Reaffirming Oneida’s Core Values (2026)

Reaffirming Oneida’s Core Values

Oneida Business Committee Takes Swift Action to End ICE Contracts

PG 5

Legends Among Us

Oneida’s Most Recent Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award

PG 10

Improving Community Health Together

PG 17

Mid-Winter Showdown Celebration

PG 27

Cover: See inside front cover for recognition of Oneida’s Snow Removal Teams.

2|

FEBRUARY 2026

KALIHWISAKS

From the Kali

Shekóli Swakwe • kú. As we

enter Tsha tekohsélha (February/

Midwinter), it's a great time to stoke

our Yukwatsístay (Our fire, our spirit

within each of us).

I encourage everyone to be

cognizant of Kahletsyalúsla (The

heartfelt encouragement of the best

in each of us) so that we all personify

our Nation's vision: A Nation of strong

families built on Tsi Niyukwaliho T

and a strong economy.

A great way to accomplish these

life-ways is by looking out for our

physical health. It's something

many of us struggle with, including

myself, but it's critically important

to proactively care for ourselves

so we can avoid the most common

and prioritized health-risk factors

described on page 17.

Take the stairs, make healthy food

choices, or schedule an annual

physical are all examples of what

we can do to remain steady and

strong for our ourselves, family, and

community. In this way, we can be

role models representing the work

it requires to ensure we establish

a foundational legacy for those

yet to come in the next seven

generations.

To learn more about

these lifestyles, check out

the Nation's core values

on page 6.

Together, let's re-imagine

the heights that the Oneida

Nation can soar to through

Ka tshatst sla (The strength and

vision as a people).

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: Oneida Snow Removal Team

To recognize the dedicated individuals that often leave

their families during holidays and winter storms to prioritize community safety, the Kalihwisaks brought the

Department of Public Works (DPW) and Elderly Services

snow removal teams together for this month's cover

photo. These devoted employees demonstrate skill and

precision, maneuvering heavy machinery on narrow, slippery, winding roads around the clock, no matter the day

or temperature. Together, join the Kalihwisaks in saying

"Yaw kó" for their steadfast work ethic.

Our Stories

Spotlights

5 

Reaffirming Oneida's

Core Values

Oneida Nation Oneida Business

Committee Takes Swift Action to

End ICE Contracts

10 Legends Among Us

4

BC Forum

8

Collaborating for Growth

9

11

12

Councilman Jonas Hill



Oneida

Councilman Jameson Wilson

Elected to NCAI Midwest Region

Vice-President, Alternate

No More Stolen Sisters



Oneida

Stands in Solidarity Through

New License Plate

Supporting Teens Taking a Stand



Scholarship

Opportunity for Teens

Standing Against Drug Misuse in

Their Communities

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Ruth Miller Provides Origins of

Mission Park Ball Fields

Oneida's Most Recent Recipients of

the Lifetime Achievement Award

13

O•n ki wah Wisconsin, Aloha Hawai'i

Health Together

14

Serving with Joy

Celebration

15

17 

Improving Community

27 Mid-Winter Showdown

Oneida Team Competes in

December-2-Remember Softball Tourney

Oneida Sr. Richard Joseph Sagadin

Celebrates 75 Years of Sisterhood

Indigenous Leadership on the Rise



40 Under 40 Awards Recognizes

Three Oneida Leaders

16

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, Mother

Nature delivered a fresh snowfall that

crystallized the trees surrounding

the Norbert Hill Center as far as the

eye could see. May Creation's winter

display fill you with peace. Scan the

QR Code to see the video.

Know What's Below

Oneida Hosts Seminar to Prepare for

Potential Natural Gas Line Ruptures

18 

Thunderhawk Times

19 ONHS Leads the Way in Northeast

20

26

Wisconsin Trades Programming

On Their Journey

North American Indigenous

Athletics Hall of Fame

4|

FEBRUARY 2026

NATION

KALIHWISAKS

Contact me at 920.869.4300 or email jhill1@oneidanation.org.

As we wind down winter and welcome

spring, please remember to take care of your

mind, body, spirit, and one another. This is

an important time for our community to take

a moment and honor the need for rest and

renewal. I would like to personally thank the

community for all your support this year guiding me as I, and we, served the Nation. It has

been an honor and has really strengthened

my personal fire. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the Nation with a Good Mind,

Good Heart, and Strong Fire.

My leadership approach has been strategic

and centered on the Nation and our priorities. This term, I built relationships with local

Neighborhood Associations. For example, in

July we hosted 400+ community members

with a “Summer Block Party,” in partnership

with Ted Fritsch, King of Arms, MacArthur

Heights neighborhood association (MHNA),

and the Oneida Nation. I want to personally

thank Chairman Tehassi Hill and Treasurer

Larry Barton for cooking during the event.

The Oneida Police Department, Green Bay

Police Chief, Green Bay Fire Chief, and the

Green Bay Fire Department (GBFD) also

attended. In addition, and more meaningfully, the GBFD brought their new truck to

show the kids. Thank you all for your service

and thank you for taking the time to join in a

fun day with your neighbors.

In August, we continued to foster relationships, partnering again with Ted Fritsch,

King of Arms, and MacArthur Heights neighborhood associations, and the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) for a “Back-to-school

Celebration.” The Oneida Royalty handed

out backpacks provided by Oneida Nation

while MHNA handed out hoodies. Again,

thank you to Gaming Commissioner Thurston

Denny and Treasury Larry Barton for helping

cook for the 600+ community members that

attended.

I would like to acknowledge the late Mr.

Ernie Stevens, Jr. and the IGA for offering

to assist in sponsoring the back-to-school

event. This event was inspired by Ernie’s

vision to bring kids and families together

before school started. He will forever be

missed and so, I send love and respect to

his family.

In November, I attended a seminar, hosted

by the Native Nations Institute, which centered on Native Nation Building as a framework to assist Oneida Nation in building

stronger governing systems. It was a great

team building tool, aligned learning for all

OBC & Direct staff, and allowed space for

strategic collaboration to advance our shared

goals.

Finally, I hosted a very successful Wild

Game Feast night November 19. Over 200

community members enjoyed a great meal

and camaraderie like the good ole days of

the Do-Do Club and family gatherings. Thank

you to those who contributed food donations,

utensils, chef skills, hard-earned wild game,

and those who volunteered to make this a

great event. Also thank you to the Veterans

of the Robert Cornelius VFW Post 7784 for

allowing us to host the event and gather in

your building. Yaw kó!

From a Government-to-Government

perspective, I committed to fostering relationships that strengthened Oneida’s Nationhood, often working in collaboration with

Members of Congress and Federal Agencies. Throughout the year I have attended

a variety of Tribal Consultations that include

meetings with the Departments of Correc-

tions, Transportation, Military Affairs, Natural

Resources, and Revenue. These State, Federal, and Local consultations are extremely

important for the protection and expression

of our Tribal Sovereignty and safeguarding

against anything that may impede it. It’s been

my honor to represent the Nation and ensure

our issues are always considered.

As a member of the Legislative Operating Committee (LOC), I am proud to say we

passed the Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping

Law in 2025. This was a goal I set at the

beginning of the term. The LOC, the Legislative Reference Office, Conservation, and

Department of Environmental Safety, Land &

Agriculture had several work meetings to see

this through. Through this collaboration we

were able to add the guidance allowing for a

youth hunt, elder/disabled hunt, make clear

of the verbiage, and update the law to align

with the current needs of our community.

Lastly, as a commitment to my service to

the Nation, I personally pledged to bettering myself and building capacity to position

myself in an advanced space to better serve

our community. Concurrently to serving the

Nation, fostering partnerships with the federal government, and convening the people,

our youth, and our local community, I earned

a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from

the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. Earning my degree has helped in many ways. It

has helped convey a strong message; education can be a tool used to better understand

how we, as a Nation, navigate the necessary

relationships needed to maintain government relations on behalf of our people. I take

great pride when I represent.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NATION

FEBRUARY 2026

|5

Reaffirming Oneida's Core Values

Oneida Business Committee Takes Swift Action

to End ICE Contracts

By Garth Webster

The Oneida Business Committe in an emergency Community Meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026

to explain the actions and resolutions they developed to address and end the ICE Contracts entered

into by the Oneida Engineering-Science-Construction (OESC) Group.

When the Oneida Business Committee

became aware that Oneida Engineering-Science-Construction (OESC) Group entered

into two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracts, they took immediate

action to investigate and directed former

OESC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff

House to end the agreements. The CEO

signed a $3.9 million dollar contract at 4pm,

Friday, December 26, which approved OESC

subsidiary Oneida Environmental (OE) and

Joint Venture Partner Stantec Inc LLC to perform inspection work in 34 non-disclosed

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

detention facilities around the country. Prior

to this, on September 22, 2025, another

similar $2.6 million dollar contract was also

awarded to OESC, which House believes

originated under the Biden Administration but this has not been confirmed.

The Trump Administration’s ICE agency is

organized under the Department of Homeland Security. Their stated mission is to

conduct criminal investigations, enforce

immigration laws, preserve national secu-

rity, and protect public safety. However,

controversy surrounds ICE with both US citizens and Indigenous people protesting the

agency’s use of excessive force, allegations

of human rights abuses, family separation,

racial profiling, and lack of transparency,

all of which are historical factors that have

traumatized Indigenous people for many

generations. For these reasons, these contracts sparked backlash from the Oneida

community, including our elected leaders

on the basis that such agreements do not

align with the Nation’s values of strong families, Tsi Niyukwaliho T (our ways), and the

Good Mind principles of the Kayanla’kówa

(Great Law of Peace).

Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill was

notified at approximately 10am, Monday,

December 29, 2025, of a TikTok video circulating that scoffed the agreement. After

this discovery, Chairman Hill immediately

reached out to his colleagues and House to

discuss the issue. Later in the week, during

the Friday, January 2, 2026, Facebook Live

session hosted by the Oneida Communi-

cations Team, Chairman Hill expressed his

displeasure and lack of knowledge of the

contract.

“I want to [ensure] that I clearly state that

the Oneida Business Committee (OBC) was

not aware of this joint venture or the signing

of a contract. I also stand strong in my words

and conviction that this business venture

does not align with the Nation’s values, our

culture, and who we are as Haudenosaunee

people. It is something the committee [OBC]

would never have entertained had we been

made aware,” says Chairman Hill.

Shortly after, House was given the opportunity to explain. “I deeply apologize…I

know now that it was a huge mistake. You

may not agree or appreciate the decision,

but I do want you to know that when I made

the decision, the scope of work was really

about inspecting the [ICE] facilities, making

sure they’re up to code, making sure they

meet the human standards, making sure it’s

Continued on PG 6

OBC End ICE Contracts

6|

FEBRUARY 2026

Continuing from PG 5

OBC End ICE Contracts

properly engineered. While I don’t approve

and I’m appalled by ICE activities, these

people are being detained and put in a

facility somewhere. What went through my

mind was ‘Who’s taking care of them, looking out for them, [and] looking out for their

best interest?’ As much disdain that I have

for ICE, that’s where my mind went. I was

flawed that I didn’t keep up and get further

information. Had I done that, I’m confident I

would have red-lighted the proposal,” says

House. “Again, I apologize and have since

taken steps to terminate the contract. Going

forward, our management team will meet

on a quarterly basis with the OBC as part of

a reporting process. A dashboard [will contain] contracts, customers that are red (nogo), and then there will be a list of yellow

[indicating] to proceed with caution, and

then there will be green, things that align

with the Nation’s values.” House continued

by adding additional context regarding his

original rationale for approving the contract.

“When I think about Natives being put

NATION

on reservations, which was horrific, what

did they [government] give us? They gave

us no shelter, or food [but] they did give

us diseased blankets and empty promises.

That’s where my mind was at for these [ICE]

detainees. They were pawns in a political

battle.” Although House was aware of the

Potawatomi incident in Kansas, he differentiated our situation by stating their contract

was to design and build a facility whereas

OESC’s was to only inspect facilities, reiterating his humanitarian strategy to ensure

the detainees were going to be kept in hospitable quarters.

While mentioning that OESC does have

corporate values, he explained that he did

not bring this to the OESC Board for approval

until after the fact because there was some

urgency from the federal government to

approve, “They [OESC] have their corporate

values and that’s why I’m so disappointed

in myself that I didn’t take this far enough

in my haste. It was a fast-track but that’s

no excuse. I’m disappointed that I allowed

this to happen. It was my decision, my fault.

I’m the one responsible for it and I’m taking ownership of it, and I’ll take care of it.”

KALIHWISAKS

Later however, it was revealed at the General Tribal Council (GTC) meeting Monday,

January 5, 2026, that House was removed

and replaced with an interim president and

CEO, Matt Kunstman, Oneida citizen and

17-year veteran of OESC and Oneida Total

Integrated Enterprises.

During every discussion related to this

incident, the OBC continuously acknowledged questions on why they didn’t know

about the ICE contract, despite Chairman

Hill being the liaison. Chairman Hill, among

other OBC, referenced the “Corporate Veil,”

a term used to explain how the corporation

is a legal, separate entity and thus, protects

business owners (in this case the Oneida

Nation) from personal liability for the corporation’s debts and actions such as lawsuits.

“In our role as liaisons, we are not involved

in the day-to-day operations of these corporations. As part of the separation of the

corporation, it’s important we maintain that

corporate veil to protect the Nation from

lawsuits, so that decisions made at the corporation level and any negative responses

that could happen with litigation, insurance

claims [and] things like this, stay at the cor-

NATION

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

Oneida Nation

OESC Press Release

OESC Open Letter

to the Oneida Nation

porations,” says Chairman Hill.

During the emergency OBC meeting Friday, January 2, 2026, the OBC outlined the

corrective measures being taken to avoid

this situation from reoccurring.

• First, Secretary Lisa Liggins read aloud

the resolution identifying the social

responsibility policies corporations that

work with the Oneida Nation must follow, including alignment with Oneida’s

core values.

•

Second, the three-member OESC

Board was relieved of their duties and

replaced with an interim Board Manager, Debra Powless. Upon her introduction, she referenced a case study

regarding the Sioux Tribe. Powless

explained that when the Sioux discovered a local manufacturer created

a new beer called Crazy Horse, they

took legal action to block the beer’s

producer from using the name of their

legendary Chief. Sioux leadership later

discovered that their Nation owned the

corporation whose subsidiary was the

company producing the beer.

“That’s how dangerous and quickly outof-hand this kind of thing can get if it’s not

carefully watched. If there’s good transparency and good reporting and they’re meeting their performance needs then the GTC,

evidence committee, or whatever it is can

be one of their biggest supporters. That’s

the relationship I think is the most important to be built, that trust and transparency,”

says Powless.

During the Monday GTC Meeting, Powless was again introduced, providing her a

chance to elaborate one some evolutions

she recommends the Nation pursue when

it comes to Oneida business ventures. For

example, rather than Nation Enterprises

funneling their revenue into the general

fund, these monies should go into retained

earnings for the business to use, respond

to market conditions, and in turn, be more

successful.

“The goal is really to bring us into the next

generation of accountability and revenue

generation and [deciding] what that means

for Oneida Nation,” says Powless. During

this time, Kunstman was formally introduced

to the community in his new role.

“I look forward to being more transparent in what we’re going after. The company

(OESC) has been doing fantastic. We have

over $200 million in backlog last year, so

the company is doing well. I look forward to

continuing that success for OESC with the

corrective actions we’ve been talking about

today,” says Kunstman.

During the Facebook Live session, House

mentions he was focused on terminating

the second contract, for which no work was

rendered. House explained that because no

work was completed, the Nation would not

experience a financial loss, and we could

exit the contract via a ‘convenience’ clause.

However, regarding the September contract, House said this one would be “stickier” to exit because work was performed

and thus, other clauses may come into play

to exit this contract, including “default” or

“notice-of-deficiency.”

During the Monday GTC meeting, a motion

by Gina Buenrostro enabled Roberts Rules

to be suspended during the discussion

regarding the ICE contract. This enabled

many community members to voice their

concerns and disappointment of the situation, including 18-year-old Jaiyah Katsinuhkwatsli Mendoza.

“As members of Oneida Nation, we should

be deeply ashamed that this was allowed

to happen at all. Even if tribal leadership

claims they were unaware, the fact that an

Oneida-owned business entered into multimillion-dollar contracts connected to ICE is

a serious moral failure and a betrayal of our

history and values. Our people know better

than most what forced removal, detention,

and state violence look like, yet ICE continues to carry out practices that separate

families, traumatize communities, and dehu-

FEBRUARY 2026

|7

Corporate Social

Responsibility

Resolution

manize people for simply existing across

borders drawn by colonizers. Allowing our

name, resources, or economic enterprises

to be tied to an agency that inflicts this level

of harm is wrong—period. Accountability

after the fact does not erase the damage

done, and this should never have been possible in the first place. If our sovereignty and

values mean anything, they must include a

clear refusal to profit from systems that mirror the same oppression Indigenous people

have endured for generations,” says Mendoza.

Towards the end of the GTC meeting, several OBC members had closing statements,

including Councilman Jameson Wilson and

Treasurer Larry Barton.

“This is a complex situation and the

reporting mechanisms that are in place in

the [OESC] operating agreement for [these]

contracts are clearly not being shared with

us in detail,” says Wilson.

Barton adds, “We loudly and clearly heard

the concerns throughout this last week.

Some reflection of my colleagues, who were

very spirited and angry and infuriated not

just by the act itself with regard to the project which is so contrary to who we are as

Oneidas, it’s the fact that we’re not respectfully communicated to and so we took that

very seriously. We executed accountability

we felt was justified. Our managing member

was responsive to that.” Barton continues,

“I’m not here today to make excuses. I’m

apologetic, sensitized, and I appreciate the

young lady’s (Mendoza) statement. I couldn’t

agree more so we all have to work together

to make sure we protect our community and

never let something like this happen again.”

During her presentation, Powless reinforced Barton’s outlook, “A lot of good is

going to come of this but it’s going to take

time. We should’ve been doing it [corrective measures] but we weren’t and so now,

it’s time to move forward and get it done

so we can provide better services to the

membership.”

8 | FEBRUARY 2026

NATION

KALIHWISAKS

Collaborating for Growth

Oneida Councilman Jameson Wilson Elected to

NCAI Midwest Region Vice-President, Alternate

Last November, with the support of his colleagues on the

Oneida Business Committee (OBC), Councilman Jameson

Wilson announced his candidacy for the National Congress

of American Indians (NCAI) Midwest Region Vice-President

position. His bid to represent the Midwest Tribal Nations

was formally endorsed through OBC Resolution #09-26

-25 B, Support the nomination of Councilman Jameson

J. Wilson for the National Congress of American Indians

Midwest Region Vice-President.

At the 82nd NCAI Annual Convention & Marketplace

in November 2025, Councilman Wilson ran a strong and

active campaign. Following the conclusion of the regional

elections, he was elected to serve as the Midwest Region

Vice-President Alternate. District II Representative Wendy

Merrill, of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, was elected to

serve as the Midwest Region Vice-President.

NCAI’s structure includes twelve Vice-Presidents and

twelve Vice-President Alternates, each representing one

of the organization’s geographic regions. The Midwest

Region is represented by 36 Tribal Nations located in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan.

Councilman Wilson’s selection reflects the confidence

placed in him by both the Oneida Nation and Tribal leaders across the Midwest Region. His role as Vice-President

Alternate will support regional advocacy and leadership

within NCAI’s national governance framework where he

will be tasked with elevating the voices of the Midwest

Tribes and carry out NCAI constitutionally-driven activities

(see callout, below).

While Councilman Wilson remains wholeheartedly committed to his responsibilities to the Oneida Nation, he also

recognizes the value of collaborating with other Tribal

Nations across the Midwest Region to promote shared

tribal priorities. As a continuous learner, he views this role

as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how

Midwest Tribes govern, communicate, and address policy issues. He hopes to serve as a strong communication

conduit between the Midwest Tribes and the Executive

Committee and Executive Council of NCAI ensuring all 36

Tribes in the Midwest Region are properly represented and

their voices are amplified and advocated for on Capitol Hill

in Washington, D.C.

Regional NCAI Vice-President Constitutional Duties

Be responsible for coordination of NCAI activities in their regions

Serve in a leadership role in fundraising and

membership activities in their regions

Act as liaison between the tribal individual members in their

regions and the officers and other members

of the Executive Council

Carry out duties as directed by the Executive Council

and/or the Executive Committee of NCAI

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

LOCAL

FEBRUARY 2026

|9

No More Stolen Sisters

Oneida Stands in Solidarity Through New License Plate

by Yewe Cornelius

Left to Righ: community champion of MMIW activities and Councilwoman, Jennifer Webster along with Licensing Department Administrator

Tonya Webster. Next to Webster is Joann Torrez, who will receive the first issued license plate in honor of her daughter, Cyrstal, who was an

MMIW victim and Kristin Welch, founder of the Waking Women Healing Institute in Gresham, WI.

On the morning of December 19, 2025, the Oneida Nation Licensing Department unveiled their newest license plate design. One that

is meant to raise awareness about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives crisis known as MMIW.

The statistics are alarming; Indigenous women are 10 times more

likely to experience some form of violence, or to go missing, and

these cases have a much higher rate of remaining unsolved. The

MMIW awareness movement is a call to action - to put a stop to the

disproportionate rates of violence that Indigenous peoples face on

Turtle Island. The Nation’s newest license plate is meant to echo

that call, creating a public declaration of solidarity with the rest of

Indian country.

“On behalf of the Oneida Business Committee, it’s an honor to

stand before you today as we come together for a moment of remembrance, awareness, and unity. Today the Oneida Nation joins Tribal

Nations across North America in a shared commitment to bring visibility to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and

relatives. This is not simply an unveiling of a license plate. It’s a public

declaration that Oneida stands in solidarity with the rest of Indian

country to end this crisis. It is our way of saying, ‘No more stolen

sisters’,” says Councilwoman Jennifer Webster

The design for the license plate, which was featured on the January cover, was designed by Kalihwisaks Senior Editor Garth Webster.

It depicts the iconic red hand symbol used in MMIW awareness campaigns nationwide behind the silouhette of an Indigenous woman in

an empowering stance. The plate will also feature the phrase, “No

More Stolen Sisters.” During the unveiling we heard from Licensing

Administrator Tonya Webster.

“The design is a statement – a call for awareness and a symbol

of remembrance. Across the United States and Canada, Indigenous

peoples face high rates of violence, disappearance and homicide.

These are not just numbers, they are women, people, sisters, and

brothers whose lives have been cut short and [cases] unresolved,”

says Webster.

Webster also confirmed that a portion of the proceeds from the

plates will go to the Waking Women Healing Institute which offers

culturally based healing for families and victims of the MMIW crisis.

Watch for announcements when these license plates are available

to members who live within the Nation’s boundaries.

For those who wish to support but

cannot get the new plates, there are

vehicle decals available for $15.

Plate costs start at $105.

(Trucks may be more pending gross weight)

Email OneidaLicensing@OneidaNation.org

or call 920.496.5310.

10 | FEBRUARY 2026

RECOGNITION

KALIHWISAKS

Legends

Among Us

Oneida's Most

Recent Recipients

of the Lifetime

Achievement Award

by Yewe Cornelius

Along with the familiar faces of the

Oneida Business Committee, Debbie

Thundercloud, left, and Albert Manders,

are draped in a Commemorative 200

Year blanket given to them to honor their

service to the Oneida Nation.

After Charlie Doxtator and the Oneida High School singers rendered a song in their honor, Debbie Thundercloud

and Al Manders received lifetime achievement awards

on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Oneida Business

Committee (OBC) conference room. Both recipients spent

most of their careers in service to the Oneida Nation, its

community, and Indian Country. During the ceremony, both

received Commemorative 200 Year blankets by Chairman

Tehassi Hill and Treasurer Larry Barton. Council Members

Kirby Metoxen and Jameson Wilson also gifted them flowers, and finally, Oneida flags were presented by Connor

Kestell and Joe Valentino of Oneida Veterans Services.

Albert Manders worked various construction and foundry

jobs in the summer seasons during his many years in education. After high school he went on to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1965 for one year before serving

in the United States Army Reserves in 1967. After coming

home he continued his education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of WI-Green

Bay in 1971 and later went on to get a Master’s degree in

Guidance and Counseling from the University of WI-Oshkosh. Manders dedicated his career to teaching and helping shape the next generations of leaders, teaching for the

Bay and West De Pere School Districts and helping with

the Oneida Nation Right to Read initiatives in 1973. Furthermore, Manders also served as the OBC Treasurer for a

brief time, and served on the West De Pere School Board,

and Oneida Town Council. After Councilwoman Jennifer

Webster read aloud these acknowledgments, Manders

expressed how grateful he was to his family, friends, and

the OBC for the award and for the work they do.

“Thank you very much, thank you family and friends,

thank you business committee. I did not expect this, and I

didn’t realize I had done as much as I did. Again, thank you,

I am honored. I can't say enough good things about you

guys, but you do a great job and keep it up,” says Manders.

Manders continued by addressing the OBC directly,

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you guys do a great

job. Don’t let the bad people get you down, there’s a lot

of complaining and I know that. But you guys do a great

job, and I know Oneida is going to move forward.”

During her school years, Debbie Thundercloud spent

her summers serving food to patrons at the Oneida Civic

Center, and as a Local Church Developer for the Oneida

Methodist Church, which allowed her to visit with elders,

assist with worship services, and lead the Summer Bible

School Program. Upon graduating High school in 1979 she

attended University of WI-Stout, later finishing her Bachelor’s degree from University of WI-Green Bay. Throughout her career, Thundercloud dedicated many years to

supporting the development of the Oneida Nation and its

community, filling leadership positions from Oneida Nation

Head Start programs, Oneida United Methodist Church,

Oneida OBC, and National Indian Gaming Association

(NIGA). During her time on OBC, she served one term as

Vice-Chairwoman and two terms as Chairwoman, making

her the second woman to be elected as Chairperson for

the Nation. Her numerous leadership roles enabled her to

make positive impacts for both the Nation and Indian country in many ways. For example, she boosted the Nation’s

economic development with initiatives like the Little Bear

Development Center, Bingo and Casino expansions, the

Airport Road Childcare Center, among others. During her

administrations, Thundercloud oversaw the biggest eco-

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

RECOGNITION

nomic growth for the Nation, including employment levels surpassing 4,000 individuals. Outside her work for the

Nation, she also received many accolades during her work

with NIGA and Bellin Health.

Although retired since 2004, she continues to serve the

Oneida community on the Oneida Land Claims Commission and most recently, joined the Oneida Hymn Singers

to help comfort grieving families and celebrate special

events in the Community. Like Manders, Thundercloud

recognized the OBC and community.

“Our Nation is so important, and I hope that our young

people continue to step up and keep leading us forward

as this business committee and other business-committees-to-come will do. I have trust and confidence in that. I

also want to acknowledge that our culture and our traditions have been a very important part of our Nation and

our sovereignty and want to thank the Business Committee

for [their] continuing support of the language, culture, and

raising our children to know their ways and [to] have that

identity which is so important for everyone,” says Thundercloud. “I [also] want to thank the community, because

Oneida has always been outstanding on a national

level, and we continue to raise a lot of good leaders in

our community.”

FEBRUARY 2026

| 11

Above, Joe Valentino (left) and Connor Kestell present Al Manders

and Debbie Thundercloud with Oneida Flags to recognize their

contributions to the Nation.

“The work that you’ve both done speaks volumes

for what our community could, should, and can

be as we continue to work together towards

the betterment for our future generations. So,

I’d like to thank you for your time and dedication to the Oneida community, in the different roles you’ve both held throughout your

time here on Earth thus far. I look forward to your

continued participation and dedication to the community in whatever aspects you wish to pursue. Thank you,”

says Chairman Tehassi Hill.

Supporting Teens Taking a Stand

Scholarship Opportunity for Teens Standing Against

Drug Misuse in Their Communities

By Yewe Cornelius

The Open for Business series in the March 2025 edition featured Milton

Dallas’ (pictured above, right) RX Destroyer (RXD) invention, enabling people

to safely dispose of unused medications from home by chemically neutralizing

them, including narcotics. The article also highlights Dallas’s push to get these

pouches into Tribal communities to combat the issue of drug misuse that leads

to Tribal communities having a much higher rate of overdoses. Continuing this

good work, the RX Destroyer company has recently started the Prevention

Impact Scholarship which is meant to help teens who are taking a stand against

opioid misuse in their communities.

Recipients of this scholarship will be awarded $2,500 towards their post-secondary education, as well as 100 RXD pouches to be distributed out into their

community. Dallas and his company wanted to create a scholarship that meant

more than just focusing on a student’s education, but how students are already

doing what they can to make their communities better places. RXD remains

committed to amplifying the voices of young people, and doing what they can

to provide the tools needed to help make a change.

Deadline to apply for Prevention Impact Scholarship

is Wednesday April 1, 2026.

Scan the QR Code to learn more.

12 | FEBRUARY 2026

SPORTS HISTORY

KALIHWISAKS

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Ruth Miller Provides Origins of Mission Park Ball Fields

By Garth Webster

A Mission Park Baseball team, circa early 1950's. Photo courtesy of the family of Ruth Miller.

The article, New Look for Site One Ball Diamonds, published in the July 2025 edition, stated the park was originally built in the early 1960’s by (Bill) Danforth Construction.

However, in light of new information, Bill Danforth and his

crew took over maintenance of the park after it's original

creation in the 1950's.

After reading the article, Ruth Miller contacted the Kalihwisaks to clarify that the park, known today as Mission

Park Ball Fields (MPBF), initially began on the north side

of Hwy 54 behind what is now the home of the late Maria

Hinton. This location, as well as the current location of

MPBF, was constructed by Clifford Doxtator, Sr. along with

Noron John and a local farmer, Hank Smits.

I asked Tommy Danforth (Bill’s son) his thoughts about

Miller’s correction. He replied admittedly, “We were very

young at that time so this could very well be true.”

In Miller’s letter to the Kalihwisaks, she reminisced about

those days of the past when Noron, Hank, and her father

Clifford worked so hard to build and maintain the fields.

“They would drag the fields, chalk the lines, and leave

the field in perfect condition for each home game yearafter-year,” says Miller. This was also the case, she said,

for the current MPBF location after Holy Apostles donated

the land to Oneida.

Aside from the field maintenance, Miller also described

how her mother, Melinda Doxtator, and Noron’s wife, Anna

John, worked in the dirt-floor concession stand and used

an old ice cooler to keep the sodas cold while Thaddeus

(Ted) Christjohn stood watch at the park entrance collecting donations for needed items like baseballs and concession stand goodies. Alas, Miller discussed that there were

some awesome players on the Oneida Mission Baseball

Team, including Billy Doxtator, who was chosen to play

semi-professional ball. Games at that time took place

during the day because unlike today, there were no lights

nor did the adjacent Site One neighborhood exist.

The Kalihwisaks thanks Ruth Miller for sharing this valuable and historical information. Miller acknowledges the

contributions of her parents, Clifford Sr. and Melinda Doxtator, sister Marilyn Danforth, and finally, Noron and Anna

John and their daughter Rosemary, for helping provide

information for this nostalgic look back at the Mission Park

Ball Fields.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

SPORTS

O•n ki wah Wisconsin,

Aloha Hawai'i

Oneida Team Competes in

December-2-Remember

Softball Tournament

Submitted by Erma and Bill's Coed Softball Team

The ED’s Draining & Cleaning / Erma & Bill’s Coed Softball

team proudly claimed second place in the December-2-Remember tournament held in Oahu, Hawaii December 10-11,

2025.

Despite early challenges, the team battled through

the loser’s bracket, finishing with a 4-4 record and earning a spot in the Championship game. Isaiah Charles,

Justice Blackhawk, and Tiana Danforth were named to

the All-Tournament Team, and Leslie Lamberies earned

Co-MVP honors. The team extends a heartfelt thank you

to its sponsors: ED’s Draining and Cleaning, Bay Bank,

Oneida Nation, Nicolet Bank, Wisconsin Indian Veterans

Association, and Robert Cornelius Post 7784. They're also

thankful to everyone who supported them along the way.

FEBRUARY 2026 | 13

NEWS

14 | FEBRUARY 2026

KALIHWISAKS

Serving with Joy

Oneida's Sr. Richard Joseph

Sagadine Celebrates 75

Years of Sisterhood

By Cara Artman

Sr. Richard Joseph Sagadin with her Oneida family. LtoR: Sr. Richard

Joseph Sagadin, Lee Wielebski, Cara Artman, Carol (House) Artman

at her 75th Jubilee party. Photos courtesy of Cara Artman

In 2025, Sr. Richard Joseph Sagadin, CSJ, celebrated her

75th Jubilee as a sister of Saint Joseph of Carondelet. A

feat, that most, including Sr. Richard herself, thought would

never happen. Priests, teachers, and even the Sisters of

Saint Joseph told her that she did not have the trait to be a

nun. Sr. Richard agrees and says to this day she does not

have that trait, but she will do what the Lord wants.

In Oneida 1949, Ramon Sagadin was deciding whether to

become a nun or take a job at a bank. She told her parents,

Helen (House) and Victor Sagadin, whichever acceptance

comes first, that is what she will do. Next thing she knew,

she was saying goodbye to Oneida and her family to join

the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Formally entering the order in 1950, Sr. Richard, went on

to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and worked

in education. She taught elementary school in Saint Louis

and Kansas City, MO, Englewood, CO, and Chicago, IL.

She is now retired after decades of teaching and lives in

Orland Park, IL and recently returned to Oneida for the first

time since that fateful train ride 70+ years prior. Upon visiting Oneida, she remarked, “It’s quite different from what

I remember but it’s so uplifting and I am so pleased with

its evolution.” Sr. Richard continues on her recollections of

growing up in Oneida.

“The best years of my life and it’s

been a lot of life! I enjoyed the open

spaces, the people, and everyone

were family. Times were tough but

we were still able to have fun,

be happy, and laugh with one

another,” says Sr. Richard.

Throughout her life, Sr. Richard was determined to follow

the Lord’s path, but she also

kept her mother, Helen’s,

words of wisdom, to never

forget her Oneida roots. Sr.

Richard always prays for

Oneida and her family and

brags about Oneida to anyone who will listen.

Left: A recent photo of Sr. Richard

Joseph Sagadin standing next to

the Wolf Clan sculpture outside the

entrance to the Oneida Community

Health Center.

Right: Sr. Richard Joseph Sagadin

in her early days when she began

her journey as a sister of Saint

Joseph of Carondelet.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

RECOGNITION

FEBRUARY 2026 | 15

Indigenous Leadership on the Rise

40 and 40 Awards Recognizes Three Oneida Leaders

Excerpts from NCAIED 2024 Commemorative Magazine

The 2026 National Center for American Indian Enterprise

Development (NCAIED) 40 Under 40 Awards will recognize

two Oneida Councilman, Jonas Hill & Jameson Wilson, and

Professor of First Nations Studies at UW-Green Bay and

Adjunct Professor at the Univ. of Minnesota Duluth, Dr. Lois

Stevens. The trio will be presented the award at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) from March 23-26, 2026, at

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) 40 Under 40 Awards were established in

2009 by its board of directors, led by chairwoman Margo

Gray, a member of the Osage Nation.

Recognizing the need to honor emerging Native American

leaders under 40 who were making significant contributions to their communities, the board enacted the awards

program that year to fill the void to celebrate the next generation of leaders in Indian Country.

Most awards celebrate the past. They highlight what’s

been achieved and recognize hard work and dedication

over a year, a season, or a lifetime. They look backward. The

40 Under 40 Awards have always been a bit different. They

are firmly rooted in the present — and the future.

“The 40 Under 40 Awards were created to shine a spotlight on the young leaders who are already making a difference in their fields and in their communities,” says Chris

James, CEO of The National Center for American Indian

Enterprise Development (The National Center). “These are

individuals who are not just our future leaders—they are

leaders today, actively contributing to the success and prosperity of Indian Country.”

Wilson, Hill, and Stevens will become part of over 600

distinguished Native American leaders recognized since

the inception of the award.

Dr. Lois Stevens

First Nations Studies Professor-University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

“I view this recognition as a reminder that I have so much more work to do. With our world rapidly

changing, it is important now more than ever to protect our land and our people. And that work is

never done alone, but in community. I am happy to be sharing this award with my friend and fellow

product of the Oneida Nation School System, Jameson Wilson. I am hoping it will show just how

valuable our community is and what tribal school kids are capable of.”

Jonas Hill

Oneida Nation Councilman

“If you had asked me five years ago where I would be, I never would have imagined myself where

I am today. With dedication, hard work and perseverance, it’s clear that anything is achievable.

I am truly grateful and humbled to join the ranks of all the outstanding leaders, artists, and

entrepreneurs of Indian Country who have come before me to accept this prestigious award of

NCAIED 40 under 40.”

Jameson Wilson

Oneida Nation Councilman

Being selected as an honoree for the Native American 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 is an acknowledgement that I deeply revere and am overwhelmed with gratitude for this prestigious recognition. Reflecting on the work I’ve been fortunate to be involved in, I have learned that nurturing

relationships and interdependence plays a pivotal role in accomplishing goals and initiatives for

our Nation. Fostering healthy relationships and encouraging interdependence are inextricably

connected to Tsi niyukwalihot (Our Ways) and are rooted in collaboration, engaged listening, and

coming to One Mind (consensus-building) on decisions that will impact the Next Seven Generations.

16 | FEBRUARY 2026

LOCAL

KALIHWISAKS

Know What's Below

Oneida Hosts Seminar to Prepare for Potential

Natural Gas Line Ruptures

Above: TC Energy representative Sonya

Beach with Oneida Emergency Management Directory Kaylynn Biely. Left, Kaylynn

and Sonya in a group photo with the rest

of the training exercise participants at the

Oneida Employee Services facility.

CALL

by Yewe Cornelius

In early December 2025, the Oneida

Nation, in partnership with TC Energy,

held a tabletop exercise training day

for Oneida employees and local Emergency Response workers. This training centered around what to do if a

natural gas pipeline incident occurred

within Oneida Nation boundaries.

TC has several natural gas transmission lines that run through the

Nation’s reservation. For this reason,

they find it very important to provide

a space for Oneida Nation, Brown,

and Outagamie County employees

to connect, discuss resources, and

ensure that everyone knows what to

do should one of these lines rupture

due to a line strike.

This training was one of many focusing on the increased safety of the

community members, by making sure

there are plans in place should one of

these incidents occur. In the future the

Nation hopes to work with TC to set

up a full-scale incident simulation, to

cement the skills and practices covered in these trainings, and make sure

the communication systems to both

report these incidents and for the

different departments to effectively

work together are in place and working. While the Nation does a lot of

behind-the-scenes work collaborating

with internal departments and external jurisdictions to ensure the safety

of the community members, there is a

role community members can play as

well to make sure they don’t accidentally hit any lines.

“The main takeaway from this activity, for the community, is to know the

importance of calling 811 before you

dig. Unfortunately, digging without a

line location is the leading cause of

pipeline incidents, which can be prevented and will help avoid emergencies like the kind we simulated,” says

Oneida’s Emergency Management

Director, Kaylynn Biely.

811

BEFORE YOU DIG

1. NOTIFY-Call 811 2-3 days

before you start

2. WAIT-Affected utilities will

send a locator to mark

their underground utility

lines.

3. CONFIRM-Compare the

markers to the list of

utilities the 8-1-1 call

center notified.

3. RESPECT-Respect the

markers by the affected

utilities. They are your

guide for the duration of

your project.

4. DIG CAREFULLY-If you

can’t avoid digging near

the markers within 24 to

30 inches on all sides,

consider moving your

project.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

FEBRUARY 2026 | 17

Improving Community Health Together

By Amanda Riesenberg, Oneida Stroke Prevention Wellness Coach

A dedicated team of Oneida employees and community

members is actively working hard to enhance the health

of the entire Oneida community through the Community

Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Launched in 2023,

this five-year plan serves as a guiding framework for

health initiatives across the Oneida Community.

In 2022, community health data was collected from

the community and analyzed to better understand the

unique needs, challenges, and priorities of our community. This information helped us identify key health

priorities, guide decision making, develop targeted

strategies, measure progress over time, and promote

health equity.

The CHIP priority areas were developed through

community feedback and partner collaboration, with

the goal of creating positive and lasting changes in

health. We recognize that health is influenced not only

by daily choices but also by the environments where

people live, work, age, and play. Using this understanding, the CHIP focuses on the community’s top three

priorities for improvement:

Chronic Conditions Management and Prevention

Improved Access to Care

Strong Mental Health

As a part of the work within the Chronic Conditions

Management and Prevention priority area, we aim to

reduce the three most prevalent health conditions that

affect our community:

Overweight and Obesity (Body Mass Index)

Diabetes (A1C)

Heart Disease Risk Factors

(Blood Pressure and Cholesterol)

As an action step, over the next three months, we

will spotlight each of these conditions by sharing data

from the Oneida Community Health Center and provide

resources and tips to help reduce these health issues.

Learn more by contacting

Amanda Riesenberg at 920.490.3984 or

email: ariesenb@oneidanation.org

Read the entire

CHIP Plan

THT

18 | FEBRUARY 2026

Oneida Nation High School

the Oneida Hotel and 16+ credits for a Core

Academic Diploma with graduation at the

Turtle School in early July.

Students are also reminded that semester

grades become part of your permanent

record via your official school transcripts.

of Salvation Army as a kid. The song has

grown into a global sports anthem.

Also in the offing is a field trip for ONHS

musicians to Green Bay’s MusicU: Studio to

Stage where it will further connect with the

area music scene.

SECOND SEMESTER

COURSES AHEAD

NATIONAL

BOBBLEHEAD DAY

In last month’s Thunderhawk Times, we

did an extensive article on the Information

Technology Academy (ITA) precollege

program.

ITA is a program providing “hands on

technology coursework and personal

wellness development that will support

matriculation into higher education.”

An informational meeting was held at

ONHS Thursday, January 8. However, it’s

not too late! The deadline for applying is

February 15. Contact SoHappy Davids at

sdavids@wisc.edu. More information can be

found at https://ita.it.wisc.edu.

Look at some of the special holidays

scattered across the year and you find some

real doozies. January alone has Fruitcake

Toss Day, Old Rock Day, Static Electricity Day,

Nothing Day, Bagel and Lox Day, and Answer

Your Cat’s Questions Day.

January 7 was National Bobblehead

Day and warranted a quick look at the

bobblehead phenomenon. Like any good

rabbit hole, once you jump in, you can go

forever.

No way, for instance, that bobbleheads

trace their origins back to the 17th Century

and “Temple nodders,” but once you climb

in, that’s the first thing you will find out.

These were statutes of Buddha with springs

that make the head bob. The late 1700s

saw a growing popularity of bobbleheads in

Europe.

Paper mâché, ceramic generic, and player

specific bobbleheads trended in the 1960s.

In sports, bobbleheads became especially

popular with the first known bobbles being

of Roberto Clemente, Micky Mantle, Roger

Marris, and Willie Mays.

So, shake your head back and forth or side

to side, even bobbleheads have a fascinating

story and history.

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

SECOND SEMESTER

COURSES AHEAD

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

When you read this, the 2025-2026 School

Year will be more than halfway done! Where

does time go?

First Semester ended on Thursday, January

15 and Second Semester began Monday,

January 19. For ONHS students, the change

in class schedule can be a challenge to get

used to, but also a chance to try something

new.

1-credit required courses like American

Literature, Modern World Lit, Algebra I,

and Biology are usually a year-long and

usually stay in the same time slot during the

school day, but semester-long and elective

courses often change. There are some very

interesting classes offered second semester.

English offerings include Native Leaders/

Basic Composition, The Great Law,

Mythology, Mystical Beings, and the return

of Journalism. In Social Studies there is

Economic Episodes, Global Economy, and

Ancient World History.

Math options include Statistics and College

Tech Math. In Science, students can focus

on Astronomy. For Technology, students

can take Computer Science Discoveries.

Language and Culture classes include

Oneida Outdoors, Indigenous Film Study, and

Earth Dances. Art electives include Fiber Arts/

Textiles and Graphic Arts/Yearbook.

ONHS continues to acknowledge 23.5

credits total for graduation in early June at

Thunderhawk

Times Staff

KALIHWISAKS

FEBRUARY SCHOOL CALENDAR

• Thur., Feb. 12: Parent/Teacher Conference

(12:30pm dismissal)

• Fri., Feb. 13: Staff Trade-off Day – No School

• Wed., Feb. 18: Staff Development Day – No School

• Mon., Feb. 23: Mid-Quarter 3

SEVEN NATION ARMY

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

As many as twenty ONHS students

continue with weekly guitar lessons with

local musician Chris Dame. Beginning early

in the second semester, 4 students will begin

learning the keyboard working with Texasborn musician Michael Rawls who will be

moving to the Oneida area soon.

The common musical thread for all is a

gigantic, collaborative effort around the

White Stripes anthem, Seven Nation Army to

be performed for the school sometime this

spring. Guitars – both acoustic and electric,

bass, keyboard, and drums will all be brought

into the mix.

The song itself has an interesting back

story tracing back to Jack White’s mishearing

By Thunderhawk Times Staff

See photos online

of Maya the Thunderhawk and

the candy-making sessions!

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

Advisors: Johnny Danforth and Denis Gullickson

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EDUCATION

FEBRUARY 2026 | 19

ONHS Leads the Way

in Northeast Wisconsin

Trades Programming

By Stephenie Metoxen,

Oneida Indian Preference Coordinator

This summer and fall marked an exciting milestone for workforce

development in Northeast Wisconsin. Two programs, the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) and the Building Industry

Group Skilled Trades Employment Program (BIG STEP) brought both

Summer Trades Academy and BIG STEP Builders to the region for

the first time. Even more meaningful, Oneida Nation High School

(ONHS) became the first school in Northeast Wisconsin to step into

the Summer Trades Academy (STA) program and will be implementing

BIG STEP’s state certified entry level construction program in the

curriculum, setting the pace for other schools across the area.

STA: A First for Northeast Wisconsin

Students from ONHS participated in five full days of STA, which

included visits to eight different union training halls. Throughout the

week, students received a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on

learning, and general information about careers in the building

trades. Students explored multiple pathways, met industry professionals, and gained a realistic look at what training and careers in

the skilled trades can offer.

BIG STEP Builders at NWTC

Following STA, students were invited to participate in BIG STEP

Builders, hosted at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC).

This program included two days of classroom instruction and two

days of hands-on projects, where students learned how to safely use

power tools and other equipment—many for the first time. Students

were also given the opportunity to earn an Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certification, providing them with a

nationally recognized safety credential.

Strong Partnership Made It Possible

These programs would not have been nearly as successful without

the strong support of the ONHS leadership and staff. Special thanks

to Denis Gullickson, Wanda Anton, Sarah Wunderlich, and Artley Skenandore, whose assistance with transportation, helping students

through the intake process, reminders, and ongoing encouragement

ensured student success. Their involvement played a critical role in

making these programs run smoothly.

Students were also able to interact multiple times with Dan Webster from Walbec Group, a strong advocate for the program and

promoting the skilled trades as a career path. He spoke with the

students about the trades and offered to meet one-on-one with them,

two of which did, demonstrating the confidence and interest these

programs help build.

Continuing the Momentum

Due to the strong interest from students, Amy Arndt of WRTP | BIG

STEP will be holding monthly information sessions at Oneida Nation

High School to continue sharing opportunities and next steps in the

trades with students and families.

In addition, WRTP | BIG STEP is currently in the planning stages

with Stephanie Metoxen from the Oneida Nation Indian Preference

Program to move forward with an adult level certified pre-apprenticeship program, expanding opportunities beyond high school

and strengthening pathways for community members interested in

careers in the trades.

Looking Ahead

Students from Oneida Nation High School are already asking when

the next programs will be offered. WRTP | BIG STEP looks forward to

continuing this partnership with the Oneida Nation and building even

more opportunities for youth and adults to access family-sustaining

careers in the skilled trades.

20 | FEBRUARY 2026

ON THEIR JOURNEY

MARK STEVEN MOREHOUSE

October 24, 1947-September 21, 2025

Mark

Steven

Morehouse, age

77, passed on to

the

Creator’s

world, on Sunday,

September

21,

2025, with his

wife, Christine, by

his side. He was

born October 24, 1947, in Milwaukee, WI,

where he lived his whole life. He was a

proud member of the Oneida Nation (Turtle

Clan).

Mark served in the United States Army,

in communications, from 1967-1970 in

both Korea and Germany. He returned to

Milwaukee and worked many jobs in the

steel industry. Mark worked for Maynard

Steel, Falk, and Pelton Steel as a crane

operator. Outside of work, he liked to

clean, cook, and garden. He also enjoyed

watching the Brewers and Packers. Mark

loved dogs and had many of his own over

the years.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife,

Christine; his only daughter, Tara; his sister

Beth (Bob) Avina, Stepson Tyler (Samantha)

and Elana. He is further survived by his

grandson’s Marco and Nick, nephew

Samuel Avina and his great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents,

Marvin and Kathleen Morehouse. As well

as his brothers Mike D. Morehouse and

Vincent F. Morehouse.

A memorial celebration was held on a

warm sunny day.

LINDA SUE SUMMERS

July 23, 1951-November 26, 2025

Linda

Sue

S u m m e r s

(Schwader), 74, of

Green Bay, WI,

passed away on

November

26,

2 0 2 5 ,

u n ex p e c t e d l y,

surrounded by her

loved ones. Linda was born July 23, 1951 in

Suamico, WI, to Arthur and Margarite

Schwader (Wolfram), she was in the foster

care system and was raised by Leo and

Noelle Meier.

Linda graduated from Southwest High

School in 1969 and became a Nursing

Assistant. Linda and Benjmain Vieau

were married for 10 years, and had their

daughter, Makin (Vieau), then was married

to Donald Summers for about 10 years.

Linda met Miles Chandler, the love of her

life, and married him in 2006 in Las Vegas

until he passed away in 2014.

Linda worked as an Economic Support

Specialist for Oneida for 46 years, retiring

in 2024. Linda took pride in her work and

especially with her nursing home clients.

She also made many life-long friends while

working for Oneida.

Linda loved collecting Native artwork,

antiques, playing cribbage, thirty-one,

visiting the casino, but most of all, spending

time with her family, who meant everything

to her. She loved her Cribbage Family that

met in Vegas every year, playing ThirtyOne with her friends Leah, Kim and Linda

every Friday night, and playing cards most

mornings at Some Place Else in Green Bay.

Linda loved hard, caring for her family and

friends deeply and was always there for

anyone in a time of need. Known as ‘Mom’

and ‘Grandma’ to many more than just her

children and grandchildren. A few special

people to her heart were Colin Summers,

Steven Patske, Carrie Laverdiere, and

Kelsey Schaller who she loved as her own

family. Linda had a fiery soul and always

spoke her mind. She had a special place

in her heart for her grandkids and great

grandkids. She will never be forgotten.

She made a mark on so many people’s

lives and will be dearly missed.

Remaining to cherish Linda’s memory are

her children William Vieau, Makin Diedrich

(Brian); grandchildren, Amber Martens

(Alan), Brandon Diedrich (Billy) and Brianna

Diedrich; great-grandchildren, Jaxyn,

Brynlee and Araya; brothers, Donald

Schwader and Bill Schwader; and many

nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband,

Miles Chandler; parents, Arthur, Margarite,

Leo and Noelle; brothers, Jim, Rick, David,

John, Joe Pete; sisters, Cindy and Betty.

A celebration of life will be held December 13,

2025, at 2pm at Four Way Bar &Restaurant in

Suamico- anyone that knew and loved Linda

is more than welcome to attend. Linda’s

family would like to extend a special thank

you to the ICU staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital

in Green Bay who cared for her in her final

days and ensured she was comfortable and

were so supportive for her family.

KALIHWISAKS

BONITA LESCHIG

November 29, 1947-December 7, 2025

It is with immensely

saddened hearts

that we share the

passing of our

dear

mother,

Bonita

"Bonnie"

Leschig.

Born in Oneida,

Wisconsin to the

late Emil "Bud" and Florence Elm. Bonnie

had a cherished childhood with many

fond memories such as ice skating in

her friend's backyard and delicious early

morning breakfasts her grandmother

would make for the family and gentlemen

helping with the farm.

Bonnie had an adventurous spirit in her

youth and moved to Milwaukee with her

sister, Mona, where she met our father, her

soulmate and love of her life, Ron. They

united in marriage on June 23, 1972, and

built a family with three daughters and one

son. She lovingly devoted her life to her

children and husband.

Bonnie was an amazing cook! Her potato

salad was a must at family events. We

yearn for her dishes already. She enjoyed

beading and make beautiful earrings.

Another pastime she enjoyed was

watching movies and series.

She is survived by her beloved husband

of 53 years, Ronald Leschig Sr. Adored

children Paulette Leschig, Dawn Leschig,

Ronald (Shawnta) Leschig Jr, and Nicole

(John) Treviño. Cherished grandchildren

Norris "MoMo", Raven, Bowe, Naomi, John

"JJ", Laila, Madison "Maddie", and Alani.

Brothers Keith and Gary. Sisters Jenni,

Sandi, and Debbie. Many nieces, nephews,

and cousins.

She was preceded in death by parents

Emil and Florence, and sisters Carol Ann

and Mona.

Family and friends may gather at Ryan

Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De

Pere, WI 54115 on Thursday, December

18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of

service with Pastor Laura Riemer at 2:30

p.m. The Oneida Hymn Singers will begin

their song service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will

take place at the Oneida United Methodist

Church Cemetery.

"The day you left this Earth, our souls were

torn apart. Memories are what remain, we

cling to them deep within our heart. You're

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

ON THEIR JOURNEY

at peace and the pain has stopped, a

comfort to us all. The most saccharine line

to Heaven, you, an Angel we will call"

We love you so much DoDo and will miss

you endlessly.

Dewey E. Metoxen,

87, passed away

peacefully at The

Good

Shepard

Home on Saturday,

December

20,

2025. He was born

in Green Bay, WI

on March 03, 1938,

to the late Freeman and Hazel (Smith)

Metoxen.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral

Home, 305 N. 10th St. De Pere, WI 54115, on

Tuesday, December 30, 2025, for visitation

starting at 9:00am until the time of service

at 11am. The Oneida Hymn Singers will

start their song service at 10:30. Following

the service there will be military honors

presented by the Oneida VFW.

Singing was another of Theresa’s great

passions, and her beautiful voice was a gift

she freely shared. Music filled her life and

the lives of those around her, reflecting her

joy, kindness, and vibrant spirit. She will

be remembered for her compassion, her

love of music, and the genuine way she

touched so many hearts.

She is survived by her companion in life

Isaac Cornelius, daughter Olivia (Andrew

Biehl) Webster, her siblings; Edward

(Joanne) Webster, Joe Webster, Barbara

Webster, David (Mary) Webster, Brenda

(Mike) Ninham, Jackie Webster, as well as

numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents,

and siblings, Gordy Webster, Ken Webster,

Tom Webster, and Pat Webster.

Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home

305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere from 9:00AM

Saturday, January 10, 2026. The Oneida

Hymn Singers will sing at 10:30AM followed

by a funeral service at 11:00AM. Burial will

follow at Oneida Sacred Burial Grounds.

Theresa, your incredible kindness, endless

love, and the sunshine you shared with

everyone around you will never be forgotten.

THERESA A. SANCHEZ-WEBSTER

SANDRA MORALES

Theresa

Ann

Sanchez-Webster,

67, passed away

December

29.

2025

after

a

prolonged battle,

surrounded

by

loved ones.

She was born

August 12, 1958, to the beloved, late

Stewart and Lavinia (Doxtator) Webster.

Theresa worked for many years in the

Accounting Department for the Oneida

Nation, where she was respected for her

dedication and commitment.

Theresa met Isaac Cornelius, and together

they shared many years as devoted life

companions.

Theresa was known for her outgoing

personality and her enormous heart. She

never met a stranger—only friends she

had yet to know—and wherever she went,

she left behind warmth, laughter, and

connection. She had a deep and abiding

love for the cats she raised throughout her

life, caring for them with the same devotion

she showed to everyone she loved.

Sandra Morales,

age 81, of Milwaukee, WI, passed

away peacefully

on January 2,

2026, surrounded

by her family.

Born July 4, 1944,

in

Milwaukee,

WI and raised in Oneida, WI, Sandra was

the daughter of Joseph Anthony Steffes

and Florance E. (Elm) Steffes. Her life was

rooted in family, love, kindness and values

she carried with her every day.

Sandra devoted her life to raising six

children: Kathy Steffes, Juan Morales,

Cynthia Morales, Joanne Morales, Luis

Morales, and Raymond Morales. Being

a mother was her greatest joy and she

poured love, strength and laughter into her

family every day.

Sandra was known for her generous heart,

readiness to help others, and her constant

smile. She had a gift for bringing joy to those

around her, always eager to make people

laugh with jokes and a playful personality.

Her favorite sayings: What’s up, Doc?, See

DEWEY E. METOXEN

March 3, 1938-December 20, 2025

August 12, 1958-December 29, 2025

July 4, 1944-January 2, 2026

FEBRUARY 2026 | 21

you later, alligator-after a while crocodile,

and Taking care of business, became part

of who she was and will forever echo in

the memories of those who loved her. True

to her joyful spirit, Sandra had deep love

and was a true fan of Elvis Presley, whose

music brought her happiness and comfort.

Sandra is survived by her four children:

Kathy Steffes, Juan Morales, Joanne

Morales (Raul Balderas), and Raymond

Morales; seven grandchildren, James

Steffes, Christine Steffes, Timothy Steffes,

Margarita Morales, Erika Balderas, Miguel

Balderas, and Isabela Medina, and her

eleven greatgrandchildren. She is also

survived by siblings: Shirley Steffes, Doris

Ann (Steffes) Roddy, Joseph Steffes,

Yvonne DeCarlo (Steffes) Doxtator,

Kathleen (Steffes) Garcia, and Robert

Steffes as well as by many other family

members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her children

Cynthia Morales and Luis Morales; parents

Joseph Anthony Steffes and Florance

Steffes; and her siblings Mildred Margaret

(Steffes) Varnes, Ruth Bernice (Steffes)

Buffalo, Esther Marie (Steffes) BoucherRoddy, Leo Joseph Steffes, Excilda (Steffes)

Hutchinson, Cecelia (Steffes) Krawczyk,

Delores Joan (Steffes) Lemon, Kenneth

Joseph Steffes, and Herbert Steffes.

A Celebration of Life Celebration was

held at Schaff Funeral Service Schaff

Funeral Service, 5920 W. Lincoln Avenue,

West Allis, WI on Wed., Jan. 14, 2026

Wednesday from 4-7pm, with services at

6pm. Sandra’s love, laughter, and legacy

will forever remain in the hearts of all who

were blessed to know her.

STERLING "BLA" MANU NUNIES

May 9, 1955-January 9, 2026

Sterling "Bla" Manu

Nunies,

70,

Oneida, Wisconsin

- passed away

surrounded

by

family on January

9, 2026. He was

born in Honolulu,

Hawai'i to Herman

and Dolores Nunies on May 9, 1955.

He grew up in Kalihi on the island of Oahu.

He graduated from Farrington High School

Continued on PG 22

Sterling Manu Nunies

22 | FEBRUARY 2026

ON THEIR JOURNEY

Continuing from PG 21

Sterling Manu Nunies

"Go Govs!" He joined the army and proudly

served his country. He was a part of the

890th transportation company and served

in Desert Storm. He also served in the

442nd Infantry "Go For Broke!" where he

met the love of his life, Monica. They were

married on July 24th, 1989.

He was employed by the Oneida Nation

for over 20 years and was always on call

driving all over the rez. He enjoyed many

things throughout his life, golf, horseshoes,

gambling, but most of all spending time

with his grandkids.

He is survived by his loving wife Monica,

his children Linda Marie (Tom), Mary Ann,

Sunshine (Turtle), Sterling (Shonna), Ululani

(Mike), Kanani (Bradley), his God son Talon

(Kota), his grandchildren, Ashley, Jordun,

Kayla Marie, Daniel Jr., Kevin Jr., Tyohun,

Arthur, Ikaika Manu, Honu, Ruby, Violet,

Kūpono, Kekoa, Brennan, Junior, Monica,

Wehēla, Happy, Nohealani "Beá", Makana,

his great-grandchildren, Eli, Giovanni,

Gabriel, Carter, Kyrie, Kenzo, Angelo, and

Sekani. His siblings Hanalei (Nell), Cecelia,

Bernard (Ulu), Mana (Mona), Doreen (Kuni),

Bonso, Miles (Jay). His brother & sister inlaws, Richard, Greg (Nancy), Bobbi (Dale),

Ralph, Jamie, Joe and many nieces and

nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents

Herman & Dolores Nunies, his fatherand mother-in-law, Purcell and Angeline

Powless, his nephew Steven "Alika" Nunies

and his sister-in-law Kathy Gilsoul.

Friends may call on him on Wednesday

January 14th, 2026, at the Muehl-Boettcher

Funeral home in Seymour, WI. Visitation

from 10am-12pm with services following at

noon.

The family would like to extend a special

thank you to the St. Vincent's ICU team

during this time. Aloha

EUGENE S. KELLY, JR

June 18, 1977-January 13, 2026

Eugene S. Kelly, Jr.,

age 48, walked on

unexpectedly on

Monday, January

13,

2026,

in

Wisconsin Rapids,

WI.

A funeral service

will be held at 11am

on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Felder/

Ritchay Funeral Home in Nekoosa, Wis.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home

from 9am until the time of service. Burial

will be held at Dexterville Cemetery.

Eugene was born on June 18, 1977, in El

Paso County, Colorado, to the late Eugene

Kelly Sr. and Rachel (Sickles) Johnson. He

was a proud member of the Oneida Nation.

Eugene was a beloved presence to all who

knew him, known for his sense of humor,

kind heart, and the joy he brought into

every room. He loved playing video games

on his phone, watching movies, and most

of all spending time with family and friends.

There was truly never a dull moment when

Eugene was around; his laughter, stories,

and energy made every gathering brighter.

Eugene is survived by his children,

Breanna Kelly, Cantrell Kelly, Natasha

Fuller, Taquan Kelly, Devarius Kelly,

Dy’onna Kelly, Devonis Taylor; sisters,

Ivory Kelly, Sabrina Peyketewa Major,

Miranda Young-Peyketewa, Autumn Kelly,

Amber Kelly, Alexandria Kelly, Rosie Aaron;

brothers, Kelly Williams, Peter Johnson,

Paul Johnson and many nieces, nephews

and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents;

aunt, Kay Thompson and uncle, Tom

Sickles.

Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting

the family with arrangements.

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.

KALIHWISAKS

NOTICES

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

FEBRUARY 2026 | 23

Notice to Interested Person(s) Setting Hearing on Application for Probate and Setting Time and Notice to Creditors

To attend meetings virtually or request a copy of the materials, contact Brooke M. Doxtator at 920.869.4303 or email land_commission@oneidanation.org.

To file a claim, contact Oneida Land Commission, Attn. Government Administrative Office, PO Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155 or

email land_commission@oneidanation.org. Applications for probate have been filed as follows:

Estate of Scharlene Kasee • Case No. 2025-LCP-011 • The deadline to file a claim is February 9, 2026

1. The decedent with a date of birth of 4/19/1937, died on 5/13/2018, was domiciled within the exterior boundaries of the Oneida Reservation, in Outagamie County, State of

Wisconsin at W1251 Hattie Lane, De Pere, WI 54115

2. TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PERSON(S) and any persons not listed herein who may be identified by law as potential interested persons: Kelly Skenandore, Luther Laster, Walter Goodman,

Crete Kasee, Richard Buhr, Shannon Micolichek

3. A Probate hearing has been scheduled for 2/23/2026, 3:30pm, at N7332 Water Circle Place, Oneida, WI 54155.

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.

ONEIDA NATION

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

THUR., FEB. 12, 2026 • 12:15PM

Norbert Hill Center

Business Committee Conference Room

N7210 Seminary Rd., Oneida, WI

Find Public Meeting Materials at

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

Email Public Comments to

LOC@OneidaNation.org

Ask Questions Here

LOC@OneidaNation.org

920.869.4417

BUDGET AND FINANCES LAW AMENDMENTS

The purpose of the Budget and Finances law is to set forth the requirements

to be followed by the Oneida Business Committee and the Oneida fund units

when preparing the budget to be presented to the General Tribal Council for

approval, and to establish financial policies and procedures for the Nation.

The Budget and Finances law amendments will:

• Clarify the responsibilities of the Oneida Business Committee, Treasurer,

Chief Financial Officer, Executive Managers, and Fund Units.

• Clarify steps of the budget adoption process—such as deadlines for budget

guidelines, and proposed budget compilations.

• Address what information is required to be provided for in the Nation’s budget.

• Eliminate provisions of the law regarding unexpended capital expenditure

funds and capital improvement project funds.

• Add a threshold for when unbudgeted expenditures require approval by the

Oneida Business Committee.

• Combine the Permanent Executive Contingency Fund Account and the Grant

Reserve Fund Account into one Fund Account to be named the Financial

Sovereignty Fund.

• And make other drafting changes to the law.

Individuals may attend the public meeting for the proposed Budget and

Finances law amendments in person at the Norbert Hill Center, or virtually

through Microsoft Teams. If you wish to attend the public meeting through Microsoft Teams please contact LOC@oneidanation.org.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026

During the public comment period, anyone may submit written comments,

questions or input. Comments may be submitted to the Oneida Nation Secretary’s Office or the Legislative Reference Office in person, by U.S. mail, interoffice mail, or e-mail.

For more information on the proposed Budget and Finances law amendments

please review the public meeting packet at oneida-nsn.gov/government/register/public meetings.

ONEIDA NATION

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Find Public Meeting Materials at

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

THUR., FEB. 12, 2026 • 12:15PM

Norbert Hill Center

Business Committee Conference Room

N7210 Seminary Rd., Oneida, WI

Email Public Comments to

LOC@OneidaNation.org

Ask Questions Here

LOC@OneidaNation.org

920.869.4417

SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL LAW AMENDMENTS

The purpose of the Solid Waste Disposal law is to set forth the process by which the

Oneida Nation will reduce, manage, and dispose of recyclable materials and solid waste

within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Nation.

The Solid Waste Disposal law amendments will:

• Rename the law from “Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal” to “Solid Waste Disposal.” [4 O.C. 405].

• Remove the separation of “recycling” and “solid waste” and instead redefine solid waste to

include recyclable materials. [4 O.C. 3-1(v); 4 O.C. 405.6].

• Clarify in the definitions the following terms: “customers,” “e-waste,” “major appliances,” “reservation,” “service provider,” and “sharps.” [4 O.C. 405.1-1(a); (f); (p); (h); (p); (q); (s)].

• Clarify the management of solid waste within the Reservation will be governed by this law, the

Nation’s Sustainable Materials Management Plan, and applicable provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. [4 OC. 405.4].

• Clarify the Division of Public Works (“DPW”) and Environmental Land and Agriculture (“ELA”) have

the authority to administer certain provisions of this law, including informing the public of certain

requirements, determining nuisances, procuring service providers, and making rules for the regulation and administration of this law. [4 O.C. 405.5].

• Clarify certain items need to be separated; ELA or the service provider may refuse pick up; and

there will be a special collection of some items which will be scheduled annually and posted on

the Nation’s website. [4 O.C. 405.6-7]; [4 O.C. 405.7]; [4 O.C. 405.10].

• Clarify that deer carcasses and other large animal carcasses are not collectable and may be

placed for curbside collection. [4 O.C. 405.7-1((j)].

• Clarify it is prohibited to burn solid waste, dump, throw, or leave solid waste in unauthorized areas,

in any way that creates a nuisance, or in any way that violates the Sustainable Materials Management Plan, other provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal law, the Public Peace law, or any other law

of the Nation. [4 O.C. 405.9].

• Various grammatical changes and other minor changes throughout the law.

Individuals may attend the public meeting for the proposed Solid Waste Disposal law

amendments in person at the Norbert Hill Center, or virtually through Microsoft Teams.

If you wish to attend the public meeting through Microsoft Teams please contact LOC@

oneidanation.org.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES FRIDAY, THUR., FEB. 19, 2026

During the public comment period, anyone may submit written comments, questions or

input. Comments may be submitted to the Oneida Nation Secretary’s Office or the Legislative Reference Office in person, by U.S. mail, interoffice mail, or e-mail.

For more information on the proposed Solid Waste Disposal law amendments please

review the public meeting packet at oneida-nsn.gov/government/register/public meetings.

24 | FEBRUARY 2026

EVENTS

KALIHWISAKS

GLNAEA MEETINGS

Sakaogon

Chippewa

Community

Mole Lake Bank,

Mole Lake, WI

March 4-5, 2026

(Tentative)

Ho-Chunk

Nation of WI

Ho-Chunk Reservation

September 2-3, 2026

Menominee

Indian Tribe of WI

Kashena, WI

June 3-4, 2026

(Tentative)

Lac Vieux

Desert Band

Lake Superior Chippewa,

Watersmeet, MI

December 2-3, 2026

Oneida Aging & Disability Services is offering

a limited number of rides to these GLNAEA

Meetings. Drop off and pick up only.

First come first served.

Call 920.869.6845 to schedule.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2026 | 25

26 | FEBRUARY 2026

EVENTS

(Red Lake, MN) The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) announces its 2026 class of

inductees, which features 62 individuals in athletes, coach,

trainer, builder, and media categories and 21 Haudenosaunee and Haudenosaunee Nationals lacrosse teams to

receive the honor for their athletic achievements and contributions to their respective sports.

Founded in 2022 by Dr. Dan Ninham (Oneida) and his

wife Susan Ninham (Red Lake Ojibwe), the NAIAHF honors

and recognizes the indigenous sport cultures of 27 countries of North America by recognizing outstanding leadership and achievement in individual and team athletics.

By honoring and celebrating the empowered journey of

the annually inducted individuals and teams, the hope is

their stories may inspire future generations to follow their

dreams in athletics and life.

“The North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame is

honored to announce the 2026 inductees who are joining

KALIHWISAKS

an elite number of individuals and teams from across Turtle

Island,” said NAIAHF co-director Susan Ninham.

The NAIAHF will recognize the 2026 class as well as

past inductees up to the inaugural 2023 class in a banquet to be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 in Green Bay,

Wisconsin, at the Oneida Casino Conference Center. The

2025 and 2024 NAIAHF Banquets were also held at the

Oneida Casino Conference Center with an average of

55 inductees and 475 guests from the US and Canada

attending.

Contact Dr. Dan by emailing

coach.danninham@gmail.com

Scan the QR code for the

Native American Indigenous

Athletics Hall of Fame

Banquet Webpage

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

CULTURAL

FEBRUARY 2026 | 27

Emcee Bradley Granquist (left) on the 1st Annual Mid-Winter Showdown that took

place Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Oneida Nation Elementary School, "We are

here to dedicate and support our Ukwehu•wé people with culture events supporting

physical, mental, and spiritual well-being."

The event featured social dancing, competitive Smoke Dancing, and numerous vendors. Everyone who attended left in high spirits, ready to continue into the new year.

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

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