Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Upcoming Tribal
Enrollment Forum
Announcement regarding
Livestream Tribal Council
Meetings
page: 8
page: 2
Volume 54, Number 25
Our masthead for this final issue of 2025
features the icon representing the Elk Clan /
Huwa Hikikarac. The Elk Clan holds many
functions within our tribe, including those
related to being messengers to the people,
servants of the people, and caring for the
environment overall. The Elk Clan is most
well-known for being the primary distributor of fire throughout the villages, and while
on hunts. When at war, the Elk Clan was in
charge of the sacred fire. The Elk Clan is one
of the eight Earth clans. Its friendship clan
is the Deer Clan. Elk Clan members were
considered fierce warriors as represented by
the spear. Families belonging to the Elk Clan
include: Smith. Our gratitude to the HoChunk
Renaissance Department for their assistance in
providing this information.
Nį̄ šoc Nįgešąną
On December 11th, the Little Priest Tribal College shared that their Student Senate
members made a huge contribution to the
Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare
System’s Angel Tree project. The Senate
members raised over $500 by selling food
at the Winter Gathering. The group also
worked with the President of LPTC, Manoj
Patil, who agreed to match their raised
funds. LPTC staff joined in by donating
funds and gifts. In total, the Student Senate
members were able to shop for 50 children.
Cā he wakšų wīra
Deer Antler Shedding Moon
Saturday, December 20, 2025
A Recent Winnebago Public School Incident Raises Safety Concerns
By Bethani Redhorn
Photography from Archive
[Winnebago, NE] An incident occurred at
Winnebago Public School during after school
hours on Wednesday, December 10, 2025,
where an individual entered the premises
carrying a holstered firearm. In a statement
to the community, WPS shared that the male
asked to speak with the WPS music teacher
to ask about borrowing an instrument. During
that discussion, a staff member noticed that the
individual had a firearm in a holster on his hip.
At that point, the staff member called the WPS
Dean of Students, who then placed a call to
the Winnebago Tribal Police Department. The
person with the firearm left the school building
without incident.
In response to the incident, Winnebago
Public School is planning to implement several
improvements to safety protocols and procedures. Any individual carrying a firearm that is
not in a law enforcement uniform will initiate
an immediate call to law enforcement followed
by a school lockdown. Changes will be added
to the physical building to improve safety; the
school architect created different floor plan
options to ensure a safer entryway for WPS.
During the Winnebago Tribal Council
mid-monthly meeting on Monday, December
15, 2025, WPS Superintendent Kamau Turner
and WPS Project Manager Katie Danielski met
with Tribal Council to address the incident.
Preceding the mid-monthly meeting, a motion took place during the CEO report on Friday, December 12, 2025, by Winnebago Tribal
Council to ban all firearms from educational
facilities within the boundaries of the reservation excluding law enforcement officers. It was
then announced during the mid-monthly meet-
ing that more information would be available
to the membership once it is finalized by legal
counsel and reflected in the tribal code.
The school will work with the Winnebago
Tribal Police Department to provide professional
safety training beginning Friday, December 19,
2025. The purpose of training with law enforcement is to help staff become more aware and
knowledgeable about school safety. The WPS
School Board is going to allocate funding to
hire a new school resource officer, as the school
has been without a full-time SRO since January
2025; with additional planning underway for an
additional administrator to serve as the full-time
Safety Director. Superintendent Turner shared
that keeping the children safe is a high priority for
WPS, the WPS School Board, and the Winnebago
community. While some of these changes may
cause some inconveniences, they are necessary
to elevate the security for the students and staff
of WPS.
Baby Wam Shakes the Earth in NYC!
On December 17th, the Omaha Tribe’s
Human Services donated 1500lbs of potatoes to the Winnebago community. Those
who were interested stopped by Winnebago Food Distribution. Thank you to the
Omaha Tribe of Nebraska for this generous
donation, and those who helped facilitate
the pick-up.
By Bethani Redhorn
Photography by Cassie Kitcheyan
On December 5th, the Winter Gathering
was held at the Whirling Thunder Wellness
Gym. This annual event is hosted by the
Winnebago Housing & Development Commission and the Ho-Chunk Community
Development Corporation. The gymnasium
was full of vendors who had a variety of
things to offer such as handcrafted jewelry,
decor, regalia, baby boards, quilts, a variety
of food, and baked goods. Meanwhile,
raffles and door prizes were being called.
This event gives our community a chance
to support local businesses/vendors while
grabbing gifts for the holidays.
[Winnebago, NE] A young Winnebago son,
Wambli “Baby Wam” Dolezal Jr. (Maa Wak
Suc – Shakes the Earth), had the opportunity to
dance on one of the largest stages in America,
the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New
York City, New York on Thursday, November
27, 2025. Baby Wam is an enrolled member of
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, a member
of the Bear Clan, and is the youngest son of
Cassie Kitcheyan and Wambli Dolezal Sr. He
represents his Ho-Chunk, Dakota, Apache, and
Omaha relatives as well as Indigenous people
everywhere. He is a little guy in the 2nd grade
who is making big strides after becoming a
viral sensation across social media platforms
with many of his supporters sharing video clips
and photos of his dancing at various powwows
throughout Indian Country.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is
one of the largest parades in America. Bringing
together many of the nation’s top performers, it
is considered one of the most watched events in
the country with over thirty million viewers on
TV and millions of people attending in person.
Amongst those performers was Native Pride
Productions, a Native media and production
company based in Jacksonville, Florida,
returned for the third time this year since 2013.
The dance troupe included nine Indigenous
dancers from different tribes in the United
States and Canada, one of them being Winnebago’s very own, Baby Wam.
Upon returning from his trip to NYC, Baby
Wam alongside his mother joined the Big Voice
Radio for an exclusive interview in the podcast,
Big Voice Sports Talk Show, hosted by Coach
Quince Bass. Cassie shared how Baby Wam
became a viral sensation this past summer after
a video was shared to social media by a local
Con’t. on page 2...
Visit us at winnebagotribe.com
Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, December 20, 2025
ANNOUNCEMENTS
...Cont. from front page: BABY WAM SHAKES THE
EARTH IN NYC!...
Tama individual during the Meskwaki Annual Powwow in Tama, Iowa.
Following the viral videos, Cassie received a call from Larry Yazzie, founder of Native
Pride Productions, asking for Baby Wam to join the dance troupe on Thanksgiving Day
in the big apple. Bringing his medicine, culture, and light to millions, fundraising efforts
began and the family received a tremendous amount of support and donations – even
GoFundMe shared the donation page which amplified the support, helping the family
surpass their initial donation goal.
“As we got closer (to Thanksgiving Day), we start getting more calls; calls with the
Production company on how it’s going to go and everything. I was nervous, it’s a big city
and Baby Wam is so tiny. I didn’t know what to expect, but he’s brave, he’s strong, and
he never once ever showed that he was scared or uncomfortable in that big city.” Shared
by Cassie. She continued to share that Baby Wam was the one who was leading the pack
to Time Square, and they had to tell him to slow down because he was taking such big
steps.
For Baby Wam, he enjoyed the New York style pizza, and he shared that it was the
best pizza he ever had, (once he ate the pizza halfway, he folded it up New York style).
He continued to share about their NYC experiences, places they visited, the performances in Time Square leading up to Thanksgiving Day, including dancing in the rain. His
favorite float from the parade was Snoopy from The Peanuts, along with Woodstock. If
you would like to watch the interview, you can visit the Big Voice YouTube channel: @
bigvoiceradio1009.
NEXT W.I.N. DEADLINE:
JANUARY 13, 2026
Saturday, December 20, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3
Wāgax hųk ra wāgax hokik’ųna
Letter to the Editor
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV26-023
In the Matter of the
Guardianship Petition of:
Elaine Earth
In Re:
A.B.W. (Born 10/2011)
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice of Abandonment/Consent Hearing
Case No. CV25-141
In the Matter of the
Adoption of:
J.A. (BORN 05/2013)
TO:
SIMONE ALDRICH, Mother
TO: ANTOINETTE BLACKFISH, MOTHER
JEREMY WALKER, FATHER
You are hereby notified that a petition has
been filed for Guardianship and a hearing
concerning the above referred Individual(s) in
Case No. CV26-023 has been scheduled and
will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of
Winnebago, Nebraska on the 12TH day of JANUARY, 2026 at the hour of 11:00 A.M.
You are hereby notified that an Adoption
Petition has been filed and an Abandonment/
Consent Hearing concerning the above referred
Individual(s) in case no. CV25-141 has been
scheduled and will be heard in the Winnebago
Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 5th
day of JANUARY, 2026 at the hour of 10:30
A.M.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Abandonment/Consent Hearing
Case No. CV25-141
In the Matter of the
Adoption of:
J.A. (BORN 05/2013)
TO: SIMONE ALDRICH, Mother
You are hereby notified that an Adoption
Petition has been filed and an Abandonment/
Consent Hearing concerning the above referred
Individual(s) in case no. CV25-141 has been
scheduled and will be heard in the Winnebago
Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 5th
day of JANUARY, 2026 at the hour of 10:30
A.M.
Notice of Hearing
Case No. JFJ26-009DEFG
The People of the Winnebago Tribe
In the Interest of:
A.B. (Born 12/2019)
A.W. (Born 07/2021)
N.S. (Born 12/2024)
N.S. (Born 12/2025)
To: JONAS WALKER, FATHER
NICHOLAS SMITH, FATHER
You are hereby notified that a hearing for
an Initial Appearance concerning the above
referred minor individual(s) in case no. JFJ26009DEFG has been scheduled and will be
heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 21st day of January,
2026 at the hour of 1:00 P.M.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
TO:
KILEAH HANCOCK, MOTHER
DONOVAN BLACKBIRD, FATHER
You are hereby notified that a petition has
been filed for Guardianship and a hearing
concerning the above referred Individual(s) in
Case No. CV26-027 has been scheduled and
will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court
of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 5TH day of
JANUARY, 2026 at the hour of 11:30 A.M.
TO:
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV26-031
In the Matter of the
Guardianship Petition of:
Evangeline Bird
In Re:
T.B.D
J.B.D
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV26-027
In the Matter of the
Guardianship Petition of:
Tiana Hancock
In Re:
C.B.
S.B.
JOSEF DRUM, FATHER
You are hereby notified that a petition has
been filed for Guardianship and a hearing
concerning the above referred Individual(s) in
Case No. CV26-031 has been scheduled and
will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of
Winnebago, Nebraska on the 12TH day of JANUARY, 2026 at the hour of 11:30 A.M.
Notice of Hearing
Case No. JFJ26-008
The People of the Winnebago Tribe
In the Interest of:
B.H. (Born 11/2025)
Notice of Hearing
Case No. JFJ26-006ABCD
The People of the Winnebago Tribe
In the Interest of:
J.M.
J.M.
J.M.P
J.M.P
To:TAYLOR MORRIS, FATHER
You are hereby notified that a hearing for
an Initial Appearance concerning the above
referred minor individual(s) in case no.
JFJ26-006ABCD has been scheduled and will
be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of
Winnebago, Nebraska on the 7th day of January,
2026 at the hour of 1:00 P.M.
To:Shanelle Horn, Mother
Vicente Valencia, Father
All Possible Fathers
You are hereby notified that a hearing for
an Adjudication concerning the above referred
minor individual(s) in case no. JFJ26-008 has
been scheduled and will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska
on the 7th day of January, 2026 at the hour of
1:30 P.M.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
To:ROBERT MCCLELLAND JR:
Gregory Smith Sr., Petitioner.
You are hereby notified that a petition has
been filed for Adult Guardianship and a hearing
concerning the above referred Individual(s) in
Case No. CV25-162 has been scheduled and
will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of
Winnebago, Nebraska on the 12th day of JANUARY, 2026 at the hour of 10:30 A.M.
To:ALL POTENTIAL CREDITORS,
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV25-091, CV25-092, CV25-093
In the Matter of the
Estate of:
WAUKON SMITH, Deceased,
EMILY SMITH, Deceased,
DAVID LEE SMITH, Deceased
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV25-162
In the Matter of the
Adult Guardianship Petition of:
JERE FREE
In Re:
OWEN MCCLELLAND
You are hereby notified that a petition
has been filed and a hearing concerning the
above referred Individual(s) estate in case no.
CV25-091,092,093 has been scheduled and
will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of
Winnebago, Nebraska on the 7TH day of April,
2026 at the hour of 10:00 A.M.
The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on January 17, 2025.
——————————————————
The Mission of the WIN is to inform and to educate
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska of issues that
affect them, and to be a vehicle in which stresses
positive and beneficial concerns and points of view.
LETTER POLICY: Signed editorials, letters and
articles appearing in the WIN are the responsibility
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the
opinion or attitude of the Winnebago Indian News
or the Winnebage Tribal Council.
The WIN encourages the submission of Letters to
the Editor; however, letters must be signed and
addressed. Letters may be edited for language
and length.
Postmaster Send Address Changes To
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, Nebraska 68071
——————————————————
The Winnebago Indian News (WIN), founded ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The reproduction of
in January 1972, is published bi-weekly for the editorial or photography content without permission
is prohibited.
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
DEADLINE for this issue will be January 13, 2025.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please send change of Advertising/News Deadline
address with old mailing label to:
12:00 Noon Monday Printing Week
Winnebago Tribal Council
Coly Brown.............................. Chairman
Periodicals Postage Paid
Isaac Smith...................... Vice Chairman
(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE
Teresa Littlegeorge.................. Secretary
Rona Stealer........................... Treasurer
Winnebago
Indian
News
Staff
winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com
Phone: 402-878-2272
Bethani Redhorn.....................................Editor Victoria Kitcheyan...................... Member
Tyler Snake............................. Office Manager Ireta Frazier................................Member
“Official Newspaper of
Christina Parker...................Desktop Publisher Trey Blackhawk..........................Member
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”
Lorelei DeCora...........................Member
Yearly Subscription Rates
Nebraska Residents....................................$25.00 WTN Communications
Eugene DeCora..........................Member
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, NE 68071
or contact us at our e-mail address:
Out-Of-State................................................$35.00
Overseas.....................................................$50.00
Advertising Rate
Per Column Inch............................................$7.00
Garan Coons.............................Comm. Officer
Gayla Whitewater..........Comm. Office Manger
Christina Parker.............................Web Master
Kevin Ebert..................Multimedia Coordinator
Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, December 20, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING
December 1, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Ireta Frazier
Victoria Kitcheyan
Lorelei DeCora
Eugene DeCora
Trey Blackhawk
OTHERS PRESENT:
Christina Parker
Tyresha Romero
Darla LaPointe
Anna Bess Preston
Tiffany Armell-Buchanan
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Isaac Smith
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown called
to order at 9:04 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Councilwoman
Kitcheyan offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Trey Blackhawk motioned to approve the
agenda. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINUTES:
November 25, 2025 – Mid-Monthly Tribal
Council Meeting minutes.
Rona Stealer motioned to approve the November 25, 2025 - Mid-Monthly Tribal Council
Meeting minutes. Ireta Frazier seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
November 26, 2025 - General Counsel Tribal
Council Meeting minutes.
Rona Stealer motioned to approve the November 26, 2025, General Counsel Tribal Council
Meeting minutes. Eugene DeCora seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:
Approval of Resolution #26-29: NAPECA
Community Based Circular Economy Grant
FY25
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to ratify the
five-signature adopting resolution #26-29:
NAPECA Community Based Circular Economy Grant FY25. Ireta Frazier seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Resolution #26-30: FY25 ICDBG Pony Gas
Station Project – HCCDC WTN will support
the application for $1,000,000 by HCCDC
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to ratify the
five-signature adopting resolution #26-30:
FY25 ICDBG Pony Gas Station Project –
HCCDC WTN will support the application for
$1,000,000 by HCCDC. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Approval of assistance to non-tribal member
and veteran C.L. funeral Veteran’s Building
rental fee and $1,000 Wake and Burial Program
fee will be waived.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to ratify the
five-signature approving the assistance to
non-tribal member and veteran C.L. funeral
Veteran’s Building rental fee and $1,000 Wake
and Burial Program fee will be waived. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Approval for Distribution of December
Thank You Checks on 12-8-25 to WinnaVegas
Employees
Rona Stealer motioned to ratify the five-signature approving the Distribution of December
Thank You Checks on 12-8-25 to WinnaVegas
Employees. Trey Blackhawk seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
REZ 2026 Conference, March Travel.
Ireta Frazier motioned to approve travel for
any Tribal Council to attend REZ 2026 Conference, March 23-26, 2026, in Las Vegas, NV.
Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Self-Governance 2026, April travel
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve travel for any Tribal Council to attend Self-Governance 2026, in Chandler, AZ for April 7 to
April 10, 2026. Rona Stealer seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 9:20 a.m. Rona Stealer seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting at
9:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
WCHS TRIBAL COUNCIL QUARTERLY
UPDATE MEETING
December 2, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Coly Brown
Teresa Littlegeorge
Ireta Frazier
Victoria Kitcheyan
Trey Blackhawk
Eugene DeCora
Rona Stealer
Isaac Smith (in at 10:21 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
David Edwards
Carmilla Barajas
Jim Rixner
Jeff Harrison
Tiffany Armell-Buchanan
Monica Cleveland
Austin Schanzenback
Sara McIntosh
Christina Parker
Beth Wewel
Sharon Frenchman
Willy Bass
Lynelle Blackhawk
Kari Bass
Darla LaPointe
James Ridgeway
Aaron McCullough
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
called to order at 9:10 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: David Edwards,
WCHS CEO offered the opening prayer.
AGENDA:
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the
agenda. Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
Presented by Carmilla Barajas.
TCHIP progress
Sukxete Coordinator started – Discussion on
Equine Therapy
Discussion on the Diabetes program
Discussion on a Tribal Action Plan (TAP)
Elder Service Coordinator started
Hired additional CHR staffing to increase
home visits, also coordinating with PHN/
waipinagu
Unsheltered Relatives program
Health Summer Camp for youth
BREAK: 10:02 a.m., reconvene at 10:19
a.m.
CTO UPDATES: Presented by Austin
Shanzenback.
ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD PROGRESS PREPORT:
Presented by Austin Shanzenback
[Teresa and Isaac in at 10:21 a.m.]
[Eugene out at 10:30 a.m.]
CRITIAL ACCESS HOSPITAL PATH:
Swing beds
Preparing the Organization with the new
rules and regulations
[Eugene in at 10:44 a.m., Isaac out 10:44
a.m.]
QUALITY CLINIC STANDARDIZATION
FOR HYPERTENTION (UPDATE)
VOLUME UPDATES (PRIMARY CARE)
Span of 3 years, substantial increase of
volume in visits.
VOLUME UPDATE (EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT)
Span of 3 years, 16% increase of patient
volume
[Isaac in at 10:59 a.m.]
VOLUME UPDATE (INPAITENT)
13 beds/ operate usually with 9 beds
[Trey and Ireta out at 11:07 a.m.]
[Ireta in at 11;09 a.m.]
[Trey in at 11:11 a.m.]
[Victoria out at 11:13 a.m. for another
meeting]
CLINICAL UPDATES: Sara McIntosh
Primary Care Clinic –
MD position for Primary Care Clinic/pending
Walk-In Provider and APP Provider – Being
advertised
Primary Care Clinic Manager – Interview
later today
Emergency Department
Two full time MD positions open
Inpatient
Continue to work toward Critical Access
Hospital designation
Specialty Clinic Update
Urology
Dermatology
Audiology – Still working with recruiting
agency
Assisting WPS with filling for School Nurse
when she is out
Sara McIntosh announced her resignation
from her position at Chief Nursing Officer after
7 years with WCHS. David Edwards states that
WCHS will be advertising next week.
[Trey out at 11:24 a.m., in at 11:30 a.m.]
Discussion/Update on Dialysis Center for
Winnebago.
Discussion/Update on Wound Care.
Discussion on Testing Patients that use
Opioid Medications. Still working on a Policy
Standard for the Staff to all test according to
that policy.
[Teresa out at 12:06 p.m., in at 12:10 p.m.]
BREAK: 12:11 p.m., reconvene at 12:26
p.m.
FINANCE – CFO UPDATES: Presented
by Beth Wewel.
WCHS COMPACT & IDC
[Isaac out at 12:43 p.m., in at 12:45 p.m.]
WCHS REVENUE CYCLE – Benefits and
Services
Presented by James Ridgeway.
3rd Party Coverage
Employer Health Plans
Health Insurance Market
Medicare Part B
Medicaid
Economic Assistance
SSI/SSDI
State/Federal Resources
Improvements
Phone Applications
Online Account Creation and Enrollment
Event Participation
Mobile Service
[Eugene out 1:40 p.m.]
ADMINISTRATION – CAO UPDATES:
Presented by Sharon Frenchman.
WCHS Campus (Land) Update
[Eugene in 1:41 p.m.]
[Teresa and Ireta out @1:49 p.m., in at 1:52
p.m.]
FY 25 Projects and WTN Tax
Construction Tax
[Trey out at 1:53 p.m.]
[Isaac out at 1:56 p.m.]
Employee Data
[Trey in at 2:00 p.m.]
[Teresa out at 2:30 p.m. for an appointment]
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 2:34 p.m. Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting at
2:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
ORIENTATION AND BOARD/COMMITTEE/WORKGROUP
ASSIGNMENT MEETING
South Sioux City, NE
December 4, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
Isaac Smith
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Ireta Frazier
Trey Blackhawk
Victoria Kitcheyan
Eugene DeCora
Lorelei DeCora
OTHERS PRESENT:
Darla LaPointe
Garan Coons
Tyresha Romero
Kevin Ebert
Anna Bess Preston
Brittany Thomas
Tiffany Armell-Buchanan
Kellen Kelsey
OPENING PRAYER: Eugene DeCora
offered the opening prayer.
Refreshments until everyone arrives.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
called to order at at 10:44 a.m.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve the
agenda. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
REVIEW AND APPROVE FY25 WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA ORGANIZATIONAL CHART:
Discussions on each department during
review. Working lunch.
STRATEGIC PLAN OVERIEW: Presented by Brittany Thomas.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART.
Eugene DeCora motioned to table the FY26
WTN Organizational Chart until the January
CEO Report. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
WCHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Lorelei DeCora nominated Ireta Frazier to
the WCHS/12 Clans Unity Board of Directors.
Eugene DeCora seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, IF
Motion carried.
Ireta Frazier nominated Isaac Smith to the
WCHS/12 Clans Unity Board of Directors.
Lorelei DeCora seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Teresa out 2:33 p.m., for an appointment]
[Rona assumes recording for Secretary]
EDUCARE BOARD:
Eugene DeCora motioned to nominate
Lorelei DeCora to the EduCare Board. Trey
Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, LD
Motion carried.
Isaac Smith motioned to nominate Victoria
Kitcheyan to the EduCare Board. Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, VK
Motion carried.
NEBRASKA COMMISSION ON INDIAN
AFFAIRS:
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to nominate
Eugene DeCora to the Nebraska Commission
on Indian Affairs. Trey Blackhawk seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, ED
Motion carried.
WINNEBAGO GAMING DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION:
Eugene DeCora motioned to nominate
Teresa Littlegeorge to the Winnebago Gaming
Development Corporation. Victoria Kitcheyan
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Eugene DeCora was reappointed to the
Winnebago Gaming Development Corporation
by acclamation.
HO-CHUNK,INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Lorelei DeCora motioned to nominate Victoria Kitcheyan to the Ho-Chunk, Inc Board of
Directors. Ireta Frazier seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, VK
Motion carried.
Rona Stealer motioned to nominate Eugene
DeCora to the Ho-Chunk, Inc Board of Directors. Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, ED
Motion carried.
WINNEBAGO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND REVIEW BOARD:
Eugene DeCora motioned to nominate
Victoria Kitcheyan to the Winnebago Community Development Fund Review Board. Trey
Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, VK
Motion carried.
WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE:
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to reappoint
Lorelei DeCora to the Water Quality Committee. Ireta Frazier seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, LD
Motion carried.
[Rona out]
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to reappoint
Eugene DeCora and Coly Brown to the Boys &
Girls Club Board of Directors. Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, ED
Motion carried.
TRIBAL TRANSIT BOARD:
Eugene DeCora motioned to appoint Trey
Blackhawk to the Tribal Transit Board. Rona
Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, TB
Motion carried.
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to appoint
Teresa Littlegeorge to the Tribal Transit Board.
Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
WINNEBAGO HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Eugene DeCora motioned to appoint Victoria Kitcheyan to the Winnebago Housing &
Development Commission. Trey Blackhawk
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, VK
Motion carried.
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to appoint
Trey Blackhawk to the Winnebago Housing
& Development Commission. Rona Stealer
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, TB
Motion carried.
SAFETY COMMITTEE:
Eugene DeCora motioned to appoint Isaac
Smith and Victoria Kitcheyan to the Safety
Committee. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL WORKGROUP ASSIGNMENTS: Discussion and appointment.
WORK GROUPS:
HEALTH – Eugene DeCora, Coly Brown,
Victoria Kitcheyan, Ireta Frazier
ELDERS/ASSISTED LIVING/DIFFERENTLY ABLED – Ireta Frazier, Trey Balckhawk
LANGUAGE/CULTURE – Rona Stealer,
Eugene DeCora, Trey Blackhawk
EDUCATION – Victoria Kitcheyan, Eugene
DeCora, Rona Stealer, Lorelei DeCora, Trey
Blackhawk
GAMING – Eugene DeCora Coly Brown,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Ireta Frazier, Trey Blackhawk
HOUSING – Coly Brown, Teresa Littlegeorge, Ireta Frazier, Trey Blackhawk
FISCAL/INVESTMENTS/TAXATION –
Rona Stealer, Isaac Smith
PHYSICAL/NATURAL RESOURCES –
Coly Brown, Teresa Littlegeorge, Ireta Frazier,
Trey Blackhawk
HUMAN SERVICES – Rona Stealer, Victoria Kitcheyan, Ireta Frazier
SAFETY – Coly Brown, Isaac Smith Victoria Kitcheyan
JUDICIAL & LAW ENFORCEMENT – All
Council Members
SELF GOVERNANCE – All Council
Members
[Teresa in at 3:41 p.m., reassumed recording]
MEDIA POLICY: Presented by Garan
Coons.
Isaac Smith motioned to stop all live
streaming of Tribal Council meetings. Eugene
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to direct Communications to release information out to the
public as to why the Tribal Council stopped the
live streaming due to AI threat. Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Eugene DeCora motioned to move the
Mid-Monthly Tribal Council meetings back
to 5:00 p.m. beginning in January 2026. Isaac
Smith seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 4:43 p.m. Ireta Frazier seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting at
4:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
CONCUR:
Rona Stealer, Treasurer
Winnebago Tribal Council
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT
MEETING
December 8, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Ireta Frazier
Trey Blackhawk
Victoria Kitcheyan
Eugene DeCora
Lorelei DeCora
OTHERS PRESENT:
Brian Chamberlain
Autumn Nieman
Darla LaPointe
Fannie LaTray
Harvey Freemont
Lilly Kearnes
Christina Parker
Vivian Fung
Chase Jelden
Ron Nohr
Anna Bess Preston
Anna Berridge
Lynelle Blackhawk
Tyresha Romero
Brian Jelinek, OLSSON
Aaron Matzke, OLSSON
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Isaac Smith
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
called to order at 9:00 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Councilman Blackhawk offered the opening prayer.
AGENDA:
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve the
agenda with one addition. Ireta Frazier seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
LAND MANAGEMENT:
Land Exchange
Monica Flores
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt resolution #26-33: REF: Land Exchange – Monica
Flores. Ireta Frazier seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Allotment Ag Resolution
Allotment 802-2, 802-4 Thomas Ricehill
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt
resolution #26-34: REF: Agricultural Lease
Bid – Allotment 802-2, 802-4 Thomas Ricehill.
Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Allotment 704 Mary Crow
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt resolution #26-35: REF: Agricultural Lease Bid –
Allotment 704 Mary Crow, 704 A, 704B, 704C
Mary Crow. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Allotment 475 Mrs. Mary Earth
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt resolution #26-36: REF: Agricultural Lease Bid
– Allotment 475 Mrs. Mary Earth. Ireta Frazier
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Allotment 233L David Shallorn, 357L Jacob
Horn
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt resolution #26-37: REF: Agricultural Lease Bid – Allotment 233L David Shallon, 357 Jacob Horn.
Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Allotment 213L Mary Davis
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt resolution #26-38: REF: Agricultural Lease Bid –
Allotment 213L Mary Davis. Trey Blackhawk
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Allotment 136L Charles Mix
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt resolution #26-39: REF: Agricultural Lease Bid – Allotment 136L Charles Mix. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Land Sales
C. Earth
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt
resolution #26-40: RE: Authorizing Request for
and Approving Withdrawal Tribal Appropriated
Funds and Approving Land Purchase from –
Cynthia Earth. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
J.Free
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt
resolution #26-41: RE: Authorizing Request
for and Approving Withdrawal Tribal Appropriated Funds and Approving Land Purchase
from – John Free, Jr. Rona Stealer seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
J. Harden
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt resolution #26-42: RE: Authorizing Request for
and Approving Withdrawal Tribal Appropriated
Funds and Approving Land Purchase from –
Jade Harden. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
T. Levering
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt
resolution #26-43: RE: Authorizing Request
for and Approving Withdrawal Tribal Appropriated Funds and Approving Land Purchase
from – Tanya Levering. Ireta Frazier seconded
the motion.
ABSTAIN: Trey Blackhawk
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(1) abstain, TB
Motion carried.
T. Ike
Trey Blackhawk motioned to adopt resolution #26-44: RE: Authorizing Request for and
Approving Withdrawal Tribal Appropriated
Funds and Approving Land Purchase from –
Travis Ike. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
W. Wundrach
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt
resolution #26-45: RE: Authorizing Request for
and Approving Withdrawal Tribal Appropriated
Funds and Approving Land Purchase from –
Winona Wundrach. Trey Blackhawk seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
C. Blackdeer
Ireta Frazier motioned to adopt resolution
#26-46: RE: Authorizing Request for and Approving Withdrawal Tribal Appropriated Funds
and Approving Land Purchase from Cheyenne
Blackdeer. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
L. Mallory
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt
resolution #26-47: RE: Authorizing Request
for and Approving Withdrawal Tribal Appropriated Funds and Approving Land Purchase
from – Lou Ann Mallory. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Land Use Plan Approval
Eugene Decora motioned to approve the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Strategic Land
Use Plan (November 2025). Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT:
Monthly Report
Presented by Autumn Nieman and Brian
Chamberlain
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to approve the
November Physical Resources Report as presented. Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Construction Management – Round-a-bout
Olsson Presentation
Presented by Ron Nohr, Brian Jelinek, and
Aaron Matzke.
[Ireta out at 10:07 a.m., in at 10:10 a.m.]
BREAK: 10:27 a.m.
[Isaac in at 10:40 a.m.]
Reconvene at 10:50 a.m.
Procurement Policy Revision – Informational
Presented by Brian Chamberlain.
HVAC bid approvals
Lorelei DeCora motioned to refer to the CEO
to update the Procurement Policy for clarification on a threshold regarding Indian Preference.
Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
WLP Information
Legal funding for JD Modifications
Treasurer Stealer is working on the Tribal
Council Budget to cover the cost.
Reimbursement for transport costs associated
with PD on call
Job Description modifications
Items: B & C costs associated with the SLEC
cards for WLP, there may be other options that
Legal will present to the Tribal Council.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to suspend the
Rules to add the WCHS Board/12 Clans Unity
Hospital resignation. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to accept the resignation of Jim Rixner from the WCHS Board/12
Clans Unity Hospital and advertise for 30 days.
Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Executive Session
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to go into
Executive Session at 11:46 a.m. Ireta Frazier
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to come out of
Executive Session at 12:00 p.m. Rona Stealer
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Update on the Lift – Physical Resources
owns it’s own list.
ADJOURN:
Rona Stealer motioned to adjourn at 12:05
p.m. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8)
(0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting at
12:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
CEO REPORT MEETING
December 12, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Lorelei DeCora
Ireta Frazier
Isaac Smith (in at 9:19 a.m.)
Victoria Kitcheyan (in at 11:04 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Darla LaPointe
Christina Parker
Chad Smith
Kiana Lewis
Aaron LaPointe
Anna Bess Preston
Lynelle Blackhawk
Ramona Sheridan
Tiffany Buchanan
Terri Lee Medina
Tyresha Romero
Crystal Ross
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
called to order at 9:14 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Darla LaPointe
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Ireta Frazier motioned to approve the agenda
with additions. Rona Stealer seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATION:
CEO REPORT – presented by Darla
LaPointe
[Isaac in at 9:19 a.m.]
[Isaac out at 10:18 a.m.]
LD – comment/concern regarding the power
outage, and the company that is digging.
Ireta Frazier motioned to approve the CEO
Report as presented. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BREAK: 10:27 a.m., reconvening at 10:53
a.m.
CAO REPORT – presented by Tiffany
Buchanan.
[Victoria in at 11:04 a.m.]
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve
the CAO Report as presented. Rona Stealer
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
IN-HOUSE LEGAL
Amendment of Winnebago Tribal Code Title
3 Article 7 and Title 7 Article 8; Regarding
Compulsory School Attendance.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt resolution
#26-48: Amendment of Winnebago Tribal Code
Title 3 Article 7 and Title 7 Article 8; Regarding Compulsory School Attendance (Legislation). Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Amendment of Winnebago Tribal Code Title
3 Article 8, Regarding Prohibition of Vaping in
School
Ireta Frazier motioned to adopt resolution
#26-49: Amendment of Winnebago Tribal Code
Title 3 Article 8, Regarding Prohibition of
Vaping in School. Rona Stealer seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Amendment of Winnebago Tribal Code Title
7, Article 3, Section 7-330 Expanding List of
Vicious Dogs
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt resolution
#26-50: Amendment of Winnebago Tribal Code
Title 7, Article 3, Section 7-330 Expanding List
of Vicious Dogs.
Motion failed due to the lack of a second to
the motion.
[Resolution number stated in the motion
remains unassigned due to the motion failure]
Tribal Agricultural Land Lease Policy and
Procedures.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt resolution
#26-50: Approving Amended Tribal Agricultural Land Lease Policy and Procedures. Ireta
Frazier seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Winnebago Tribal Housing Policy and Procedures
Ireta Frazier motioned to table the Winnebago Tribal Housing Policy and Procedures.
Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Isaac in at 11:44 a.m.]
Gaming Commission
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt resolution
#26-51: Policy for Recruiting, Processing, and
Onboarding Applicants for Winnebago Gaming
Commission. (Policy) Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
Tribal Housing
Ireta Frazier motioned to advertise for two
vacancies for Tribal Housing for 30 days. Rona
Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ENROLLMENT:
Tribal Enrollment Applicants
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt resolution #26-52: Tribal Enrollment Applicants
[A4617, A4652, A4738, A4765, A4766, A4787,
A4791, A4793, A4794, A4795, A4796, A4799,
A4800, A4801, A4802, A4810]. Ireta Frazier
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BLOOD QUANTUM CORRECTION (383U08987)
Rona Stealer motioned to adopt resolution
#26-53: Blood Quantum Correction (383U08987). Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BLOOD QUANTUM CORRECTION (383U08986)
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt
resolution #26-54: Blood Quantum Correction
(383-U08986). Rona Stealer seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BLOOD QUANTUM CORRECTION (383U07160)
Isaac Smith motioned to adopt resolution
#26-55: Blood Quantum Correction (383U07160). Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Enrollment Forum and Survey Results
Discussion
[Ireta out at 11:54 a.m., in at 11:56 a.m.]
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to pay for the
Enrollment Forum Meal out of Events and Activities up to $1,000.00. Ireta Frazier seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Department Spotlight – Presented by Ramona Sheridan
HOCHUNK RENAISSANCE FACILITY:
[Victoria out at 12:20]
Ireta Frazier motioned to approve the
HoChunk Renaissance Facility “Hoit’era
Hoci” Language Learning Center. Isaac Smith
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
[Victoria in at 12:23 p.m.]
BIA OSG & OJS LETTER
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve the Letter to BIA OSG & OJS. Ireta Frazier seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
EMPLOYEE PAYROLL ADVANCE
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to authorize for
employees a payroll advance for Christmas out
of policy of once per quarter. Lorelei DeCora
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned going into
Executive Session at 12:29 p.m. Rona Stealer
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Isaac Smith motioned to come out of Executive Session at 1:21 p.m.
Ireta Frazier seconded the motion
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Isaac Smith motion to Ban all firearms from
all educational facilities within the boundaries of the Winnebago Reservation, to exclude
Con’t. in next issue...
Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, December 20, 2025
Question of the Issue:
What is your favorite holiday song and why?
LEADERSHIP TESTIFIES IN D.C.
By Brian Chamberlain
Photo by
[Washington, D.C.]
GARAN: I really like the temptations version of silent night. I remember my Dad
Curtis would imitate the falsetto singer and he could do a really good impersonation of
Eddie Kendricks. The song reminds me of sitting by a fireplace just listening to music
while waiting for the holidays to come. Good vibes!!! Happy Holiday's Everyone!!!
BRIAN: “Oh Holy Night” is a favorite. Mariah Carey’s version nails the notes like
they ought to be, and her singers do it right. But the LIVE version sung by the late,
Scott “Scooter” Snake will always be the absolute best. He did it at Saint Augustine’s church back in the day. Absolute majik! The song that I want to say though is,
“Do You Hear What I Hear?”. All the great singers have versions – Whitney, Gloria,
Vanessa, Andrea Bocelli to name just a few. The soft intro demands the lilting restraint
of powerhouse voices. The build of each verse into the crescendo makes for a great
holiday song. Plus, the lyrics are based on the reason for the season. Happy and Merry,
Everyone!
KEVIN: Back in third or fourth grade at St. Augustine’s, the holiday season always
had its own vibe. And the song that really stuck with me was “Little Drummer Boy.” I
still remember singing it during the Christmas concert.
TYLER: I’ve always been a “classic Christmas” type of person. So, it only makes sense
that Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” is my favorite. It’s calm and gives me a feeling of
nostalgia.
BETHANI: “Abel Tesfaye said his favorite holiday song is Last Christmas by
WHAM! So, now I tell everyone that my favorite holiday song is Last Christmas by
WHAM!” (In case that goes over anyone's head, I am referencing the movie, mean
girls) I do genuinely enjoy the song, it is the first holiday song I play, any time of the
year! :)
CHRISTINA: My all time favorite Christmas Album is Mariah Carey's but to narrow
it down to one song it would have to currently be "Oh Santa!" by Mariah Carey. It's a
fun song thats upbeat and dance worthy!
GAYLA: My favorite holiday song is "O Holy Night!" Specifically the cover by Josh
Groban because it reminds me of being in Ms. Spirk's choir class in high school at
WPS. It just sounds real magical. He sounds like a Disney Prince. She low key made
a Josh Groban fan out of me! I even went to NYC to see him sing in a production on
Broadway a couple years ago.
PREVENTATIVE REMINDER FOR
WINTER SEASON PSA:
As the weather gets colder, make sure your home is safe,
warm, and ready for winter. This Winter HVAC Safety &
Prep Checklist can help you prevent breakdowns, reduce
energy costs, and keep your family protected all season
long.
Change air filters
Clear vents & registers
Test CO & smoke detectors
Check furnace flame
Seal drafts
Keep outdoor units clear
Schedule a winter tune-up
And don’t forget to check your propane tank levels —
keep them at 30% or higher to avoid shutdowns in freezing
temps.
Please take a moment to look over the checklist and prepare
your home before severe weather hits. Stay warm, stay safe!
BIG VOICE RADIO
KWTN100.9 FM
Official Radio Station of the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Tribal Council leadership travelled to
the national capitol to provide testimony in
front of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Early on the morning of December 11, 2025,
Tribal Councilwoman, Victoria Kitcheyan,
was seated in front of the House Committee
on Natural Resources. There, Kitcheyan
was to speak at the House Sub-Committee’s
hearing that sought input from tribal leaders
from across Indian Country. The purpose of
the sub-committee hearing was to hear and
gain testimony regarding the status of and
proposed changes within the Indian Health
Service (IHS) contracting standards.
The title of the sub-committee’s hearing
was, Modernizing the Implementation of 638
Contracting at the Indian Health Service.
In his opening statement, Sub-Committee Chairman, Rep. Jeff Hurd (R – Colo.)
said, “… the stated goal of creating a more
accountable, efficient, and self-determination
driven agency is one all of us share.” That
sub-committee is moving toward legislation
that would update IHS policies and protocols, similarly to what was performed within
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). As each
member of Congress spoke, they all paid
reference to the half-century existence of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (ISDEAA) of 1975. That
landmark law placing into effect for the first
time the abilities for tribes to use government
funds and programming in their own way –
as self-determined by the people.
Tribes gain control of their own pathways
forward not only by deciding for themselves
how program operations ought to be engaged, but also by using the funding sources
allocated toward the programmatic pursuits
of the tribe. One of the largest examples of
these program funds are those from Indian
Health Service, or IHS. Over time, tribes
have become increasingly aware of the deficiencies that the IHS system is riddled with,
our own tribe included. In 2015, through
severe inactions of the IHS, the Winnebago
Service Unit lost critical national certification from CMS – which is a requirement for
all healthcare facilities across the nation.
Most seriously this loss of accreditation
jeopardized the lives of our people and
threatened the loss of funds and services vital
to the proper healthcare of the Winnebago
tribal membership as well.
Following the implosion of the IHS model
in that time period, the Winnebago Tribal
Council voted to expel IHS and began the
arduous process of creating a compact for
those services with the Federal government.
As part of this self-determined process,
under the ISDEAA, those 638 applications
came forward to help bring about the changes that our tribe needed. At this hearing when
asked about the 638 process, Councilwoman
Kitcheyan told the members of Congress,
“[tribes must] educate themselves as well as
their tribal members on what 638 is. It’s an
exercise of sovereignty not a diminishment.”
Kitcheyan continued, “…this is a mechanism to deliver quality and better healthcare
services at the local level, with local control
and [with] the care that only the relatives can
provide.”
From there the Congress members asked
what the tribes needed. Kitcheyan replied
deftly, “… capacity building is essential in
each area. There is inconsistent expertise in
some of the [IHS] areas. We need technical
support and the buy-in from headquarters
down to the areas that supports [tribes].”
Robust discussion continued begging the
question on what IHS could do, to which
Kitcheyan added, “to streamline processes,
expand 638… tribes are having to do more
with limited resources… this whole process
has been challenging.”
Mirroring the ‘tribal first’ mindset, Ranking Member for the Committee, Congresswoman Leger Fernandez (D – N.Mex.)
stated, “… tribes know their needs and how
to address them best. You’ve been doing
it since time immemorial, and the Federal
government needs to celebrate that, recognize that and make it possible so that you can
do it all the time in healthcare and in other
areas…”.
Winnebago Councilwoman Kitcheyan has
been at the forefront of our battle with Indian
Health Service and with our Tribe’s efforts to
secure control of our own hospital. She later
told the WIN, “Having a seat at the table
is vitally important. Because we have been
to D.C. and the Area offices creating these
connections with both Congress and the Administrations, our people are well positioned
to be heard. We must constantly be present in
these conversations. We cannot let up.”
As of publication
deadline we are at 854
completed surveys or
40%, please share or
ask your fellow tribal
members to complete
the survey!
visit winnebagotribe.com for
Winnebago Tribal Enrollment survey
Saturday, December 20, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Snow Removal Services
Winnebago Medical Services Department
The Winnebago Medical Services Department is seeking a contractor to provide snow removal for
22 staff homes and a small number of medically necessary patient homes during the winter season.
Services Needed
•
•
•
•
•
Requirements
•
•
•
Clear driveways, walkways, and entry areas
Remove snow around vehicles if needed for medical transport
Apply salt/sand as needed
Clear snow drifts caused by wind
Respond after each snowfall of 1–2 inches or any amount that blocks access
Must be available 24/7 during winter
Must be reliable and able to respond in a timely manner
Must have proper equipment
What to Include in Your Proposal
•
Company name & contact information
•
Pricing (per snow event or seasonal)
•
Any extra fees (salting, drifting, emergency call-outs)
•
Estimate of how quickly you can respond after snowfall
•
List of equipment
•
Any relevant experience or references
Submission
Bids must be submitted by: December 26th, 2025
Send proposals to: medicalservices@wchs.health
Notes
•
•
•
any proposal.
Final address list will be provided upon contract award.
Contract start/end dates will be set based on weather and department needs.
Winnebago Medical Services Department reserves the right to accept or reject
JESUS OUR SAVIOR
LUTHERAN OUTREACH
‘Filled with the Holy Spirit’
I begin with these words of an
angel named Gabriel. Gabriel
spoke the following words to
a man who was in the temple
of YAHWEH burning incense
while he prayed. He prayed on
behalf of the Jewish people,
including himself and his wife.
Gabriel said, “Do not be afraid,
Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife
Elizabeth will bear you a son, and
you shall call his name John. And
you will have joy and gladness,
and many will rejoice at his birth,
for he will be great before the
Lord’ [Luke 1:13-15a ESV].
Many people have rejoiced at
the birth of John. Certainly his
mother Elizabeth and his father
Zechariah rejoiced - especially
due to their advanced years and
her barrenness. Many others who
would heed John Baptist’s call
to turn from their selfish ways,
back to following the ways of
YAHWEH their God, would also
rejoice.
Gabriel is not finished. He
goes on to inform Zechariah,
and us, this about John: “And he
must not drink wine or strong
drink, and he will be filled with
the Holy Spirit, even from his
mother’s womb. And he will turn
many of the children of Israel to
the Lord their God, and he will
go before him in the spirit and
power of Elijah, to turn the hearts
of the fathers to the children, and
the disobedient to the wisdom
of the just, to make ready for the
Lord a people prepared.”[Luke
1:15b-17 ESV].
John was filled - filled to
overflowing with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit works through
the Sacred Word of God and
through men like John the Baptist
who would speak the truth about
God.
By: Pastor Ricky Jacob
Now when, for John, does the
filling of the Holy Spirit begin?
‘He will be filled with the Holy
Spirit, even from his mother’s
womb.’ Now some might say ‘but
John had no say in the matter!’
Some reason that Zechariah and
Elizabeth should have waited for
John to decide whether he wanted
to be filled with the Holy Spirit
or not! But this way of thinking
is not God’s gracious way of
dealing with spiritually dead
sinners.
Holiday Safety Awareness
By Trisha Rivers & Anna Berridge
Christmas lights, jingle bells, and presents under the Christmas tree are all
staples of the holiday season. Most people are busy running around to get
their Christmas shopping done or perhaps preparing their menu spread for a
family Christmas meal. This is a time when families and friends travel and
stay in hotels. Maybe a few Christmas parties here and there at local eateries
and bars with coworkers or friends. Holiday events are in full swing within
communities.
This is undoubtedly a time to get into the Christmas spirit. However, these are
all factors that create the perfect environment for increased sex trafficking and
violence to occur. Knowledge is power which can be shared with others and
keeps you safe if you ever find yourself in a situation you need to get out of.
Here are some ways to keep your loved ones and yourself safe:
• Use the buddy system: Take one or more friends with you while you’re
shopping or attending holiday parties.
• Keeping all valuables safe: Keep wallets in your front pocket, zip up
purses, and utilize your trunk to keep any valuable items out of sight and
secure.
• Monitor and check any online gaming (i.e. Roblox, Fortnite) or social
media (i.e. Snapchat) platforms of your younger relatives.
• If you need to shop alone, make sure to park in well-lit areas. Keep
your keys ready as you approach your vehicle. Remember that the
“panic” button is there in case you need it.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash
• Do not accept any beverages from strangers, especially if you suspect
any tampering. Report any suspicious activity.
• If you notice something odd, out of place, or see someone who needs
help, call the police. The worst thing is that the police do their due
diligence, and it turned out that it wasn’t what you suspected versus if
you didn’t do anything and someone needed help.
The holiday season is a time to spend with your family and friends. It’s a
great time to check-in with relatives and make sure they’re doing okay. If you
suspect that a loved one is experiencing sex trafficking or domestic violence,
call 911 or the non-emergency line to your local authorities. The Winnebago
Police Department can be contacted at (402) 878-2245. The Winnebago
Domestic Violence Program can be contacted at 402-745-3959.
Do you know what vocation what ministry - John was born
to serve God? John was called
by God to prepare the way of
the Jewish Messiah by calling
sinners to repent - to turn back
from going away from God and
from God’s ways.
Those who were filled with the
Holy Spirit heeded the call of
John the baptist to repent. The
Holy Spirit convicted the hearers
of the truth about their sin and
where it was leading them. And
where were they headed? They
were forsaking or banishing
God and His ways from their
lives. If they continued down
this path of life they would end
up being totally and completely
and forever forsaken or banished
from the loving presence of God.
All too many people have chosen
this path. They have decided to
not follow Jesus. They have that
freedom - the freedom to say ‘no’
to their Creator.
But by the grace of God, while
sinners are still dead (spiritually)
due to their sin, the Holy Spirit
fills a person with faith - faith in
the saving work of Jesus! To God
alone be all the glory!
I close with these words of the
angel Gabriel: “I bring you this
good news” Luke 1:19b ESV]
Notice from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
– Child Support Enforcement Program
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Child Support
Enforcement Program would like to announce that,
effective January 1, 2026, the Winnebago Tribal
Police Department will begin executing civil
warrants, including child support warrants.
Previously, our law enforcement officers operated
under the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and were
restricted from executing civil warrants due to BIA
policy and existing Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
provisions applicable to federal officers. However,
since the Winnebago Tribe has entered into a SelfGovernance compact for law enforcement, these
restrictions no longer apply. As a result, tribal law
enforcement officers are now authorized to serve civil
warrants issued through the Winnebago Tribal Court.
If you have questions regarding an existing warrant
or wish to resolve your warrant before the new policy
takes effect, please contact our office.
Pinagigi,
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska – Child Support
Enforcement Program
Page 8 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, December 20, 2025
COMMUNITY
Important Announcement
Regarding Tribal Council Meetings
By Garan Coons
At a recent Tribal Council meeting, a motion was passed to discontinue the live streaming of Regular and Mid-Month Tribal
Council meetings. This decision was made to address potential
security threats involving artificial intelligence (AI), as the Tribal Council takes the necessary steps to protect the Tribe’s digital
assets and privacy.
Please note the following regarding future meetings:
In-Person Attendance: All Tribal Council meetings remain open
to Tribal members, who are encouraged to attend in person at the
Tribal Chambers.
Virtual Access: Meetings will still be available virtually. Members
who wish to receive a meeting link should email the WTN Tribal
Secretary, Teresa Littlegeorge, at teresa.littlegeorge@winnebagotribe.com.
Time Change: Starting January 2026, Mid-Month Tribal Council
meetings will return to a 5:00 PM start time to better accommodate
attendance by the membership.
During the discussion to discontinue live streaming, Council
members emphasized their desire for the community to be involved, inviting members to attend meetings in person to stay
informed firsthand.
As AI is a rapidly evolving field, our Communications staff is
currently researching advanced protection measures. Our goal is to
ensure that the Winnebago Tribe’s initiatives continue to reach our
membership in a safe and secure manner.
As always, official Tribal Council meeting minutes are published
in the WIN. Additionally, the Winnebago Tribe’s website features
a dedicated Council page with full contact information and email
addresses for all representatives.
ATTENTION!
from the Winnebago Public School
New policy alert! Moving forward, the
entrance policy for the WPS building
will be as follows: Buzz to enter, and
check in with the front desk. If a person
enters and bypasses the front desk,
the authorities will be called. This is a
policy we will enforce equally and fairly
to protect our children and staff.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 9
FAN APPRECIATION
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.