisters connected by shared experiences

and a deep sense of understanding. It provides a safe

space for those who may struggle to talk openly, offering

comfort in knowing that others have walked similar paths.

Today, our membership stands at 75 members. In recognition of the sacrifices made not only by service members

but also by those who stand beside them, we now welcome dependents and spouses of veterans as members.

We know that families serve in their own way, and their

dedication deserves to be honored as well.

Membership dues are no longer required. All assistance

provided by DVOW is supported through annual fundraising efforts, ensuring that every dollar raised directly benefits veterans and their families in need.

The Desert Veterans Of Wisconsin remains committed to

its founding mission: Vets helping Vets—yesterday, today,

and always.

10 | MARCH 2026

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Improving Community Health Together

By Amanda Riesenberg, Stroke Prevention Wellness Coach

Overweight and obesity are the

focus of the first article in a three-part

series highlighting the most common

chronic conditions within the Oneida

community, based on data from the

Oneida Community Health Center.

Body Mass Index (BMI), an indicator

of overweight and obesity, is a calculation that compares weight to height,

and ideally, a person’s BMI should

be below 25. A BMI of 25–29.9 is

considered overweight, while a BMI

of 30 or higher falls within the obesity category. When BMI rises above

the healthy range, the risk for several chronic health conditions also

increases.

According to the Oneida Nation’s

Electronic Medical Records system,

86% of adults fall into the overweight

or obesity categories. This is significantly higher than the 73% reported

among American Indian/Alaska Native

adults in Wisconsin. Within the Oneida

community, the age groups with the

highest average BMIs are 40–49 and

30–39, with averages of 35.5 and

35.3, respectively.

One goal of the Community Health

Improvement Plan is to reduce

chronic conditions within the Oneida

community. Healthy weight strategies include managing stress, choosing foods rich in lean proteins and a

variety of fruits and vegetables, maintaining good sleep habits, and staying physically active. Physical activity

guidelines recommend 30 minutes

of daily movement for adults and

60 minutes per day for youth, which

can be achieved in many enjoyable

ways. Walking, strength training, yoga,

swimming, kayaking, or hiking on the

trails throughout the Oneida Reservation are all excellent options. The key

is finding an activity you enjoy, so it

becomes part of your routine.

If you have questions or would like

personalized guidance, please reach

out to your medical provider.

Community Health

Improvement Plan

As the warmer months approach, it's time

to prepare for a great season of trail walking.

Check out the Natural Areas and Trails Guide.

KALIHWISAKS

4th Annual

Health & Wellness Expo

Showcases the Nation's

Committment to Health

The Health Promotion Disease

Prevention Department hosted its

annual Health and Wellness Expo

on Thursday, January 29, 2026,

at the Oneida Community Health

Center.

This year’s expo featured 3

expert presentations as well as

over 25 health and wellness

booths representing programs and

services from across the Oneida

Nation. Over 300 attendees had

the opportunity to explore a wide

range of resources and connect

directly with experts dedicated to

supporting their wellness goals.

For those who were unable to

attend in person, all presentations

are available on the Oneida Comprehensive Health Division Facebook page. Planning is already

underway for next year!

OneidaNation.Health

Natural Areas

and Trails Guide

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ENVIRONMENTAL

MARCH 2026

| 11

EYES ON THE ENVIRONMENT

HARVEST REPORT

REMINDER

By Yewe Cornelius

All Oneida Sportsmen's deer

license holders and designated

hunters MUST complete and submit the Harvest Report by March

3rd. Please go online to the Oneida

Conservation page under Hunting & Fishing, cllick the "Harvest

Report" tab. *Even if no deer were

harvested, you still MUST complete

and submit report.

Invasive Beetles in Quarry Park Dead Ash Trees

Recently, the Environmental Land and Agricultural (ELA) Division has classified some of the dead ash trees in Quarry Park as hazardous. They are

asking that people do not attempt to harvest the wood from

these trees, and that people be careful and stand

clear of the trees while they perform the necessary

forest health maintenance needed. See below for

ELA’s official statement:

“The dead ash trees along the trails at Quarry Park

have been classified as hazardous due to the presence

of the emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive

beetle that tunnels beneath the bark

and kills ash trees. EAB can continue to use recently dead and

downed ash trees until the

wood becomes well-rotted. Once the inner bark

decomposes or dries

out, the beetle larvae

can no longer survive.

Rather than being harvested, these trees will

be left to return to the

forest floor, where they

will contribute nutrients

and provide wildlife habitat.

Please stand clear of our crew

while they perform

forest health maintenance on Fridays.”

Bow

118

Gun

82

Muzzleloader

34

TOTAL

234

Doe

83

Buck

151

CORRECTIONS: February, 2026 Issue

•

In the photo caption of the "No More Stolen Sisters" article on page 9, Jo Anne's name is misspelled, Jo Anne

Torres, and the MMIW victim was her niece, not her daughter.

•

In the article "A Trip Down Memory Lane" on page 12, Billy's last name is misspelled: Billy Doxtater.

12 | MARCH 2026

SPORTS

Driving to Strengthen

Future of Girls

Basketball

Oneida Duo Forms Tournament

Team in Green Bay Southwest Area

By Garth Webster

Due to a variety of reasons, primarily because of an

insufficient number of young ladies to play, the Green Bay

Southwest High School (GBSWHS) girls varsity basketball

program was unable to field a team for the 2025-2026

season.

Although still able to form a junior varsity team, GBSWHS

Athletic Director Chris Williams has begun to focus on the

younger girls in their school system to prepare them for

when they reach high school/varsity levels, as he mentions in an interview with the Green Bay Press Gazette’s

Scott Venci, “…We just have to get girls in the program and

the middle school level and the youth level,” says Williams.

Later during the interview, Williams mentions he would

also be open to forming co-op teams with other schools

and communities, which is where two Oneida community

members come into play.

North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame member, Kerry “Buggs” Danforth and Louis Cottrell, are taking an active approach to develop and foster players at

the middle school level by coaching a tournament team

comprised of 80% Indigenous girls, including Louis’ twin

daughters and Lombardi Middle School student/athletes,

Cameron and Chloe.

“We are excited to create this 8th grade team with the

support of several Oneida families and new GBSWHS

head coach, Ronald Jackson, to ensure our young girls will

have an opportunity to play organized basketball every

season, especially when they reach the varsity level," says

Cottrell.

With the girls’ basketball program currently in a rebuilding phase at GBSWHS, Coach Danforth is taking it upon

himself to get the girls as ready as possible for their high

school journey in the game of basketball. From day one,

his knowledge, leadership, and coaching skills have made

a tremendous impact. He's delivered countless lessons in

both basketball fundamentals and overall game understanding, helping the girls grow not only as athletes but

as a team.

KALIHWISAKS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

SPORTS

MARCH 2026 | 13

ONHS Junior Standout

Lives and Breathes

Lacrosse

Mason Laster set to Play

for University at Albany

By Garth Webster

Mason Laster, the son of Lee and Rosa Laster, traveled

to the University at Albany in New York this past January 2026 to seal the deal to begin his collegiate lacrosse

career under the guidance of head coach Scott Marr (see

photo, below right).

"What an unbelievable visit with Coach Marr and Albany

today. It was definitely exciting and after getting to know

Coach better, we are glad he [Mason] gets to play for and

continue his education in upstate New York," says Mason's

father, Lee.

Although still a junior at Oneida Nation High School,

Mason will be going through a rigorous training program

now until he graduates and embarks to Albany in the Fall

of 2027.

"It’s an honor for me to be one of the top players to come

out of Oneida Nation High School. I’m super excited to

represent talu kowanhné in Albany and make my people

proud. I want to thank my coaches throughout the years

for the drive and lessons to get me where I’m at today. To

my parents, from the fundraisers to the endless amounts

of traveling, it means so much to me, and I can’t thank

them enough for being there every step of the way. They

went through all the struggles and perseverance I went

through, and their drive to keep me going is something

I can’t be more grateful for. I want to thank all of my club

coaches/recruiting coaches especially Michael Storts And

Billy Spingola for the guidance throughout the recruiting

process and getting the connections for me to be able to

move forward to the next level. I look forward to competing and making my dreams come true at the University at

Albany," says Mason.

Left: Mason with University of Albany Head Lacrosse Coach Scott Marr

in January 2026. Right: Mason holding the Tewaaraton Trophy, the

preeminent annual award for the top male and female college players

across all divisions. Two of the four legendary Thompson Brothers,

Miles and Lyle, won the trophy in 2014 while playing Lacrosse for the

University of Albany. Perhaps one day Mason will win this trophy as

well. Go Mason!

D King of Images

THT

14 | MARCH 2026

WIAA sanctioned lacrosse starts its season

in mid-March. This year, the first permitted

practice is March 16, and the first permitted

game is March 24. Post-season play starts

with Regionals in late-May and the State

Championship in mid-June.

Oneida Nation High School

ONHS STUDENTS REFLECT

AND GIVE INPUT

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

LACROSSE ANYONE?

By Mason Laster

ONHS lacrosse players are itching for

warmer weather when they can get out to

run, pass the ball, and score goals. While

lacrosse is played indoors in the form of

Box Lacrosse, or general indoor tossing and

catching, the sport is exciting and ready to

be enjoyed outdoors.

History tells of games played over days in

large areas. When we go back to traditional

games, lacrosse goals or wooden poles

could be separated 1-2 miles out, with no

out of bounds or boundaries. Being able to

play outside in the fresh air and nice breeze.

That didn’t happen indoors. I recently talked

to ONHS lacrosse players waiting patiently to

take their game outside.

Phoenix Webster, grade 12, says,

“I’m looking forward to playing with his

teammates, playing good lacrosse, and a

great winning season. He also mentions

that he is looking forward to being coached

by a new staff. My goals for the season are

to hit 100 points (goals and assists) and to

get all conference awards. Phoenix wants to

push his teammates to the best and make

this season a happy one!”

“I’m looking forward to playing in my first

high school season of lacrosse. My goals

for the season are to get as much playing

time as possible and score a couple goals on

the season. I want to get an all-conference

award and put Oneida Nation on the map.”

says Markane Ellis, grade 9.

Thunderhawk

Times Staff

On Wednesday, February 4, 8 ONHS

students met with Melissa and Madona

Wilber, Co-Owners and Designer of M&M

Digital Media Productions LLC. Also in

attendance was ONHS staff member,

Sarah Wunderlich, who oversees the Y.E.S.

Program.

The students watched a video produced by

M&M on behalf of the Great Lakes Intertribal

Council, Inc. (GLITC). The film featured Native

Leaders from across Wisconsin including

Jonas Hill, an ONHS alumnus and member

of the Oneida Business Committee.

Topics presented by the leaders in the

video reflected GLITC’s “Six Core Priorities”

and included Mental and Behavioral Health,

Emergency Preparedness, Economic

Development, Substance Abuse, and other

topics. Hill discussed his own heartfelt,

recovery journey. Celebrities also appearing

in the video included Lil Mike and Funny

Bone, as well as Dallas Goldtooth.

The goal was to engage students in their

communities by getting their input on the

information and ideas presented in the

video. Questions included “Which person in

the video inspired you the most, and why?”

“How does their work help our people?” and

“What is the biggest problem facing your

community right now?”

Students were encouraged to share

additional stories and information and to

schedule a follow-up conversation with a

parent’s or guardian’s approval.

KALIHWISAKS

chimney of the cook shack are just some of

the sights, sounds, and smells of spring and

maple syrup time.

Maple season starts when ONHS staff and

students gather around a fire outdoors. The

Tobacco Burning is recited to alert the trees

and other forest creatures that we will be

joining them and that we are grateful for the

gifts they will give us and for their company.

This year, the maple season looks to be

starting around Feb 11-12 when compared

to other years. There's a story of when the

thunder comes, Mother Earth wakes, which

gets the maple trees sap running. It's the

people's (Ukwehu·wé) responsibility to tap

maple trees and collect sap to make syrup

and sugars. The process usually depends on

the day and weather.

Jamison says, ¨We try to collect around

200 gallons a day, boil it, and get around 5

gallons of sap back. It's best if we get cold

nights and warm days because then the sap

is flowing.”

Watch for pictures of this year’s maple

syrup time in our next issue.

SPRING SPORTS AHEAD

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

The calendar says we’ve just about made it

through winter. That means that spring sports

are about to get underway. There will be the

usual with track, lacrosse, and golf.

A quick look at the WIAA sports calendar

has the earliest track and field practice as

March 9, with the earliest meet on March

17. State competition is June 5-6. Lacrosse

season runs from March 16 through midJune. Golf begins with practices on March

30 and state championships June 8-9. ONHS

athletes are excited for the warmer weather

and anticipating getting on the field or course.

See more THT

Articles Online

MAPLE SYRUP TIME

By Mason Laster

Sunshine, mud, the sound of student

voices in the woods near Norbert Hill Center,

the smell of wood smoke wafting through the

Aurthur Boyiddle, Harmony Ferrell, Joie Gutierrez, Mi’quel LaRock, Saniya Clark-Ninham, and Gabby Velasquez-Skenandore,

and Mason Laster Advisors: Johnny Danforth and Denis Gullickson

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

MARCH 2026 | 15

United by Culture, Strengthened by Community

Ron McLester, Jr. Forms Group to Engage Oneida Citizens

By Yewe Cornelius

Bundling Arrows is a new community engagement group

dedicated to discussing shared concerns and issues within

the community of the Oneida Nation. The group strives to

approach these topics with traditional knowledge hoping

to find a way to help the community move forward with a

good mind and a strong fire. Having held its first community engagement meetings on Thursday, January 15 and

Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Robert Cornelius VFW

Post 7784 and Veterans Services Building, respectively,

the group has started to establish structure, goals, processes, and potentially a new name for future sessions.

The discussions and activities are led by Ron McLester,

Jr. who noted that while he is the one leading the discussion, it is not his group. Rather, Bundling Arrows is a group

run by and for the community, without any connection to

the Oneida Nation entity, such as the Business Committee.

McLester says the endeavor will always be changing and

adapting to new perspectives, ideas, and voices, striving

to help the community with solutions based in traditional

teachings and thought processes. He also notes that forming this group is just the first step, as he mentions in the

callout to the right.

During the meetings, a few topics were brought up as

issues people would like to start focusing on, including

homelessness, housing, mental health services, blood

quantum, and tribal governance, among others. All of

which are topics that people have debated for a while.

Although the next meeting sessions have not yet been

shared, Bundling Arrows remains an open and welcoming group for anyone looking to help and make a change

within the community. They currently have an open Google

form for anyone wishing to share input or get involved.

“There’s a lot more to do, this

whole week is really just a

test. We commit to transparency, bringing back

the data to you folks, and

then, with enough time,

enough headway, a big

room, with food, ideally a

good mind, and maybe a

new name for the Facebook

group, we’re going to bring that

[information] out to the community

to continue to share and generate knowledge. We commit

to redoing and amending, adapting, and improving our

process and ideally connecting with all the people that

we can,” says McLester.

Receive information by

completing the Google form

16 | MARCH 2026

WINTER GATHERING

This year, the Winter Gathering Pow Wow

was held February 14, 2026 and thus, was

themed "Valentine's Day."

During the event, exhibitions were held for

all the familiar dance categories. However,

the crowd-favorite events included two-step

and best-snagging call specials. Judging by

the amount of participation, there was no

doubt love was in the air.

Once again, the hard work and dedication

KALIHWISAKS

of the Oneida Pow Wow Event Team provided

another outstanding event the entire community was able to enjoy, or should I say, love.

Special thanks to Michelle Danforth-Anderson, Tonya Webster, Trista Cornelius-Hendricks, Leah Stroobants, Rosa Laster, Vicki

Cornelius, Emcee JT Teller, Arena Director

Dillon Prescott, Security Lee Laster and Delia

Smith and host drum providing the ballads,

Smokey Town.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

WINTER GATHERING

MARCH 2026 | 17

18 | MARCH 2026

COMMUNITY

KALIHWISAKS

Years of Service Recognition

1st Quarter FY26

45 YEARS

Deborah A Reiter-Mehojah

40 YEARS

Linda F Powless

Lois J Domencich

Renee M. Hill

35 YEARS

Michelle M Braaten

30 YEARS

Kimberly K Mehojah

Shane Thomas

Troy D Parr

Luz V Redhail

James M Sommerfeldt

Mindy R åRass

Marianne J Calderon

Lisa L Duff

Lisa A Parks

Daniel W Doxtater

Daniel J Moran, IV

Stephanie L Funmaker

Stephanie Eberhardy

Michael L Poole

Michael V Doxtator

Eva E Doxtator

Kevin S Rentmeester

25 YEARS

Robert J Pamanet

Emily M Detrie

Jason M Stenglein

Rebeca L Escalante

Constance S Danforth

Daryl J Stevens

Fay A Lemense

Cynthia L Mooren

Cory T Robers

Sheila K Baumgart

Peggy Stevens

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

MARCH 2026 | 19

A Century of Caring

Ryan Funeral Home Achieves Milestone

Words of Appreciation to Oneida by the Ryan Funeral Home Team

For one hundred years, Ryan Funeral Home in De Pere,

Wisconsin, has stood as a steady presence in this community, offering care, dignity, and guidance during some

of life’s most tender moments. Reaching this milestone

invites reflection on the generations of families who have

placed their trust in us, and on the responsibility we have

carried to serve with compassion and integrity.

Founded a century ago, our funeral home began as

a small, family-run endeavor by Robert A. Ryan, rooted

in the belief that every life deserves to be honored with

respect. Through decades of change, growth, and challenge, that belief has never wavered. While practices and

facilities have evolved, our purpose has remained the

same–to provide thoughtful service, sincerely rendered.

Those words are more than a slogan, they reflect the way

we listen, the care we take, and the sincerity we bring to

every family we serve.

We are especially grateful for the enduring relationships

that have shaped our journey. Among the most meaningful is our longstanding work alongside the Oneida

Nation, a relationship that goes back nearly to our

earliest years. Our first Oneida service was held in

January 1928 for Mrs. Lucinda Powless, marking the

beginning of a bond built on respect, understanding,

and mutual trust. We are deeply thankful for the confidence the Nation has placed in our funeral home over

the decades. This trust has allowed us to learn, to listen,

and to be proud to weave Oneida customs and traditions into the services we provide, ensuring each farewell reflects cultural meaning, spiritual significance, and

personal wishes.

This 100-year milestone belongs not only to our funeral

home, but to the families, staff members, clergy, Tribal

leaders, and community partners who have walked alongside us through the years. We are grateful for every story

shared and every life entrusted to our care.

The Ryan Funeral Home staff, pictured above, left to

right: Rebekah Degeneffe, Abby Webster, Owner-Scott

Baeten, Dominic Maino, Seth Baeten, Emmalee Broomhall,

and Bridget Vandelist and are celebrating this centennial

year with appreciation for the past and a renewed commitment to serve with compassion, respect, and thoughtful

attention for generations to come. A heartfelt thank you

to all who have made these 100 years possible.

20 | MARCH 2026

ON THEIR JOURNEY

FAITH MARIE HAJENGA

ALAN DUANE FABIAN

Faith

Marie

Hajenga, age 60,

passed away on

January 5, 2026,

at her home. She

was

born

on

August 29, 1965,

the daughter of

Sulo and Eleanor

Hautamaki. She grew up in Green Bay and

upon graduating from high school,

ventured across town to NWTC to pursue

nursing. While she never worked directly

in the nursing field, she never lost her joy

in helping people.

In 1997, Faith’s world was made complete

when daughter Dakota arrived on the

scene. She shared her life with Dakota

and also her long-time partner Richard

Stumpf. They shared the joys and aches of

growing up together, and Faith was truly

the inspiration for all things for Dakota.

She was a great keeper of secrets and an

encourager.

Later in her life, Faith dug into her history

after learning that she was of the Oneida

tribe. She was in the process of learning

more about her heritage and what that

meant for her. She loved attending powwows and learning more about the cultural

aspects.

Faith is survived by her daughter Dakota,

her long-time partner Richard, sister

Renee (Kevin) Tackett and other relatives

and friends. She was preceded in death by

her parents.

A funeral service to celebrate Faith will

take place on Friday January 30, 2026, at

2:30pm at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537

N Superior Street, Appleton. Following

the service there will be a celebration

gathering in honor of Faith from 3:30pm

until 5:30pm.

To share a memory, please see Faith’s

page at wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

Alan

Duane

Fabian, age 92,

passed

over

January 8, 2026.

A proud member

of the Oneida

Nation,

born

February 25, 1933,

to Emma Vivian

(nee Ninham) and Floyd Henry Adam

Fabian in Wauwatosa, WI.

Alan graduated 1951 from Juneau HS in

Wauwatosa, married Patricia (nee Merfeld)

August 9,1952 and the same year bought

his first home. He trained as a Journeyman

Machinist with Kearney & Trecker, helped

create “the Milwaukee-matic,” the first

computer machine-drilling tool. He also

worked at Ford Tool in Wauwatosa,

Northwestern Tool in New Berlin before

creating Rex-Currier Industrial Distribution,

Inc., Royal Fasteners in New Berlin, and

owning a business in Waupaca, WI making

manufactured homes. He later worked for

Stephanik Realty until he retired.

His Oneida heritage and family led him to

work diligently with the Oneida Business

Committee to establish a home office

in Milwaukee which became SEOTS.

He served as President of the SEOTS

Advisory Board and as a member of the

Governors Committee for Small Business

in Wisconsin.

He loved photography, drawing, painting,

and woodworking. He created 100’s

of paintings and ornaments. He was

constantly sketching new ideas. Alan

always brought smiles and laughs

wherever he showed up and will be

remembered fondly.

Alan is survived by his wife Pat; his son

Thomas (Sharon) Fabian; daughters

Nancy (Andy) Fabian-Schliewe; Debra

Fabian; Grandchildren: Philip (Samantha

LaChance) Sack, Tom (Erin) Fabian,

Josh (Ashley) Fabian, Jessie (Jake) Kuhl,

Alexandria (Dillon) Gordon, Emily (Kody)

Konzal; Great grandchildren: Hunter, Cole,

Calvin, Reilly, Reagan, Nora, Petra and

Delaine, his brother Dennis (Cathy) Fabian,

sister-in-law Marjorie Fabian, many nieces,

nephews, extended family members and

friends.

He was preceded in death by his

parents, his brother Gordon Fabian, his

August 29, 1965 - January 5, 2026

February 25, 1933 - January 8, 2026

KALIHWISAKS

grandparents: Sarah Matilda (nee Doxtator)

and Anderson Ninham, Rose (Steele)

and William Fabian as well as his in-laws:

Gladys(Higgins) and Earl Ray Merfeld and

sister-in-law: Sandra Merfeld.

STEVEN HUBERS

March 13, 1985 - January 18, 2026

Steven

"Ogre"

Hubers, 40, began

his journey to the

spirit

world,

peacefully

at

Aurora St. Lukes

Medical Center on

January 18, 2026,

with his family by

his side. He was born in Green Bay, WI, on

March 13, 1985, to Wade R. Hubers and

Jennifer Bawyn.

While growing up, Ogre loved to go up

north with family. He enjoyed spending

time at Shawano Lake and the cabin on

Stockbridge Reservation. He loved being

around friends and being mischievous. At

an early he discovered his love for food.

He enjoyed his time on the road working

and after working at Motel 6.

Ogre was a loyal, loving family man. He

loved to give out nicknames to anyone

around him. He was the guy to call if you

were having vehicle issues. It didn't matter

how far you were or how deep the ditch

it was, he would answer and be there.

He loved to find and fix up vehicles with

his dad and friends'. He was also an avid

player of video games. He enjoyed talking

with friends and family about the spirit

world.

Ogre is survived by his son Leeland

Hubers, his father Wade Hubers,

Stepfather Kenny Bawyn, his 3 sisters Amanda "Commander" Detke, Mikayla

Hubers (Justice Eherer-Ross) Mackenzie

Hubers. Special cousin Angie Denny, his

best friends' Vernon Highdale and Andrew

"Timmy" Williams, his aunt Josephine

Steeno, his uncles Robert Skenadore

(Anna), Lee Hill, John Hill (Ellie).

He was preceded in death by his mother

Jennifer Bawyn, grandparents- Zelda

Metoxen, Nova and Genevieve Hill, Aunt

Crystal Watchal, Aunt Sandy (Rollie)

Johnson, his uncle John "Hulk" Lefebvre,

and cousin Damien Hill.

Family and friends may call at Ryan

Funeral Home, 305 N. 10th Street De

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ON THEIR JOURNEY

Pere, WI 54115, on Wednesday January 28,

2026. Visitation will start at 9:00am and

go until the time of service at 11:00am with

Bob Brown speaking. The Oneida Hymn

Singers will begin their song service at

10:30am. Ogre will be laid to rest at The

Oneida Sacred Burial Grounds following

the service.

Danforth-Moore.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral

Home 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere from

9:00AM Monday, January 26, 2026. The

Oneida Hymn Singers will sing at 10:30AM,

with a service to follow at 11:00AM. Burial

will take place at Holy Apostles Episcopal

Cemetery.

STACEY BETH MOORE

JAMES W. SCOFIELD

March 28, 1965 - January 19, 2026

Stacey

Beth

Moore, 60, passed

away at home in

Green Bay on

January 19, 2026.

She was born in

Green

Bay,

Wisconsin

on

March 28, 1965, to

David and Bernice (Skenadore) Moore Sr.

Stacey attended Seymour High School.

She then attended NWTC and the College

of Menominee Nation.

She often made artwork such as

dreamcatchers. Stacey loved watching

her grandchildren and spending time with

family and friends. She also enjoyed trips to

the casino and watching the Packers. She

cared deeply for her family and friends and

always helped others whenever she was

able to. Stacey was greatly loved by many

and will forever be missed by her family.

Stacey is survived by significant other

Francis Cree; her children Ronald

(Sacheen) Lawrence, Beth Doxtater,

Amber (Johnathan) Smith, Jade Doxtater,

and Kyle Cree. She is also survived by her

grandchildren Brolly Freeman, Jonathan

Smith Jr, Ethan Smith, Silas Freeman, Niles

Smith, Apollo Beson, Videl Beson, Sonya

Rae Skenandore, Aleena Smith, Elvira

Fox, Morgan Rayne Skenandore, Jadelynn

Smith and Raymond Juju Denny Jr. She

is further survived by her siblings Dave

(Elaine) Moore, Vaughn (Mary Ann) Moore,

Darryl (Bonnie) Moore, Cheryl Smith, Greg

(Terry Lee Black Owl) Moore, Neil (Gary)

Diny, Diane Moore, Kelly (Robin) Moore,

and Blaine Moore. As well as many nieces,

nephews, cousins, and friends survive her.

She was preceded in death by her parents,

David and Bernice Moore; her brothers

Loren Moore, Rory “Zorr” Moore, Keith

“Tink” Moore; her sister Terry Skenandore;

her nephews Dwaynn Moore, Alex Moore

and Latakeh Smith; her niece Yotsitsyak’ele Smith and great niece Mariah

August 30, 1937 - January 25, 2026

James (Jim) W.

Scofield passed

away January 25,

2026, in North Fort

Myers, Florida at

the age of 88. He

was born August

30, 1937, to Harold

and Inez Grace

Scofield (Wheelock).

Following the death of his mother in

1938, Jim spent portions of his childhood

living with extended family members,

including his paternal grandparents

Victor and Caroline Scofield and maternal

grandmother Lena Ellen Wheelock

(Webster).

Jim is survived by his children; Jeanine

(Tony) Anderle, Jeff Scofield, Jesslyn

Geidel, Jamie (Sherri) Scofield, and

Jonelle (Tom) Ruppel. He is also survived

by ten grandchildren and many greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his

daughter, Jolene, parents Harold and Inez,

grandparents Victor and Caroline, and

maternal grandmother Lena Wheelock

(Webster) and James Wheelock, brothers

Kenneth Powlas & Victor Scofield, and

sister Lois Arms (Scofield).

KEITH F. WEBSTER

August 13, 1960 - February 8, 2026

Keith F. Webster,

age

65,

of

Appleton passed

away

Sunday,

February 8, 2026,

at St. Elizabeths

Hospital. Keith was

born August 13,

1960, in Shawano

to the late James and Honorable, Christine

(Pierce) Webster, Sr. While in high school

he found a true love for boxing. Keith

became an amateur boxer, winning the

MARCH 2026 | 21

National Golden Gloves twice and even

competing against boxer, Tommy Hearns.

In his later years, he enjoyed camping and

spending time with family and friends.

Keith was an avid Packer and Brewers fan;

he always found time to cheer on his team.

He was united in marriage to Angie Kiltz;

she preceded him in death.

Keith is survived by children, Keith (Natalie

Pecore) Klitz, Sr., Richard Delabrue, Tara

(special friend, Jason) Sturdevant, Craig

Sturdevant and Minoka (special friend,

Chad) Skenadore; grandchildren, Keith,

Jr., Markaylah, Mistie, Jeffery, Jr., Zoey,

Ava, Kekoa, Tobins and Corey; greatgranddaughter, Marliegh; and siblings,

Stanley (Donnie) Webster, Sherman

(Christine) Webster, Schuyler (Ruth)

Webster, Sheldon (Romona) Webster and

Diane “Moo” Perea. He is further survived

by numerous nieces, nephews, other

relatives and friends.

Keith is preceded in death by his wife,

Angie Klitz; siblings, James Webster, Jr.,

Nancy Webster, Georgiana Ignace, Mary

Lou Webster, Chauncey J. Webster, Sr., and

Darrel Webster; and parents, James and

Honorable, Christine Webster, Sr.

A funeral mass for Keith will be held at 11am

on Friday February 13, 2026, at St. Anthony

Catholic Church in Neopit with Fr. Hanz

Christian officiating. Visitation will be held

at the Neopit Community Center starting

on Thursday February 12, 2026, from 2pm

until the time of service on Friday. Burial will

be held at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery

in the spring.

JEFFREY JAMES METHENY

May 17, 1993 - February 8, 2026

Jeffrey

James

Metheny,

32,

passed away at

home in Green

Bay, Wisconsin on

February 8, 2026.

He was born in

Baton

Rouge,

Louisiana on May

17, 1993, to the late Rosetta Thomas and

Michael Metheny.

Jeff moved to Wisconsin as a child and

during his teenage years, lived in Florida. It

was there he made lots of friends and also

Continued on PG 22

Jeffrey James Metheny

ON THEIR JOURNEY

22 | MARCH 2026

Continuing from PG 21

Jeffrey James Metheny

met his wife. Together they had a daughter

before coming back to Wisconsin where

he later had 3 more children.

Jeff liked to work on cars and loved his

motorcycle. He had opened a business

called M&M Customs Unlimited. Jeff liked

gaming, cooking and was a Baltimore

Ravens fan. He was also big on family,

like his mother, and especially enjoyed

spending time with his kids, nieces and

nephews. Being community oriented, he

was an advocate for young, troubled kids.

He was always helping people when he

could.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Angel Buck; his

children Aniya, Gary, Betty, Angelo, and

Devin. He is further survived by his father

Michael Metheny; his sister Elizabeth

(Micheal); his nieces & nephews Azaliah,

Emahni, Michael Jr, Marcus, Marshaun,

Journee, Tay and Serenity; his brother

Micheal (Melissa); his nieces and nephews

Hailey, Mikey, Chevy and Nova; his brother

Tyron; his nephew Tyron Jr; his sister

Janeisha; his brother Mikelle (Marsheria)

and his special friends Angelo, Jay and

Will.

Jeff is preceded in death by his mother,

Rosetta Thomas; grandfather Gary

Thomas; grandmother Betty Metheny;

uncles Tracy Thomas, Jeff Thomas, Charlie

Metheny; and his cousin Paul Metheny.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral

Home, 305 N Tenth Street, De Pere, WI

from 5pm on Tuesday, February 17, 2026,

until the time of service at 7pm.

Special Thank You to our firekeepers:

David, Bobby, Albert, Junior, Elliot, Mikey,

Devin, Ronnie, Dylan and Brad.

DR. CLIFFORD ABBOTT

May 31, 1947 - January 20, 2026

Univ. of Wisconsin

-Green

Bay

Professor Emeritus

and

linguistics

scholar

Clifford

Frazer

Abbott

passed away at his

Green Bay home

on January 20,

2026, at the age of 78.

He had struggled stoically with cancer

for many years. This last time, the illness

had finally become too virulent to resist.

His family takes comfort in the exquisite

medical care he received; and in the gift of

dying in his own bed, peacefully, and fully

present in the moment, knowing he was

with someone with whom he had shared a

lifetime of love.

A celebration of Cliff's life will be held at a

later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider

donations in his memory to: University

of Wisconsin Foundation UW Patient

Assistance Fund, University of Wisconsin

– Green Bay Foundation, The Green Bay

Botanical Garden, Wisconsin Public Radio,

Wisconsin Public Television.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to

the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com

The Lyndahl Funeral Home is assisting the

family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a

tree in memory of Clifford "Cliff" F. Abbott,

please visit our floral store.

KEVIN F. JORDAN

October 11, 1966 - February 10, 2026

Kevin F. Jordan,

age 59, of Oneida,

WI, passed away,

Tuesday, February

10,

2026,

surrounded by the

love of his family,

after a courageous

battle with cancer

and other ailments. He was born October

11, 1966, in Green Bay, the son of Kermit

and Victoria (Thomas) Jordan.

Kevin graduated from West De Pere High

School, Class of 1984. He continued his

education at Concordia University and

graduated with his bachelor’s degree in

business from Mount Senario College.

Kevin worked for many years as a gym

teacher aide at the Oneida Nation Turtle

School. He later moved to Arizona, where

he enjoyed his years in the dry, desert heat.

Kevin returned to Wisconsin and worked

for various area businesses until his health

declined, most recently for Menards.

Kevin was an avid sports fanatic. He had

a deep love for every sport and could talk

about every sport as if it held a life lesson.

Whether cheering from the couch or

following his favorite teams closely, sports

were one of the many ways he connected

with the people around him. Over the

years he played hockey, baseball, softball,

KALIHWISAKS

golf, volleyball, lacrosse, football, bowling,

carrying that competitive spirit and team

pride long after he stepped off the field

and rink. He was very proud to have been

a referee for hockey and lacrosse coach.

In addition to his love for sports, he also

had a passion for good food. Nicknamed

"Jughead" or "Jugger" in college, his joy of

eating food was apparent at an early age.

Some of his favorites included Mexican

food, specifically salsa, fried chicken

breasts and Kettle Corn from the farmer's

market.

Kevin's heart was bursting with love for

his family. He was a devoted son, brother,

uncle, nephew and friend-but to his nieces

and nephews, he was something even

more special. They knew without question

that he would do anything for them. When

he was mobile, he was always ready to

take them anywhere they needed to go-to

games, practices, outings or just to grab

something to eat. Time with him meant

laughter, commentary, memories and

feeling completely cared for. He was also

known for his unique sense of humor and

crude, sarcastic wit. Kevin never sugarcoated anything and his quick remarks

often caught you off guard-if you know,

you know!

Kevin is survived by his mother, Victoria

"Vickie" Jordan; siblings, Kurt (Melissa)

Jordan and Emilie Jordan; nieces and

nephew: Gabrielle (Bruce), Brady and

Morgan and great-nephews and greatniece: Kingston, Kalia and Koa, who will

forever carry his stories, his humor and the

strength he modeled. He is further survived

by aunts, Carla (Curt) Danforth and Inez

(Ed) Thomas; uncle, Michael Thomas; many

cousins, other relatives and many friends,

including special friend, Randy Krohn and

special cousin (more like a brother), Scott

Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his father,

Kermit Jordan, his maternal and paternal

grandparents and numerous aunts and

uncles.

Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran

Church, Monday, February 16, 2026, from

9-11am. A funeral service will follow at 11am

with Pastor Chris Burg presiding.

Though our hearts are broken, we are

grateful for the years, the memories and

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ON THEIR JOURNEY

the love he gave so freely. His impact on

our family will never fade.

CHARISE MARY WEBSTER

July 6, 1981-February 10, 2026

Charise

Mary

Webster,

44,

passed

away

peacefully

surrounded

by

family and friends

at her side on

February

10,

2026. She was

born in Huntington Park, CA on July 6,

1981, to Darrold “Bossy” Webster

(Veronica) and Joyce Yealey (Hill).

Charise obtained her GED and worked

various times in the Accounting Operations Department at the Oneida Casino.

In her time, she worked at the casino, she

was promoted to a lead position and as

a trainer for new hires in the department

due to her knowledge and her outgoing

personality. She also spent lots of time

as a bartender at The Slammer. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her cherished grandchildren who

she visited often and helped take care

of them when she could. She enjoyed

going to casinos, hanging out, and socializing with her crew of friends. Charise was

compassionate and had a big heart. She

was known to take care of her family and

friends when they were injured or ill and

needing any help.

Charise is survived by her mother Joyce

Yealey (Hill); her father Darrold “Bossy”

Webster (Veronica); sister Rebecca “Bobcat” Gardner; her children Adrian Webster

and Andreah Newberry; grandchildren

Adrian Jr. & Za’riah (Bitty Bitty BomBom)

with their mother Victoria Moon; and Amani & Amiri with their mother Hayley Degrave and her daughter Andreah’s newest

son Amias. She is survived & loved by

many aunts; uncles; nieces, nephews,

cousins and friends. Charise is preceded

in death by her grandparents Clarence Hill

Sr.; Freida Wilber; Louis and Mary Webster; and many aunts and uncles on both

sides of her family. We would like to give

a special thank you to her “Latches” Nikki

and Jody Nueman for being the bestest

friends ever!

Family and friends may call to Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth St., De Pere,

WI 54115, from 9am – 11am on Tuesday,

February 17, 2026. A Memorial Service

will begin at 11:00am, lunch at 12pm @

Ryan Funeral Home, and burial at 2pm at

Zion Lutheran Cemetery, 453 Rose-Hill dr.,

Hobart, WI, with Brian Stevens officiating.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting.

We would like to say thank you to St. Vincent Hospital for all the help and care they

gave to Charise We would also like to extend our appreciation to all the people

that were here for the family during this

hard time and a special thank you to all

the Fire Keepers that assisted with keeping her fire.

JUDITH ANN MATTHEWS

February 1, 1942-February 11, 2026

Judith Ann “Judy”

Matthews,

age

84, of Green Bay,

passed

away

peacefully

on

Wednesday,

February

11,

2026.

Born on February

1, 1942, in Green Bay, Judy was the

daughter of the late Earl and Elizabeth

(Archiquette) Smith. She was a proud

graduate of Green Bay East High School,

Class of 1963.

Judy was known for her quick wit,

wonderful sense of humor, and her

fearless ability to speak her mind. She

lived her life with honesty, strength,

and a deep love for her family. She

was a devoted wife, mother, sister,

grandmother, and great-grandmother

who cherished every moment spent

with those she loved.

Judy was married to the late George

“Glen” Matthews, with whom she built

a loving family. Together they raised

four children: Elizabeth, Bobby Jo,

Gary, and Charlotte. Her greatest joy

was her family, and she was blessed

with 22 grandchildren and 8 greatgrandchildren, each of whom brought

immense pride and happiness to her

life.

In her younger years, Judy enjoyed

bowling and was proud to have started

the women’s pool league in Green Bay.

She loved playing bingo, card games,

and Yahtzee with her brothers and

sisters, creating countless memories

filled with laughter and friendly

MARCH 2026 | 23

competition. She also delighted in

decorating her home for every season,

always making it warm and welcoming

for family gatherings.

Judy is survived by Siblings, Karen

Skenandore, Muriel Process, Stanley

(Linda) Smith, Gary (Cheryl) Smith, Darryl

Smith, Elizabeth (Rick) Kramer, Susan

(Matthew) Loch, Larry (Donna) Smith,

and Chrystal Smith. She is survived by

Sister in laws, Sarah Smith, Joni Smith,

and Heidi Smith.

Preceded in death by Brothers, Rev Earl

Smith, Llewelyn Smith and Bradley Smith,

and daughter Charlotte Matthews.

A visitation will be held in her honor

on February 24, 2026, at Newcomer

Funeral Home.

She will be deeply missed and forever

loved.

On Their Journey

Please submit obituaries

(300 words or less)

and a high quality photo to

Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org

Pending room, obituaries longer

than 300 words will be printed.

If not, the Kalihwisaks requests

that submitters provide both a

shortened and full length version.

The full length version will

be linked to via a QR code.

The Kalihwisaks reserves

the right to make exceptions

to this guideline.

PUBLIC NOTICE

24 | MARCH 2026

NOTICES

KALIHWISAKS

AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASE FOR BID

Applications are available on our website at

Oneida-nsn.gov/divisions/environmental/commercial-agricultural-leasing/

Lease Term – 5 years

Minimum Bid – $225.00 per acre (Non-Tribal Members), $175.00 per acre (Tribal Members)

Reference Number: 01202601AGS

Approximate Acreage: 84.64

Location: 3600 Block of N. County Road U,

Oneida, WI 54155

Reference Number: 01202602AGS

Approximate Acreage: 35.93

Location: W1023 Van Road,

Kaukauna, WI 54130

Reference Number: 01202603AGS

Approximate Acreage: 40.6

Location: 600 Block of Trout Creek,

Oneida, WI 54155

Reference Number: 01202604AGS

Approximate Acreage: 45.5

Location: 4500 Block of N. Overland

Drive, Oneida, WI 54155

Reference Number: 01202605AGS

Approximate Acreage: 73.3

Location: 700 Block of Nathan Drive,

De Pere, WI 54115

Reference Number: 01202606AGS

Approximate Acreage: 127.83

Location: 34300 Block of County Road U,

Oneida, WI 54155

Reference Number: 01202607AGS

Approximate Acreage: 127.78

Location: 1000 Block of County Road U,

Oneida, WI 54155

Reference Number: 01202608AGS

Approximate Acreage: 66.94

Location: W400 Block of Fish Creek

Road, De Pere, WI 54115

Reference Number: 01202609AGS

Approximate Acreage: 93.94

Location: 2500 Block of Hwy 32,

Pulaski, WI 54162

All applications must be turned in no later than 4pm, Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Applications will not be accepted after this date and time.

ALL BIDS MUST BE SEALED AND CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE REFERENCE NUMBER STATED ABOVE.

Bid opening will be at 10am, Friday, March 20, 2026.

Paper copies of the application can be picked up and dropped off at our office:

Land Management • 470 Airport Drive • Oneida, WI 54115

Applications can mailed to: ELA Division • PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155 • Attn: Sheila Huntington

Method of determing who will be awarded the lease:

Date and time application is received • Tribal department or Tribal member will be given priority in the case of a tie

Following the Agricultural Rule #2 – Agricultural Leasing

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NOTICES

MARCH 2026 | 25

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF Petitioner Menissa Rita Powless and Respondent Leo James Powless

Ordered to appear Case No. 24FA272. IT IS ORDERED: Leo James Powless appear as follows:

1. Before: Family Court Commissioner Adrienne Olson Circuit Court Judge/Circuit Court Commissioner.

2. Location: ZOOM Final Divorce Hearing-Sauk County Courthouse 510 Broadway Street, Room 320, Baraboo, WIsconsin 53913

3. Date: May 11, 2026, Time 1pm or as soon as the matter may be heard.

Failure by the party named above to appear may result in the court entering a judgment of divorce or legal separation on all issues in their absence.

It is recommended, but not required, that you have an attorney help or represent you. If you do not demand a copy of the Petition within 40 days, the court may grant

judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Petition, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect

in the Petition. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future,

and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. You are further notified that if the parties to this action have minor children, violation of §948.31, Wis.

Stats., (Interference with custody by parent or others) is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment: If you and the petitioner have minor children, documents setting forth the

percentage standard for child support established by the department under §49.22(9), Wis. Stats., and the factors that a court may consider for modification of that standard

under §767.511(1m), Wis. Stats., are available upon your request from the Clerk of Court. You are notified of the availability of information from the Circuit Court Commissioner

as set forth in §767.105, Wis. Stats. §767.105 Information from Circuit Court Commissioner. (2) Upon the request of a party to an action affecting the family, including a

revision of judgment or order under sec. 767.59 or 767.451: (a) The Circuit Court Commissioner shall, with or without charge, provide the party with written information on

the following, as appropriate to the action commenced: 1. The procedure for obtaining a judgment or order in the action. 2. The major issues usually addressed in such an

action. 3. Community resources and family court counseling services available to assist the parties. 4. The procedure for setting, modifying, and enforcing child support

awards, or modifying and enforcing legal custody or physical placement judgments or orders. (b) The Circuit Court Commissioner shall provide a party, for inspection or

purchase, with a copy of the statutory provisions in this chapter generally pertinent to the action. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate

in the court process, please call prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.

Tribal Contribution Savings Report - Quarterly Highlight

Report Period: Sep.-Dec. 2025 • CIP #21-113

Oneida Nation Farm Office and Shop

To view more TC Savings reports

Scan QR Code to access Oneida Members Only Page: Once logged in, click

on ARPA - TC Savings

Project Description:

New Workshop and Office Strengthen Farm Operations After Devastating Storm Damage.

After a fire and tornado caused significant destruction to several farm structures, the

completion of a new workshop and office marks an important step forward in rebuilding

and strengthening operations. The addition comes at a crucial time, as the farm continues to

expand its animal herds and increase crop production to support the community’s growing

food sovereignty needs. A more efficient and functional workspace has become essential

to sustaining this progress.

The total project cost is $1,846,000, pending final closeout documents. This investment

reflects both the scale of the damage sustained and the long‑term value of creating modern,

resilient facilities that can support the farm’s growing responsibilities.

The new building includes an expanded onsite workshop designed to improve daily operations and equipment maintenance. It also features a walk‑in freezer dedicated to beef and

bison storage, ensuring safe and reliable handling of locally produced protein. In addition,

the storefront Beef and Bison retail market now offers customers the opportunity to purchase

high‑quality cuts of meat directly from the farm.

Seven full‑time staff members keep the farm running year‑round, working diligently to

provide healthy protein sources and generate revenue for the Nation. The upgraded workspaces reflect their commitment to the farm’s continued success.

Schedule

Approvals–2023 • Design–2023 • Bidding–2024

Construction–Sep. 2024 • Substantial Completion–Summer 2025

Farm Staff have moved from existing building to new building.

Contractors are working final details.

Closeout documents pending.

Project Partners

Engineering, Agriculture, DPW, CWS, NRCS

26 | MARCH 2026

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

Reelect

JENNIFER

WEBSTER

Respectfully asking for your vote

once again, I promise to bring the same

commitment to our Oneida Community

as I always have.

Together, let’s put in the work to

bring prosperity to our Nation.

Experience on Tribal, State

and Federal levels.

Feel free to contact me at 920-639-9190.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EVENTS

MARCH 2026 | 27

JUST MOVE IT ONEIDA

MARCHING

TOWARD

HEALTH

WEDNESDAY,

6PM

MARCH 18TH - 4ONEIDA NATION

HOOL

ELEMENTARY SC

RD, ONEIDA, WI

N7125 SEMINARY

54155

Lunch Cooler

Free JMIO Mini

rticipants.

to the first 100 pa

FREE

SOUP &

SNACKS

WHILE

SUPPLIES LAST

2026

PUNCH

CARD

JMIO

Attend 8 of the 11

be

events in 2026 to

nd

entered in the gra

the

prize drawings at

end of the year.

Walk 1-3 miles inside or outside the school.

Kid games in the gym.

For more information or questions contact Hanna:

920-490-3927 hleisgan@oneidanation.org

Justmoveit Oneida

1/30/26

28 | MARCH 2026

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

Dress to Impress with

Oneida Nation Gear

In response to community requests,

the Oneida Nation has formed a

partnership with a clothing provider

to offer a variety of branded

apparel for purchase.

Scan the QR code or go to

OneidaNation.MyBrightSites.com

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EVENTS

2026 Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive

Impairment (MCI) Education Series

A free quarterly support and education series about

brain health and living well with MCI

Unpacking Ultra-Processed Foods

Friday, March 6

9:30–11:30 a.m.

MARCH 2026 | 29

About the Series:

Healthy Living with Mild

Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

offers attendees guidance

and science-backed

strategies for living and

coping with memory and

thinking changes.

Join Nathaniel Chin, MD, and

Jennifer McAlister, BA,

from the Wisconsin

Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Center, and guest speakers,

to learn more about MCI.

Each program will end with a

Q&A session.

Questions?

Contact the Wisconsin ADRC

at 608-265-0407 or

adrc@medicine.wisc.edu

Join us to learn what ultra-processed foods are and explore why

people who eat less of these packaged foods tend to have better

health outcomes. Participants will gain confidence in making food

choices that support their brain health and overall well-being. The

program will end with a Q&A session. Free and open to all.

Register to attend the program in person at one of ten locations

across Wisconsin. Or join us live online via Zoom from anywhere.

Guest Presenter: Beth Olson, PhD

Presented by:

Community Partners:

Register to attend in person in the Onieda Nation

by contacting Shendola Flores at 920-869-4995.

Held at:

Oneida Community Health

Center

525 Airport Drive

Oneida, WI 54155

The ADRCs of Brown, Dane,

Dodge, Door, Eagle Country,

Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, and

La Crosse counties, and the

Oneida Nation are committed to

unbiased service and cannot

endorse nor recommend any

organization, product, or

service.

30 | MARCH 2026

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

KALIHWISAKS

Traditional Knowledge,

Modern Entertainment

Oneida Community Integrated Food

Systems Develops App

By Yewe Cornelius

The Oneida Community Integrated Food Systems

(OCIFS) program is designed to support food sovereignty

within the Oneida Nation. There are many avenues in

which they go about doing so, from the Oneida Farmers

Market to educational resources for youth, they work hard

to help the Nation be self-sustainable, especially when it

comes to our food relatives the Oneida community consumes and has access to.

OCIFS has many goals aimed at creating healthier

Oneida Youth including:

• Increasing the amount of locally grown and harvested

food for the community.

• Increasing food safety awareness and knowledge.

• Increasing excitement and interest in the importance

of food sovereignty.

To accomplish this, OCIFS developed an app geared

toward teaching Oneida youth about our traditional foods

through a interactive game designed to run on phones and

other mobile devices.

The Oneida My Farm app uses augmented reality to

walk kids through the preparation of traditional foods and

dishes while also teaching them important food safety

skills. While the development and implementation of this

app started in September 2023, the

idea stems from a

thought back in 2012,

when augmented reality was still only used for

commercial use.

Bill Vervoort, OCIFS

Coordinator, wanted to utilize the augmented reality

method in the educational

sphere. The result is a combination of education and entertainment representing

OCIFS' newest venture in engaging youth with Oneida

food systems.

Previously they have hosted Youth Day on the Farm for

Oneida Nation elementary students and have done workshops with the Oneida Nation Farm and Oneida Nation

Apple Orchard.

“Educating our youth about food and health is vital and

requires a complex approach. With the help from Balance

Studios, we were able to create an electronic platform that

combines education and entertainment,” says Vervoort.

Parents are encouraged to download

the app for their kids by following the

step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step

Guide to

Install the App

Download

and Install

the App

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

HISTORICAL

MARCH 2026 | 31

Preparing for Change

A Look Into the Demolition of Morgan's Store

Submitted by Oneida Environmental, Land & Agriculture Division

When the old Morgan’s Store building at W135 N. Service

Road was constructed over five decades ago, the Oneida

Community also built many memories derived from their

patronage of the historic general store.

After Morgan’s closed, there was discussion of turning

the property into a pastry shop. Unfortunately, this idea

was quickly scrapped when building inspectors discovered the 53-year-old structure’s risk factors, including the

presence of asbestos and an unstable foundation. For

these reasons, the building was marked for demolition.

Demolishing a building requires complying with an array

of ordinances, including adherence to environmental regulations that safeguard the health and safety of the community. This process also needs the attention of numerous

employees across departments working together.

One of the first steps is removing the asbestos. This

began in November 2025. Just over a month later, it was

completed in early December 2025. Currently the structure is undergoing zoning procedures, another crucial step

whereby power and gas connections are capped back to

the main line near the road. The building has also received

cultural clearance and has been green-lighted for removal

by guidelines set in the National Environmental Protection

Act (NEPA). The next zoning step will require a land use

agreement. In addition to the regulatory steps involved,

there is also another factor to ensure public safety.

Performing a demolition is often safer during the

winter months because one, people are less likely to

be out and walking past the building, and two, surfaces

around the demo area are not as likely to be damaged

from heavy machinery.

Lastly, final in-house steps are underway to harvest and

recycle as much copper wire and metal they can. Oneida's

Division of Public works also receives proceeds from the

recycled metals to purchase diesel fuel. The bottom line is

that all employees and contractors involved are doing their

best to ensure the safety of the community while doing so

in an environmentally conscious way.

Other Properties Slated for Demoltion:

W1871 on Cty EE (Comprehensive Housing Rental Unit) • 126 Riverdale (Old Schoolhouse)

4184 W. Mason (Small blue house and garage) • 3100 County U (Old House)

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE

PAI D

ONEIDA WI 54155

PERMIT NO. 4

She Looks for News

PO Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155-0365

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

WE'RE HIRING!

Gaming and Hotel Positions

Program and Service Positions

www.oneida-nsn.gov/resources/kalihwisaks

@kalihwisaks

June 26-28, 2026

Over $108,000

in Prize Money

Public is Welcome

Dancing, Singing

& Craft/Food Vendors

Oneida Pow Wow

Oneida Tourism

Norbert Hill Center Pow Wow Grounds • N7210 Seminary Rd., Oneida, WI