Showcasing Indigenous (2024)

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Showcasing Indigenous

Art & Fashion

Woodland Indian Art Show & Market

PG 16

Green Bay Public Market 2025

Oneida’s Key Role

PG 5

Oneida Nation Museum

Groundbreaking

PG 7

Expression of Joy

Oneida Recognizes its National Treasures

PG 15

Enhancing Elder Care

New AJRCCC Medical Director Dr. Kaza

PG 20

DECEMBER 2024

KALIHWISAKS

From the Kali

Shekóli

Swakwe•kú.

feel

so grateful to be a part of this

community. Every day, I get to witness

the compassionate empathy this

community’s members have for one

another. I cover stories here. I cover

stories there. Sometimes, it’s difficult

to keep the foot on the gas pedal

because honestly, it can be tiring, but

not exhausting. Exhaustion is state

of extreme tiredness that can affect

your health and safety if it continues.

On the contrary, the tiredness I feel is

one of satisfaction, contentment, and

fulfillment. At the end of it all, my heart

is filled with joy. It reaffirms the lessons

in the Thanksgiving addresses our

cultural and spiritual leaders provide

for us as the beginning protocol for

community events. These lessons

remind us that every day, we should

give thanks for all that is and for

one another so our minds can be

as one. It also reminds me about my

thoughts on the recent elections. It

reminds me that no matter what party

is elected, no matter who is elected,

this community’s kanolukhwásla for

one another is the bond that holds

us together through difficult times

and will enhance our spirit to

lead us into good times. When

individuals are elected to

governmental roles, they

take an oath to protect

the people, keep society

safe, and maintain order

and stability. Let’s all

continue to take this oath

with one another, every day.

Yaw kó,

Garth Webster

Creative Services/ Kalihwisaks

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2701 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI 54155

Creative Services/Kalihwisaks

Garth Webster

Mia Charnon

Advertising & Tourism Director

Michelle Danforth-Anderson

Layout Design

Richard Summers III

Contributors

KALIHWISAKS

Official Publication of the Oneida Nation

"She Looks For News"

Kalihwisaks

Eric Doxtator ⋅ Leah Stroobants

Leon Webster ⋅ Nevada Skenandore

Peggy Doxtater ⋅ Leah Kuchta

Sophia King ⋅ Mel Webster

Isaiah Powless ⋅ Carly Skenandore

All content is © Big Bear Media

unless otherwise noted.

Kalihwisaks@OneidaNation.org

Oneida-nsn.gov/resources/kalihwisaks

Scan for more

Kalihwisaks

stories

The views and/or claims of interviewees or advertisers do

not necessarily represent the thoughts and sentiments of

the Oneida Nation or Kalihwisaks.

Spotlights

Green Bay Public Market 2025

Oneida's Key Role

Oneida Nation Museum

Groundbreaking

Standing Committee Update

16 Showcasing Indigenous

Art & Fashion

Woodland Indian Art Show & Market

20 Enhancing Elder Care

New AJRCCC Medical Director Dr. Kaza

Jameson Wilson

On yote a•ká• ni i• (I Am Oneida)

15 Expression of Joy

Oneida Recognizes its National Treasures

Business Committee Forum

Our Stories

Building a Strong, Unified Fire

Here at Duck Creek

Oneida Nation Museum Groundbreaking

The Power of Public Works

New 3-in-1 Structure Update

Oneida Nation Farms

Red Willow Flats Opening 2025

Sports

Jonas Johnson, Alaila Denny,

Harlow Skenandore, and CJ Danforth

usan White Champions

Elimination of Racial Mascots

Maria Benitez

Oneida's Flamenco Star

Thunderhawk Times

si nahté·shu wáhstake

“Various Things Are Useful”

New Oneida Cultural Heritage Program

Civic Chronicles

Community Baby Shower Returns

Stay Safe This Season

Holiday Tips to Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco,

and Drug Risks

On Their Journey

neida Helping Oneida

Family Caregiving Study

2024 College Graduates

The 18th Annual Woodland Indian Art Show & Market took place Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2024.

In addition to the many artwork booths, the Indigenous Fashion Show showcased

the work of talented Indigenous designers, including this vest by Jennifer Benally of

Shinymoon Creations. See page 16 to learn more.

DECEMBER 2024

NATION

KALIHWISAKS

Left: First Nations

students from

UWGB to discuss

The Nation's

legislative process.

Right:

Presenting to the

Oneida Nation High

School students about

our Tribal enrollment

criteria and the

On yote a•ká• ni i•

Project Plan.

Shekóli Swakwe•kú (Hello everyone),

As we move into the winter season, I would like to send my warm

wishes to all our Oneida relatives. It

has been a busy year for me and my

colleagues. We have officially been in

office for over a year now and I am

diligently attending to my responsibilities to the Nation. As a council

member, I do my absolute best to

represent our Nation with respect,

humility, and professionalism.

Leadership Development

At the beginning of the term, the

Oneida Business Committee (OBC)

completed a DISC assessment that

consists of four descriptive categories:

Dominance,

Influence,

Steadiness, and Compliance. These

assessments have identified my

behavioral characteristics and my

12 Driving Forces, which form my

perspectives and provides the most

accurate understanding of who I am

as an individual. From the assessment, we learned how everyone’s

behaviors contribute to the team

dynamic, both strengths and weaknesses. My behaviors strongly align

with influence. The influence category

is described as a people orientated,

inspiring personality that thrives in a

faster paced environment. An influencer brings a positive approach to

conflict and the ability to verbalize

feelings while remaining optimistic

and enthusiastic. How does it help

me as a leader? These behaviors

allow me to foster trust with my colleagues by leading with authenticity.

Identifying the behaviors of the group

results in recognizing each person’s

strengths and benefits to the group.

This allows us to have a cohesive

team that effectively communicates

and resolves conflict. Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in leadership and harnessing those tools

to openly communicate and adapt,

leads to more informed decisions.

Through my leadership development

journey, I have learned that the four

most coveted qualities that people

look for in a transformational leader

are someone who is honest, inspiring, competent and a forward thinker

and I aspire to maintain and enhance

those essential skills.

Above: Reciting

the Kanahelatuksla

(Thanksgiving Address)

on the 4th day of the

81st Annual NCAI

Convention.

General Tribal Council (GTC)

We have had several GTC meetings in the last few months and I have

been actively listening to GTC members to get a deeper understanding

of each member’s perspective. I want

to extend a Yaw kó (thank you) to

GTC regarding the body’s decision

to institute a wage increase for the

OBC, which includes a 5% raise every

three 3 years, and educational credentials that will go into effect August

2026 when the next OBC administration takes office. I commend GTC

for the body’s long-term foresight

and understanding of the impact of

their decision as it will unilaterally

strengthen one of our Nation’s governing institutions by attracting some

of the most competent candidates for

elected office.

In closing, I want you to know that

I am committed to serving the Nation

with compassion, kindness, empathy, and optimism. Let us continue

to encourage one another to keep

a good mind, a good heart, and a

strong fire.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NATION

DECEMBER 2024

GB Public Market to Open in 2025

Oneida is a Key Contributor and Partner

By Garth Webster

During an unseasonably warm Friday afternoon, October 22, 2024,

Oneida Business Committee Members, led by Chairman Tehassi Hill,

gathered with many high-profile

business and tourism leaders as

well as Green Bay leadership for a

ground-breaking of the 501c3 Green

Bay Public Market (GBPM) at 211

North Broadway St. in downtown

Green Bay.

Co-emcee’s Brooke Hafs, VP of

Donor Engagement for On Broadway

and Garritt Bader, Principal at Green

Bay Real Estate Investment and Capital Campaign Cabinet member, introduced numerous speakers including

Brian Johnson, President and CEO

of On Broadway, Inc and the GBPM,

who stated, “The idea of the GBPM

originated in conversations with

Bader in 2018. However, the pandemic stopped the momentum on

the project.” This turned out to be a

blessing in disguise because shortly

after, during the pandemic, Johnson

and his team were able to secure

grants, enabling them to purchase

the property in April 2022.

Johnson’s research in the endeavor

revealed the area attracts six million

visitors per year who come to see the

Packer’s organization, the National

Railroad Museum, and Botanical Garden, among others,

but these visitors needed

more. Johnson also discovered that the average public

market shopper spends twice

that of a mall shopper. When

coupled with the forecast that

the GBPM will spur $100 million

of new development in the immediate vicinity, the financial impact

on tourism is clear. The $18.3 million

project will feature 20 vendors with

year-round access to fresh food and

other goods and services.

Green Bay Mayor, Eric Genrich,

expressed his enthusiasm for Johnson and his team’s efforts, “Their willingness to take a leap of faith. This

is something not done by every main

street program. It demonstrates an

ability to think and dream big and

make great things happen. I’m really

pleased to be in a position to congratulate everyone who’s played a role.”

Chairman Hill, also a guest speaker,

first acknowledged and gave thanksgiving to the Menominee and

Ho-Chunk Nations, as we are on their

original territory, said, “What an exciting project to be a part of. The GBPM

will be a catalyst for increased opportunities for both Green Bay and the

Oneida community. Along with the

economic partnership, the cultural

component of this project enables us

to reach outside our boundaries to

expand knowledge and perception

opportunities.”

As Johnson closed the presentation, he once again thanked the

Oneida Nation stating, “Oneida is a

really important government entity

here in our region and we appreciate

the many partnerships we’re going

to have with Oneida and enjoy with

Oneida Tribal members here in the

event space. Your support has really

been a catalyst.” Finally, Johnson

announced the facility is hoping to

be open by April 2025 in time for the

NFL draft but will most likely be summer 2025.

DECEMBER 2024

COMMUNITY

KALIHWISAKS

On yote a•ká• ni i• (I Am Oneida)

Standing Committee Update

Building a Strong, Unified Future

The On yote a•ká• ni i• Standing

Committee, or I Am Oneida Standing Committee, is an advisory body

established to support the Oneida

Nation’s On yote a•ká• ni i• Project

Plan. This committee was endorsed

by the General Tribal Council on July

24, 2023, with a mission to engage

and inform the Oneida community

on essential initiatives such as enrollment projections and community-wide impacts, all in alignment with

the Oneida Nation’s vision of family

strength and economic resilience.

The committee's primary purpose is

to provide timely and accurate information to the community, acting as a

vital communication link between the

General Tribal Council and the Oneida

Business Committee. Through its

advisory role, the committee offers

insights into the project’s implemen-

tation, shares important updates,

and gathers community feedback on

enrollment and other critical data.

With a diverse membership, the

Standing Committee includes two

representatives from the Oneida

Business Committee and community-appointed members, ensuring a

well-rounded representation. Members are appointed to three-year

terms, fostering consistency and

dedication in the team. Leadership

within the committee includes a

Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson,

who oversee operations, will communicate regularly with the General

Tribal Council, and ensure the committee adheres to established policies and reporting requirements.

Regular public meetings keep the

community informed and engaged,

and additional subcommittees may

be created to expand outreach and

education. The committee welcomes and values the community's

input and works diligently to ensure

the On yote a•ká• ni i• Project Plan

aligns with the Oneida Nation’s mission: to strengthen and protect its

people, reclaim land, and support

environmental enhancement through

the exercise of sovereignty.

The On yote a•ká• ni i• Standing

Committee invites all community

members to join in building a strong,

unified future by staying informed

and involved.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

NEWS

DECEMBER 2024

Oneida Nation Museum Groundbreaking

Community Gathers to Welcome Start of Construction

By Garth Webster

Stacy Coon, Oneida Nation

Museum Director, gathered community members and Oneida Leadership, including Chairman Tehassi Hill,

on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at

760 Airport Drive to break ground

for construction of the new Oneida

Nation Museum.

While the previous E&EE location is

well known for needing more space

and a better location to take advantage of higher traffic and visibility,

Coon explains additional features of

the $15 million project.

"In addition to permanent exhibit

space, there's going to be a separate

temporary space for traveling exhibits and larger exhibits from larger

institutions, a larger expanded gift

shop, and a multi-purpose room for

presentations, story-telling, etc."

Coon goes on to explain that the

new facility will also include expanded

storage collection areas for:

• Permanent Collections

• Culturally Sensitive Items

including a consultation space

One final space Coon is excited

about is an outdoor Honor Garden.

The targeted completion date is

Spring 2026.

Above, left, Courtney Gerzetich, Museum Registrar, Hattie Braaten, Museum Specialist, and Stacy Coon, Oneida Museum Director on right, break ground with the highly

regarded Dr. Carol Cornelius, who was one of the original community members that

proposed the idea of revamping the Oneida Nation Museum.

Below, the entire Oneida Museum project team, including ONM Staff, take their turn

to break ground.

DECEMBER 2024

SERVICES

The Power of Public Works

By Oneida Division of Public Works (DPW)

The Division of Public Works (DPW) (Latinatu’ni’he? – They Make the

Village) delivers essential services safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Our

skilled team designs, constructs, maintains, and operates the Oneida Nation’s

public infrastructure. As we do so, we respect the environment, assert our

sovereignty, and preserve resources for future generations.

Due to hiring and re-hiring, Public Works has roughly 165+ employees at

any given time across 16 areas. In upcoming editions, we’ll introduce these

areas and their contributions to the Oneida Nation and community.

To succeed, Public Works collaborates closely with various areas of the

Nation, aiming to build strong, trust-based partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can remove a fallen tree?

• On Oneida Nation roads:

Public Works will manage the

removal. The Nation maintains

13 miles of road.

• On other roads:

Local municipality is responsible

for removal.

• On Oneida residential property or

other Oneida land:

Comprehensive Housing or

Conservation will likely manage

the removal.

Can Public Works remove snow

from my walks or driveway?

Generally, Public Works only

removes snow from:

• Oneida roads

• Business parking lots (including

some commercial locations)

• The Health Center

• Employee parking lots

Can people reserve Parish Hall?

Yes, for events like weddings and

family gatherings. Funeral services

take priority. If a funeral luncheon

coincides with your event, it may be

canceled. For more info, contact:

Parish_Hall_1@OneidaNation.org

Does the Nation provide

curbside residential trash

services to all Tribal members

on the reservation?

No, services are currently limited to

specific areas of the reservation.

Last year, the Nation chose a

new vendor, Harter’s, which

provides better service than many

surrounding municipalities.

Public Works and the Environmental

Dept. are developing options for

special waste drop-off, such as tires.

KALIHWISAKS

Public Works Serves:

•Employees, users, and visitors

of Oneida Nation facilities,

grounds, and parks

• Travelers on Tribal roads

• Individuals subject to Zoning

ordinances

• Those receiving clean water,

refuse disposal, and sewer

services

DPW Areas

• DPW Administration

• Automotive Department

• Community Wells, Septic,

and Plumbing

• DPW Safety

• Utilities Department

• Groundskeeping Department

Facilities Area

• Building Maintenance

• Custodial Department

• Electrical

• Energy Controls (HVAC)

ommunity

Development Area

• Engineering Department

• Graphic Information

Systems Department

• Planning Department

• Tribal Transportation

• Zoning Department

• Indian Preference

Learn more

about DPW

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

LOCAL

DECEMBER 2024

Oneida Nation Farms-Bigger and Better than Ever

Farm Upating to New Storage, Office, Retail Space

By Garth Webster

As chronicled in the February 2024 edition, the Oneida

Nation Farm (ONF) sustained significant fire and storm damage in June 2022. After clearing the damaged structures,

ONF is beginning to build a new 14,400 square foot 3-in-1

structure. This build will provide storage for hay, straw, eqipment and machinery as well as new office and retail space.

The target completion date is May 2025.

Read the February

2024 ONF Article

Red Willow Flats is a brand new multifamily Low Income Housing

project funded by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development authority. 1822, the project developer, anticipates a January

2025 opening and is currently accepting applications.

10 | DECEMBER 2024

Jonas

Johnson

Scan to watch Oneida Nation High School

Principal Artley Skenandore, Jr. and Oneida

Nation Lacrosse Head Coach provide inspiration

to Jonas and his classmates as he signs his

letter of intent.

SPORTS

KALIHWISAKS

Jonas Johnson, 17, is a senior at Oneida Nation

High School, where he has attended all 12 years.

Ranked 2nd in his class, he will graduate in June

2025. A 3-sport athlete in Cross Country, Golf,

and Lacrosse, Jonas began playing lacrosse at

age 4. By age 5, he joined the Oneida Community

Lacrosse program and played his first game with

the U13 team. His passion for lacrosse led him to

play for Team Wisconsin and the Haudenosaunee

National Development Team, participating in

the 2021 World Series of Youth Lacrosse. Last

year, he joined club team Alpha and began his

recruitment journey.

From a young age, Jonas aspired to play

Division 1 lacrosse. This dream is now realized

after signing his letter of intent to play at St.

Bonaventure University in 2025. He will be the

first student from Oneida Nation High School

to play a Division 1 sport. Jonas expresses his

gratitude to his ONHS coaches Curt Summers,

Butch Summers, Brad Thomas, Byran Halona,

Michael Storts, and Billy Spingola, as well as his

Alpha coaches Joey Powless and Jamison King,

for their support.

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2024

| 11

Alaila Denny is both

Queen and King of

the Jungle

Alaila Denny, daughter of Daniel and Amber Denny from

Oneida clinched the title in the 125 lbs. weight class for

16-17 year olds at the Ringside King of the Jungle National

Tournament, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, over the

weekend of October 18-20, 2024.

William Pocan

Harlow Skenandore

Looking to Continue

Dominating

Harlow, from Seymour, Wisconsin, is a nationally ranked

wrestler. She began wrestling at six and won the Wisconsin

State Girls Wrestling Championship at 145 pounds as a

freshman with a 28-1 record. A sophomore at Pulaski High

School, Harlow is a proud member of the Oneida Nation

and aims to compete in the Olympics and

the World Team. She is supported by her

parents, Clyde and Alex Skenandore. Learn

more about Harlow from USA Wrestling

Journalist, Gary Abbott.

Clyde & Alex

Skenandore

CJ Danforth Making

His Mark on the

Gridiron

CJ Danforth, a senior at Green Bay Southwest High

School, was unanimously named to the 1st Team All-FRCC

North as a Return Specialist and Defensive Back. He led the

FRCC-North with 14 kick returns (30.1 yards/return) and had

7 punt returns (7.4 yards/return). On defense, CJ recorded

56 tackles (3rd among defensive backs), 4 interceptions

(3rd in the conference), and 1 pass defensed. He is the only

player to earn 1st Team honors on both sides of the ball.

Green Bay

Southwest Football

LOCAL

12 | DECEMBER 2024

KALIHWISAKS

Susan White Champions

Elimination of Racial

Mascots

White's Effort to be studied

by UMBC PhD Student

By Garth Webster

At far right back, Jessica Burstrem, currently studying the life's

work of Susan White, stands beside White's family. Left, Makayla

Doxtator and Elysia Doxtator, both great nices of White. Seated

in front is White's sister, Leeann and White's husband, Linnny.

During Burstrem's recent visit, she visited and interviewd White's

family as one of many sources of information to compete her

dissertation.

The late Susan White, former

Director of the Trust Enrollment

Committee, was a champion of

growing the Oneida Trust Funds in a

socially and Indigenous-friendly way

before she made her journey in 2018.

Specifically, White took on a

decades-long battle of making

sure private corporations like the

Washington Football Team (WFT)

conducted their operations in a way

befitting the values of Indigenous

people, most notably for their racist

and derogatory team name and

mascot. This approach of changing

the ethics of large companies, and

in turn the investment landscape

of Tribes such as Oneida, captured

the attention of current University of

Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

PhD Student, Jessica Burstrem.

For years, Burstrem donated to the

National Museum to the American

Indian. It was there she watched

a filming of More Than A Word, a

documentary about the movement to

end Native American mascots. This

inspired her decision to study this

topic for her PhD. After reading letters

on the subject, some of which came

from Oneida, she visited Oneida’s

website and reached out to White’s

successor, Keith Doxtator. Doxtator

in turn referred her to White's former

colleague, John Danforth, which

ultimately led to her connection with

Susan’s family and work.

Burstem says of White, “Many

believed that this approach, (Getting

WFT to change their name) would not

work but she did. She saw this. She

recognized this possibility and saw

that there was real potential here

when others did not.”

Burstem went on to explain that

with the assistance of the Investors &

Indigenous Peoples Working Group

(IIPWG), White organized a coalition

to push for the name change. The

IIPWG comprises a broad coalition

of investors and finance leaders who

work to address challenges facing

Indigenous Peoples globally and

to mainstream Indigenous Peoples’

rights in responsible investment. The

group also seeks to support and uplift

Indigenous leaders’ participation in

investment and shareholder spaces.

The power of the IIPWG network,

which contained 85 signatories from

influential organizations, all who

were considered major stakeholders

in the WFT and their primary sponsor,

FedEX, who also happened to hold

the naming rights for the stadium

the WFT played in. In addition to the

pressure from the IIPWG, Burstrem

described several other factors

escalating the heat on both WFT and

FedEX.

To begin, the protests and requests

for the name change became a

yearly ritual for the past 50 seasons.

Another pressure point came from the

Federal Government, who essentially

told them that if they didn’t change

their name, they wouldn’t renew their

land lease to play in JFK Stadium.

Rather than change their name, they

built a new stadium, Jack Kent Cook

Stadium, now known as Northwest

Stadium. Along with these pressures

were the prevailing social movements

such as Black Lives Matter. Yet

another pressure point was that

WFT began to consistentlyt receive

bad press, including a Washington

reporter who stopped using the

derogatory team’s name in favor of

Washington Football. While these

internal pressures continued, WFT

was in constant defense litigation,

which they eventually prevailed due

a Statute of Limitations decision

in the case using the Lanham Act,

which states that an entity cannot

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

secure a trademark based on a racial

slur. However, the judgment was

overturned on appeal on the basis

that the case should have been filed

long before from plaintiffs that were

too advanced in age (the courts said

they knew the name was injurious

so why didn’t they file the claim

a long time ago?). This judgment

changed when Amanda Blackhorse,

a much younger plaintiff, filed the

case with success. However, this

too was eventually nullified on the

precedent set by an Asian group

who overturned the Lanham act by

what they successfully claimed was

their 1st Amendment Right to name

themselves with a racial slur.

Until 2020, the Washington Football

team succumbed to the pressures

and renamed their team the WFT,

finally revealing their new brand in

2022, the Washington Commanders.

In the end, Burstrem is pursuing

this subject to clarify misinformation

and to honor Susan and the values

instilled in her by her father and the

wisdom and pride she gained in

Oneida.

“It’s important that this story be told

the right way. That the truth be more

present in people’s memory. It’s useful

for activists. It’s useful for Indigenous

efforts for people to remember this

big win, this huge success. This is

another way for corporations to

consider their impact on Indigenous

communities and hold themselves

accountable rather than have to bow

to the social and financial pressures

WFT experienced.”

Burstrem will complete her studies

and graduate in May 2025. Her

dissertation will be available in the

UMBC library. In honor of the request

of Susan’s family, Burstrem will also

work to publish a children’s book as

well as an academic piece for adult

readers.

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 2024 | 13

Time of Crisis Resources

Non-Emergency OPD: (920) 869-2239

920-490-3860

Behavior Health Triage

920-490-3950

Recovery Coach

Call 211

Text 898211 • 211.org

Help starts here 211 connects you to expert,

caring help. Every call is completely confidential.

Safe Call Now (206) 459-3020

safecallnowusa.org

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

employees, all emergency services personnel and their family.

National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

The National Domestic

Violence

1-800-799.SAFE(7233)

or Text 88788 • thehotline.org/

National Drug Helpline

1-800-289-0879

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

Crisis Line Text

HOME to 741741

crisistextline.org/ • Support in an emotional crisis.

Brown County Crisis Center

(920) 436-8888

familyservicesnew.org/crisis-center/

Outagamie County - Crisis

Phone Counselor

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

SPORTS

14 | DECEMBER 2024

KALIHWISAKS

Maria Benitez-World Renowned

Spanish Flamenco Dancer

Oneida Descendant leaves Indelible Mark

on Spanish Dance Industry

By Donna (De Coteau) Butler

Maria Benitez, a member of the Bad River

Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and an Oneida

Descendant, began her journey at the age of 82

at her home in Sante Fe, New Mexico. (See her

obituary beginning on page 24.)

internationally

acclaimed

dancer,

choreographer and director, Maria is recognized

as one of the finest interpreters of Spanish dance

and Flamenco. After ballet and classical Spanish

dance training at a young age, she relocated to

Spain at 18 to further her studies and perform.

There, she met her future husband, Cecilio Benitez

with whom she would eventually establish Maria

Benitez Teatro Flamenco, where she taught

dance, in the United States. With a long-standing

reputation for excellence, the company’s history

included performances at festivals and major

concert halls throughout the United States,

Canada, Europe, North Africa and South America.

Maria also performed and choreographed for

the Metropolitan Opera, the Santa Fe Opera, the

Dallas Opera and the St. Louis Opera, collaborating

with Placido Domingo and Franco Zefirelli, among

others.

After several years in Spain, longing for New

Mexico, she returned to the U.S. with Cecilio and

performed at El Nido in Tesuque from 1968-1970.

From 1969 to 1973 they both taught at Verde

Valley School in Sedona, Arizona. They are fondly

remembered by their ex-students as extraordinary

teachers. They founded the Institute for Spanish

Arts, the first non-profit in New Mexico dedicated

to disseminating the Spanish arts through dance

and the visual arts. In 1977 they moved to New

York and began splitting time between that city,

Madrid, Spain, and Santa Fe, where Maria and

her company would perform every summer, at El

Gancho, La Fonda and eventually at the Lodge of

Santa Fe, in the Maria Benítez Cabaret Theatre

where she furthered her vision by creating

opportunities for her youth company,

Flamenco’s Next Generation. Many of

the local and Spanish artists Maria

brought to Santa Fe remain in the

region and have gone on to create

their own companies.

After four decades of touring,

teaching, managing her company

and the Institute, she is recognized

as one of the most prominent

artists and historical figures in

New Mexico. The recipient of many

accolades, Maria received in 2005

Spain’s most prestigious award,

La Cruz de Isabela la Católica, in

recognition of her contribution to the

preservation of Spanish arts. Her life’s

work also earned her recognition in

2014 as a Santa Fe Living Treasure.

In the spirit of continuing

the legacy of Spanish

dance, Benitez says,

“What I would like

the most is for us all

to pay tribute to the

artists who have

dedicated

their

entire lives to Spanish

dance and to the many,

many individuals who have

given unselfishly of their

time, money, and expertise

to ensure the survival of

this most fascinating art

form."

Learn more about

Maria Benitez

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 2024 | 15

Expression of Joy

Oneida Recognizes its National Treasures

By Garth Webster

On right, Karen Ann Hoffman, Scott Hill,

and Stanley Webster (on behalf of his wife,

the late Loretta Webster), accept the

National Treasure award.

Scan the QR Codes to learn more

about each recipient.

Videos by Halona Media

The National Treasures award ceremony

took place at the Oneida Hotel on Friday,

October 26, 2024 to distinguish three

Oneida community members, Karen Ann

Hoffman, Scott Hill, and the late Loretta

Webster, as Oneida’s newest National Treasures for their work in preserving, protecting, and promoting our arts, language, and

culture.

The evening began with Chief Bob

Brown providing an opening Thanksgiving Address for the attendees stating, “We

put our minds together as one and give

greetings to one another. We say to all the

things that the Creator has placed here on

this Earth, that which we call our mother.”

This sentiment of thanksgiving continued

throughout the event for the gift(s) each of

the recipients has provided over their distinguished careers.

The selection committee members, Bill

Gollnick, Connor Kestell, Trisha Patton,

John Powless III, Sid White, Eric Doxtator,

and Leslie Doxtater carefully examined the

candidates based on five criteria:

Ambassadorship, Creativity, Technical

Expertise, Mentorship, and Expression of

Joy.

The first recipient was Karen Ann Hoffman, known for infusing traditional Haudenosaunee raised beadwork such as urns

and table toppers, which have been exhib-

Karen Ann Hoffman

Scott Hill

ited in the Smithsonian National Museum of

the American Indian and the Field Museum,

among others. Emcee Nicholas Metoxen

commented on the meaning of the selection criteria, Expression of Joy, and it’s

meaning to which Hoffman responded

as she thanked her family, selection committee and those close to her, “For uplifting all of our arts, and showing the world

what a strong and beautiful community, we

are. The Expession of Joy is in this room

tonight.”

Scott Hill was next to be recognized. As

Metoxen introduced Hill, he reaffirmed

Bill Gollnick’s short biographical information on how Scott’s artwork surrounds us,

from the Turtle Roundabout Designs to the

old Duck Creek Bridge adorned with Hill’s

paintings, to the 13 countries where his artwork appears. As important as his pieces

are, and likewise with all the recipients, the

deeper value of their efforts is their willingness to give back.

Hill explained when he first began drawing at a young age, his inspiration to refine

his skills and provide mentorship, art

camps, etc to aspiring artists. This came

from his studies of Indigenous Plains leaders, such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse

and the leadership and sacrifices they

made for their people. “I just want to say

what an honor it is to be recognized here

Stanley Webster

tonight. To see how everything has come

together in the last couple of years, especially this last year,” Hill said. He continued

by thanking his parents, the late Eddie Hill,

and his mother, Beverly, who was in attendance, for the values they instilled in him.

The evening’s last recipient, the late

Loretta Webster, who Gollnick described

as he listed Webster’s accolades, “A calming and thoughtful character.” Loretta, who

returned to college at age 47 to earn a law

degree, became an attorney and litigated

for Oneida, most notably in the Land rights

arena. She was also the leader of Oneida’s language program and later, through

her love of raised beadwork and the traditional Woodland Indian artistry, founded

Woodland Indian Art, Inc. which to this day,

promotes the advancement of Woodland

Indian Arts throughout the Midwest.

Accepting Loretta’s award was her husband, Stanley, who regaled the audience

with both humorous and sometimes more

dramatic tales of he and Loretta’s adventures in life, the pow-wow circuit and art

festivals said, “She didn’t like to sell her

work. She liked giving it away. That’s more

her, I guess.” He continued, “She said when

she did something like this, it’s a better way

of communicating than selling.” This again,

was the Expression of Joy that wrapped up

the evening.

EVENTS

16 | DECEMBER 2024

KALIHWISAKS

Showcasing Indigenous Art & Fashion

Woodland Indian Art Show & Market

By Garth Webster

The 18th Annual Woodland Indian Art

Show and Market (WIASM) took place Thursday, October 31-November 2, 2024 at the

Oneida Casino Hotel.

The theme for this year’s event was “Spirit

of our Ancestors.” 40 vendors, comprised of

30 adult and 10 youth, displayed and sold

their art from 10am-5pm on Friday and Saturday.

On Thursday, October 31, artists submitted their work for a juried competition. Each

submission was carefully examined

by a panel of judges in six different adult categories for $18,000

in cash prizes and more importantly, prestige at one of the finest

assemblies of Woodland Indian

Artists east of the Mississippi River.

Later that evening, all the artists

and their loved ones were invited

to the Awards banquet where the

WIA Board of Directors revealed

the winning pieces. See the sidebar for a list of winners, along with

their creation. In addition to the juried

work, WIA also added a special award

to honor the legacy of the WIA and Woodland Art Show & Market’s founder, the late

Loretta Webster.

As John Breuninger, WIA, Inc. President,

Stephenie Muscavitch

presented

Leandra Skenendore the Loretta

VanEvery's pottery

Webster

Award

for Artistic Excellence, he

piece was the 2024

described

the

significance

of this honor,

Woodland Indian

Art Show & Market

“Loretta’s dream was to expand the awareBEST IN SHOW and first ness and appreciation of Woodland Indian

in the Vessels category.

art and culture through education, events,

and markets by promoting the distinct artistic

styles and cultures of tribes from the Eastern

United States. This award goes to an individual who has already achieved recognition for

both her artistic talents and her contributions

to our community through the art medium.”

Like previous shows, the event also held

classes where participants learned to make

silver jewelry, beadwork, and cornhusk

items. Audiences were also treated to a

reading of prolific author Rick Church’s latest book, Dark Bull on Saturday afternoon

just after enjoying the sounds of the Oneida

Hymn Singers. All of these events led up to

what has quickly become the highlight of the

WIASM.

In partnership with Jennifer Benally

and Shinymoon Creations, seven clothing designers wowed the crowd with their

apparel creations during the two-hour fashion show Saturday afternoon. WIA, Inc and

the Board of Directors wishes to thank the

community, artists, volunteers, and everyone

who made this year’s show a success. See

you next year!

Watch a promotinal video

for this year's WIASM

EVENTS

ONEIDA-NSN.GOV

2D Dimensional

Christopher Sweet

DECEMBER 2024 | 17

Spirit of Our Ancestors Theme

Christopher Sweet

3 Dimensional

Rae Skenandore

Diversified

Colleen Bins

Beadwork

Josanna Cornelius

Youith

Ella Coon

Apparel

Jennifer Benally

Standing between Stanley Webster (left)

and Woodland Indian Art, Inc President

John Breuninger (right), Leandra Skenendore

accepts the Inaugural Loretta Webster Award

for Artistic Excellence.

Open PDF list of all

WIASM Winners

To left, a sampling of the Indigenous

apparel on display at this year's

Indigenous Fashion Show. Check out

the video, courtesy of Halona Media

of the show produced by Jennifer

Benally of Shinymoon Creations featuring the work of seven designers,

including Benally.

Open PDF to learn

about all the artists

Watch the video of

the Fashion Show

18 | DECEMBER 2024

THUNDERHAWK TIMES

Polly’s Pumpkin Patch

By Syndee Thayer

School field trips are a fun experience,

as I can attend a field trip with many of my

friends. To have that experience with them

is something that I will always remember,

thanks to the school.

On October 15, 2024, ONHS students

loaded up the bus and headed to Polly’s

Pumpkin Patch.

The first thing we did was get on a tractor

to go and pick pumpkins. After we finshed

picking pumpkins, it was time to go into the

corn maze. They gave us a map and we had

to find our way out. After the corn maze,

we then were able to do a scavenger hunt,

along with being able to go down the tall

slide.

Kaliwiyo

A good message about ourselves, our

people, and our future

By Joie Gutierrez

The Oneida Longhouse was the center

of a gathering community – kanúhses

(longhouse). The week of ceremonies was

Sunday, October 7-Thursday, October 3.

Present were the people – Latiksashu nen

Thunderhawk Times Staff

latikstohoko (including everyone from the

youngest to the oldest).

The weather was very fall like, cold, sunny,

and very rainy at times. Inside, each day,

was a reminder of family and community

along with our language and ceremonies. It

was a time where people traveled here from

Canada and New York, representing all our

Tribes.

All in all, it was a celebration, and I cannot

wait for our next ceremony at the longhouse,

Mid-Winter in January.

Welcome to the Aloha State!

By Saniya Ninham-Clark

On a recent trip to the 50th U.S. state,

Hawai'i, I learned a lot. My family and I

stayed in Honolulu.

Sure, everyone knows that Hawai'i is

beautiful, warm, and full of nature. But

some things I noticed as well was that their

culture is very different. Their communities

are very family oriented.

My family and I went on a hike to see

waterfalls. On our hike we were able to

go swimming at the bottom of one of the

waterfalls. The water was clean and cold.

Being able to see the waterfalls in person is

an experience I'll never forget.

Some things about Hawai'i that you might

find surprising is that surfing was invented

in Hawai'i, the people of Hawai'i consume

the most Spam in the U.S., and Former

President Obama was born in Hawai'i.

And, with that, Aloha. Which means both

“hello” and “goodbye.” It also means having

a deep connection to the land, the people,

mercy, sympathy, grace, and kindness.

KALIHWISAKS

Adobe Stock

Boys Basketball Preview

By Jonathan Danforth

Boys Assistant Coach

All WIAA winter sports start on November

18. That includes basketball – which this

writer is really excited about.

We have been holding open gyms at both

the Norbert Hill Center and Oneida Nation

Turtle School since October 22, which

happen every Tuesday and Thursday.

Open gyms are mostly for the boys to

show up and have pickup games, usually 5

on 5. We show them a defense we would

like to run for this season and while they

play their pickup games, they must work on

this defense that was shown to them. As a

coach, we are not able to have a sanctioned

practice during open gyms.

This writer is excited for the upcoming

season. We have a strong team with a lot of

determined players. Watch these pages for

updates throughout the long season.

Our first game is on December 5th against

Coleman here in Oneida at the Turtle School.