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Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
2025 Harvest
Celebration Photos!
New Question of the Issue!
page: 6
page: 7
Volume 54, Number 20
Our masthead for this issue features the icon
representing our Buffalo Clan / Cexji Hikikarac.
The Buffalo Clan held many functions within
the tribe. Most notably they held the responsibility of acting as town-criers to the Chief, carrying
out and reporting decisions and instructions in
the Four Directions. They were orators for the
people, assisted in law and order, and acted as
intermediary between the chief and his people.
The Buffalo Clan is one of the eight Earth clans.
For the HoChunk people, the land and the buffalo are inter-related, and the land is associated
with the Four Directions. Families within the
Buffalo Clan include: Snow, Frenchman, Long,
and Chamberlain.
Cā mą hinąǧo wīra
Deer Pawing Moon
Saturday, October 11, 2025
2025-2026 Newly Elected Winnebago Tribal Council
Nį̄ šoc Nįgešąną
By Bethani Redhorn
Photography by Tyler Snake
October 6th, the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System held a Water is
Life walk. Located at the Land of Wellness,
participants walked to honor water in good
health and wellness for the present and
future generations. Pictured above is the
Health Ed t-shirt and snack table. (Photo
taken by Kevin Ebert)
[Winnebago, NE] On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the newly elected Winnebago
Tribal Council Oath of Office Ceremony and
Election of Officers took place in the Blackhawk Community Center Gym at 10:00 AM.
Post-General Elections on Tuesday, October 7,
2025, where the top three candidates receiving
the highest votes earn three-year terms to serve
on the Winnebago Tribal Council. The three
newly elected Tribal Councilmembers are Coly
Brown, Trey Blackhawk, and Ireta Frazier.
The ceremony began with a welcoming
address by Winnebago Tribal Councilmember
Victoria Kitcheyan. Followed by Winnebago Drum Group, New Breed, rendering the
welcome song; colors carried by Winnebago
Veterans Gordon Rave with the Eagle Staff,
Taylor Bass the United States Flag, and Mark
Aldrich the Winnebago Tribal flag.
Winnebago Judge Jordan Zendejas swore
in newly elected Tribal Councilmembers Trey
Blackhawk, Ireta Frazier, and Coly Brown with
the Election of Officers taking place thereafter.
The results from the Election of Officers are as
follows: Winnebago Tribal Council Chair-
man Coly Brown; Winnebago Tribal Council
Vice-Chairman Isaac Smith; Winnebago Tribal
Council Secretary Teresa Littlegeorge; and
Winnebago Tribal Council Treasurer Rona
Stealer.
Winnebago Tribal Council Chairman Coly
Brown notified the membership of a special
election vote to approve tribal enrollment
adoptions due to an error on the ballots. “The
approval of tribal enrollment adoptions is
normally conducted as part of the regular tribal
election process. Due to an administrative
oversight, this did not occur during the regular
election. This oversight did not affect the regu-
Winnebago Tribe assumes operations from Bureau of Indian Affairs
September 29th to October 3rd, the Winnebago Public School had their Homecoming week. The week was filled with
dress-up themed days, crowning royalty,
the parade and football game, followed by
the dance. The WPS football team played
Little Wound, winning 64-14. Pictured
above is photos of the parade, Taken by
Christina Parker.
By Bethani Redhorn
Photography by Christina Parker
September 10th, the Kikijire Crisis
Response Program hosted a Mental Health
and Wellness Fair. The goal of the event
was for community organizations to get
information about managing mental health,
give guidance on how to help others, and
for participants to learn new ways to lift
your well-being.
[Winnebago, NE] A historical
enterprise is underway for the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska as the
organization assumed management
of the Winnebago Tribal Law
Enforcement Department on
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at
12:01 AM. The community gathered
in the late-night hours of Tuesday,
September 30th at the local firehall in
Winnebago, just outside the police
station headquarters. A blessing and
prayer were offered by Winnebago
Tribal Combat Veteran, Mr. Larry
Payer.
Winnebago Tribal Councilmember
Victoria Kitcheyan began the
ceremony with an opening statement
addressed to those in attendance and
to the membership tuned in virtually.
“Many years of leadership and
families have recognized that public
safety is a high priority for the tribe.
The Winnebago Tribal Council has
echoed that advocacy with bringing us
to this point. Your family & your voice
has led us to want to take control of
what’s happening in our community
and make sure that our kids grow up in
a safe community, that our elders can
move about in a safe way, and that this
community sets a standard for what’s
acceptable. Starting this Tribal Police
Department is an effort to ensure that
those things happen.”
Con’t. on page 2...
Visit us at winnebagotribe.com
Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, October 11, 2025
ANNOUNCEMENTS
...Cont. from front page 2025-2026 NEWLY ELECTED WINNEBAGO TRIBAL COUNCIL
lar election for Tribal Council and the election proceeded without delay or issues,” said Chairman
Coly Brown. The special election for tribal enrollment adoptions will be held Friday, October 24,
2025.
After the swearing-in of newly elected Officers concluded, remarks were offered to the
membership by each of the Winnebago Tribal Councilmembers. Words shared by Councilmembers Trey Blackhawk, Ireta Frazier, Treasurer Rona Stealer, Victoria Kitcheyan, Secretary Teresa
Littlegeorge, Eugene DeCora, Lorelei DeCora, and closing remarks by Chairman Coly Brown. The
ceremony concluded with a retreat song by New Breed.
*Editor’s Note: Congratulations to the newly elected members from the WIN. We will
continue coverage for the special election with results forthcoming. Be good to each other and
until the next edition, haizo relatives.
...Cont. from front page WINNEBAGO LAW ENFORCEMENT
TAKEOVER...
Continuing with the opening
address, Victoria shared further
recognition for the first ever Public
Safety Commission which includes
Thelma Whitewater, Miskoo Petite,
Daryl LaPointe Jr., Kellie Snow,
and Rebecca DeCora. The Public
Safety Committee will oversee the
Chief of Police and ensure the Police
Department has the highest integrity
and upholds the constitutions and
bylaws of the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska.
Marking a new era of law
enforcement in Winnebago, the new
Chief of Police Jeremiah Lonewolf
was sworn in by Winnebago Tribal
Councilmember Victoria Kitcheyan.
Chief Lonewolf is a Marine Corps
Veteran, a Winnebago Tribal member,
and a Winnebago Public School
Alumni (1995). Chief Lonewolf
then swore in the Winnebago Tribal
Officers, Dispatchers, and Tribal Law
Enforcement Staff.
Presenting the Winnebago Tribal
Police Department, Chief Lonewolf
BIG VOICE RADIO
shared, “We are assuming primary
law enforcement for the Winnebago
Tribe of Nebraska. We currently have
Dispatch and Criminal Investigations;
to be coming soon is going to be
Corrections. This is a very momentous
occasion and one of the great
opportunities that the Tribe has in
pursuit to Indian Self-Determination.”
Chief Lonewolf offered his thanks
to all of those who had a part in the
process up to this point, with special
recognition to Mr. Payer for the
blessing and prayer.
Following the officers swear-in,
remarks were made by members of
the Winnebago Police Commission,
members of the Winnebago Tribal
Council, and concluded with light
snacks and refreshments. ***Editor’s
Note: There is a livestream available
on the Winnebago Indian-News
Facebook page from this ceremony
and more pictures are available on
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s
Facebook page.
KWTN100.9 FM
Official Radio Station of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Saturday, October 11, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3
Wāgax hųk ra wāgax hokik’ųna
Letter to the Editor
JESUS OUR SAVIOR
LUTHERAN OUTREACH
Notice:
Winnebago Housing and Development Commission Resident
Services is sending out letters for Annual Housing keeping
Inspections. It has come to my attention that there are several
tenants that have changed P. O Boxes and or never got a P.O Box
or refuses to pay for them to stay open. It is stated in the lease you
have signed with WHDC to always have an active mailing address.
It is your responsibility as a Tenant of WHDC to inform us on
any changes with mailing addresses, phone numbers, employment
status and or of household changes. This is a violation and can lead
to termination of your lease.
Once your letter is received by to post master, we are legally
able to enter our property with-in two days’ time. We have been
lenient in allowing two- three weeks. So, this is a notice that when
you are scheduled for inspection WHDC; Resident Services and
Maintenance will be proceeding to do what is required. Regardless
if you have received your letter or not. All tenants should always
be ready for an inspection any day of the week, as we could use
your home to showcase, if need be, this is also stated in your lease.
Remember it’s your responsibility to inform us of any changes.
By: Pastor Ricky Jacob
‘The way of peace’
‘As [Jesus] rode forward, he could
see Jerusalem (the Sacred Village of
Peace), and tears began to run down his
face.
“Jerusalem, O Jerusalem, you are the
Sacred Village of Peace”, he wept out
loud. “Of all the people, you should
be the ones who would know the way
of peace, but on this sacred day, the
way of peace is hidden from your eyes’
[Luke 19:41-42 1st Nations Version].
What is the way of peace? Peace is
something that everyone wants or says
they want - but few find ‘the way of
peace.’ For many the way of peace is
by doing good things - this goes right
along with the song: ‘Let there be peace
on earth.’ The song is: ‘Let there be
peace on earth’ written by Jill Jackson
and Sy Miller in 1955 - 70 years ago.
school - do good to those who you work
with or go to school with - then all will
go well at work or at school. In other
words, you will have peace at work or
at school. Is this true or false? FALSE!
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me,
It was through the suffering and death
of Jesus that brings the offer of peace
to the world - the whole world. It was
Jesus’ enduring the FULL WRATH of
God, drinking the cup of WRATH of
God down to its dregs, the last sediment
or grounds. It was Jesus being totally
and utterly banished - abandoned - forsaken by his Heavenly Father.
If you do good things - then good
things will come your way. If you do
good things then your children will
listen to you, obey your every command
- without questioning it. In other words,
you will have peace in your house.
Let there be peace on earth and it begins with Jesus! When Jesus was born
- the angels sang these words: “Glory to
God in the highest, and on earth peace
to men on whom his favor rests” [Luke
2:14 (NIV84)]. Peace came down from
heaven through this baby, wrapped in
swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. God’s favor rests - His peace rests
on those who receive the Christ child in
faith.
If you do good things then your
spouse will be loving and caring and
faithfully devoted to you and to you
alone. If you - as a child - do good
things then your parents will not fight,
or argue, or separate or divorce. In other words, you will have peace in your
house.
If you - as a co-worker or a student at
Peace does not begin in mankind.
Far from it! There is one and only one
who is able to bring peace to the world.
Peace does not come by you or me
doing our best, nor in our doing ‘good
works’.
Peace with God - does not come by
being a peace broker and having the
slaughter of - on average - seven thousand souls not die each week in the war
between Russia and the Ukrainians.
Peace is not found in our good works,
rather it is found in the good works that
Jesus accomplished.
My prayer for you is that you would
find peace on earth. This way of peace
is found solely in placing one’s faith in
Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior. Aho!
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV25-143
Winnebago
In the Matter of the
Guardianship Petition of:
Jayde Baker
In Re:
D.H. (Born 07/2020)
Indian News
is owned and
TO: ANGEL LEVERING, MOTHER
DAMON HAYES, 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. CV25-143 has been scheduled and
will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court
of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 20TH day of
October, 2025 at the hour of 11:30 A.M.
published by the
Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska”.
The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on October 25, 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 October 21, 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..........................Chairwoman
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
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Nebraska Residents....................................$25.00 WTN Communications
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or contact us at our e-mail address:
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Per Column Inch............................................$7.00
Garan Coons.............................Comm. Officer
vacant............................Comm. Office Manger
Christina Parker.............................Web Master
Kevin Ebert..................Multimedia Coordinator
Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, October 11, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
MID-MONTHLY TRIBAL COUNCIL
MEETING
September 23, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Teresa Littlegeorge
Coly Brown
Lorelei DeCora
Aric Armell
Kenneth Mallory
OTHERS PRESENT:
Christina Parker
Audrieanna Levering
Anna Bess Preston
Chad Smith
Willy Bass
Dulcie Paiva
Tiffany Armell-Buchannan
Michelle Parker
Clarissa Rave
Anthony Bassette
Keely Purscell
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan (travel, NAFOA)
Rona Stealer (travel, NAFOA)
Eugene DeCora (travel, NAFOA)
Isaac Smith (PTO)
CALL TO ORDER: Secretary Teresa Littlegeorge called to order at 9:06 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Councilman Aric
Armell offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve the
agenda with additions. Coly Brown seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINUTES:
September 9, 2025 – Regular Tribal Council
meeting
Aric Armell motioned to approve the September 9, 2025, Regular Tribal Council meeting
minutes. Coly Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
September 9, 2025 – Physical Resources
Report meeting
Aric Armell motioned to approve the September 9, 2025, Physical Resources Report
meeting minutes with corrections. Coly Brown
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
September 10, 2025 – CEO Report meeting
Coly Brown motioned to approve the September 10, 2025, CEO Report meeting minutes.
Aric Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:
Adopt resolution #25-243: Winnebago
Tribe Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot
Program
Coly Brown motioned to ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #25-243: Winnebago
Tribe Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot
Program. Lorelei DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Adopt resolution #25-244: OVW FY25
Violence Against Women Tribal Special U.S.
Attorney Initiative Grant
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #25-244: OVW
FY25 Violence Against Women Tribal Special
U.S. Attorney Initiative Grant. Coly Brown
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Tribal member request regarding N.W. –
Requesting rental assistance in the amount of
$1,220 to be paid directly to Signature Real
Estate, LLC
Lorelei DeCora motioned to ratify the
five-signature request from Tribal Member
N.W. – requesting rental assistance in the
amount of $1,220 to be paid directly to Signature Real Estate, LLC. Coly Brown seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Request Tribal Council to acknowledge and
approve the PRD Report Agenda for 9-9-25
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature request for Tribal Council to acknowledge and approve the Physical Resources
Department Report agenda for 9-9-25. Coly
Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Approval to amend motion from 9-9-25 PRD
meeting to reflect the following: Aric Armell
motioned for Winnebago Legislative Bus Tour
to pay $500 for the drum and $50 per dancer,
not to exceed $1250. Isaac Smith seconded
the motion. VOTE: (5) yes, (0) no, (0) abstain.
Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature request to amend the motion from
9-9-25 Physical Resources Department Report
meeting to reflect the following: Aric Armell
motioned for Winnebago Legislative Bus Tour
to pay $500 for the drum and $50 per dancer,
not to exceed $1250. Isaac Smith seconded
the motion. VOTE: (5) yes, (0) no, (0) abstain.
Motion carried. Lorelei DeCora seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Adopt Resolution #25-262: Approval of
Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity and
Alternative Dispute Resolution Process for
Certain Construction Contracts Related to the
Winnebago Tribe Broadband Connectivity
Project.
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #25-262: Approval
of Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity
and Alternative Dispute Resolution Process
for Certain Construction Contracts Related to
the Winnebago Tribe Broadband Connectivity
Project. Coly Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Approval of National Native Justice Institute
Training Contract Agreement
Coly Brown motioned to ratify the five-signature approval of the National Native Justice
Institute Training Contract Agreement. Aric
Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
IT Break: 9:14 a.m., breaking to reboot the
zoom link due to difficulties.
Reconvene at 9:22 a.m.
Approval of the Winnebago Police Department Org. Chart from the September General
Counsel Agenda action items.
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature approval of the Winnebago Police
Department Org Chart from the September
General Counsel Agenda action items. Coly
Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Approval to help tribal member J.S. with
$250.00 for food assistance due to displacement
Lorelei DeCora motioned to ratify the
five-signature approval to help tribal member
J.S. with $250.00 for food assistance due to displacement. Coly Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Adopt resolution #25-263: Trust Account
Drawdown
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #25-263: Trust
Account Drawdown. Lorelei DeCora seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program –
request
Presented by Audrieanna Levering, Information only.
LD – Fire Hazard for Tribal Offices – Lorelei
would like to request procurement to research
costs for fire blankets, and axe for evacuation
precautions.
OLD BUSINESS:
Land Purchase discussion
Coly Brown motioned to table until the next
PRD Report. Kenneth Mallory seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
LD – process for the CFO Interviews
Lorelei requested an update from the CEO .
Information only.
ADJOURN:
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn the meeting
at 9:49 a.m. Kenneth Mallory seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Secretary Littlegeorge adjourned the meeting
at 9:49 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
HOUSING PLAN MEETING
September 25, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Isaac Smith (in at 9:11 a.m.)
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer (in at 9:11 a.m.)
Coly Brown
Kenneth Mallory
Eugene DeCora, Sr.
Lorelei DeCora
Aric Armell (in at 9:11 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Lance Morgon
Joi Long
Christina Parker
Kevin Ebert
Aaron LaPointe
Anthony Earth
Lynelle Blackhawk
Trey Blackhawk
Michelle Parker
Willy Bass
Janelle DeCora
Iva Masquat
Terri Lee Medina
Charli Earth
Madisyn Redhorn
John Blackhawk
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Jamie Monroe
Cecelia Earth
Victoria Kitcheyan (PTO)
Caden Cleveland
Keely Purscell
Tiffany Armell-Buchanan
Qui Qui St. Cyr
Kristine Earth
Tyresha Romero
Greg Bass, Sr.
Ann Bledsoe-Downes
Dana Zagurski
Desia Kitcheyan
Ireta Frazier
Kelsi DeCora
Kiana Lewis
CALL TO ORDER: Secretary Littlegeorge
called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Aaron LaPointe
offered the opening prayer.
[Rona Stealer, Isaac Smith, and Aric Armell
in at 9:11 a.m., Vice-Chairman Smith assumes
the Chair.]
WINNEBAGO TRIBE HOUSING PLAN
PRESENTATION: Presented by Lance
Morgan.
[Rona out at 9:53 a.m.]
BREAK: 10:17 am., reconvene at 10:25 a.m.
[Teresa in at 10:28 a.m.]
[Lorelei out at 10:58 a.m.]
[Rona and Lorelei in at 11:05 a.m.]
Discussion regarding a Housing Summit of
all Entities.
Kenneth Mallory motioned to direct all
Tribal Housing Entities to gather to discuss the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Housing Plan of
2025. Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Further discussion regarding the presentation.
[Lorelei out at 11:28 a.m.]
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 11:35 a.m. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Vice-Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting
at 11:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING
September 29, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Isaac Smith
Teresa Littlegeorge
Lorelei DeCora
Kenneth Mallory
Eugene DeCora
Aric Armell
Rona Stealer
OTHERS PRESENT:
Danelle Smith
Joy Johnson
Sharon Frenchman
Jeremiah Lonewolf
Sarah Herring
Kirstin Lowry
Tyresha Romero
Kellie Snow
Kiana Lewis
Brandon Stout
Christina Parker
Keely Purscell
Darla LaPointe
Kellie Snow
Tyler Smith
Ireta Frazier
Roland Warner
Josh Pitre
Linda Horse-Free
Todd Mormon
Kevin Ebert
Beth Wright
Tiffany Armell-Buchanan
Larry Payer
Barbara Pretends Eagle
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Coly Brown (PTO)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Kitcheyan called to order at 11:43 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Chairwoman acknowledged the prayer given by Councilman
Armell at an earlier meeting.
[Rona out at 11:45 a.m.]
APPROVE AGENDA:
Aric Armell motioned to approve the agenda
with additions. Eugene DeCora seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BROADBAND FIBER PROJECT
UPDATE: Presented by Joy Johnson and
Brandon Stout.
Presentation of updated Broadband Fiber
Project timeline as of September 16, 2025.
[Isaac out at 12:17 p.m., in at 12:18 p.m.]
[Lorelei out at 12:20 p.m.]
Eugene DeCora motioned to authorize
General Counsel to work with Joy Johnson
to package a reimbursement request from the
discretionary funds of the BIA Regional office.
Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to go into
Executive Session at 12:28 p.m. Aric Armell
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Lorelei in at 12:30 p.m.]
[Isaac out at 12:30 p.m., in at 12:33 p.m.]
[Kenneth out at 12:59 p.m., in at 12:59 p.m.]
Aric Armell motioned to come out of Executive Session at 1:00 p.m. Eugene DeCora
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BREAK: 1:00 p.m., reconvened at 1:13 p.m.
ACTION ITEMS:
[Isaac in at 1:15 p.m.]
Law Enforcement
Interim Policies & Procedures Approval
Kenneth Mallory motioned to adopt resolution #25-267: Adoption of Interim Law
Enforcement Policies and Procedures. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Isaac out at 1:17 p.m.]
Tribal Supreme Court Chief Justice Appointment
Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution #25-268: Appointing Winnebago Tribe
Supreme Court Chief Justice Jami Vigil and
Approving Independent Contractor Agreement.
Kenneth Mallory seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Isaac in at 1:21 p.m.]
State Advocacy
Legislative Bus Tour – September 16, 2025
[Aric out at 1:22 p.m.]
Tribal Constitution Amendments – Secretarial Election
*Forum discussion, to have enrollment assist
with the planning.
[Isaac out at 1:30 p.m.]
*Enrollment committee will be meeting to
follow up on the comments with BIA
[Aric in at 1:32 p.m.]
[Isaac in at 1:33 p.m.]
Winnebago Housing & Development Commission – Information only, no further action.
-Flyer put out for the Veterans duplexes
[Isaac out at 1:38 p.m.]
[Lorelei out at 1:38 p.m., in at 1:43 p.m.]
[Isaac in at 1:47 p.m.]
Boys & Girls Club Construction NMTC
Project QALICB – updates, no further action
Woodbury County Nuclear Energy Zoning
Ordinance – updates.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to request Byron
Walker for technical assistance with mapping
of the Woodbury County Nuclear Energy zones
and WTN Iowa lands.
Aric Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(abstain Motion
carried.
BREAK: 2:01 p.m., reconvene at 2:10 p.m.
GAO Request – National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP)
-Natural Springs deemed Sacred Sites on the
Reservation.
-Gravesites on the reservation. A radar device is at the Museum for the use of THPO.
[Teresa out at 2:15 p.m., in at 2:18 p.m.]
[Lorelei out at 2:49 p.m.]
-Genoa, update. Winnebago has the highest
number of children that went to Genoa, and
there are several that have died there. Genoa
Indian School is on private landowners’ property, and they have been cooperative with doing
searches for the graves.
Federal Advocacy – presented by Josh Pitre
Congressional updates
[Eugene out at 3:15, in at 3:17 p.m.]
[Aric out at 3:18 p.m., in at 3:21 p.m.]
Senate Approves Indian Affairs Nominee –
Willam Kirkland.
[Teresa out at 3:30 p.m., in at 3:36 p.m.]
[Lorelei out at 3:33 p.m.]
Senate Hearing on ISDEAA
[Lorelei in at 3:37 p.m.]
Administrative updates
FEMA Review Council Seeking Tribal Input
– update only, working on comments to send
back to FEMA.
[Lorelei out at 3:44 p.m.]
ACF Consultation on Supporting Children &
Families Act
Aric Armell motioned to authorize General
Counsel to prepare and submit written comment for the ACF Consultation which are due
by January 9, 2026. Eugene DeCora seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
USDA Accepting nominations for Tribal
Advisory Council
Interior Department Updates Tribal Broadband Infrastructure Policy
EPA – Inspection report – Chemicals that are
being sprayed.
Eugene DeCora motioned to authorize General Counsel to respond to the EPA letter Notice
of violation by October 6, 2025. Isaac Smith
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Aric Armell motioned to go into executive
session at 4:17 p.m. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Aric out at 4:52 p.m., in at 4:54 p.m.]
[Kenneth out at 5:15 p.m., in at 5:17 p.m.]
Con’t. on next pg...
Saturday, October 11, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5
COMMUNITY
Con’t. from pg. 4...
IS, AA
Aric Armell motioned to come out of Executive Session at 6:10 p.m. Eugene DeCora
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Eugene DeCora motioned to have Danelle
Smith make a recommendation for the investigation committee within two days. Kenneth
Mallory seconded the motion.
OBJECT: AA, IS
VOTE: (3) yes, KM, TL, ED
(2) no,
IS, AA
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Aric Armell motion to deem the ethical complaint against L.D. as frivolous. Isaac Smith
seconded the motion.
OBJECT: ED, KM, TL
VOTE: (2) yes, IS, AA (3) no,
ED, KM, TL
(0) abstain
Motion
failed.
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to deem the
ethical complaint against L.D. as not frivolous.
Kenneth Mallory seconded the motion.
OBJECT: IS, AA
VOTE: (3) yes, KM, TL, ED
(2) no,
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn the meeting
at 6:22 p.m.
Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
Request for Bids:
Food Service Contract for Sacred Children Care Center
Issued by:Sacred Children Care Center
Facility Name: Sacred Children Care Center
199 HWY 77/75 Winnebago, NE 68071
Overview
The Sacred Children Care Center is a newly established childcare facility that will serve up to70
children, including:
- 16 infants
- 24 toddlers (18–36 months)
- 18 preschoolers (3–5 years)
- Additional children as needed, up to full capacity
We are seeking bids from qualified food service vendors to provide nutritious, age-appropriate
meals and snacks for children enrolled at the center.
Scope of Services Requested
Vendors should outline their ability to provide the following services:
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack
- Menus that meet USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines
- Accommodation of dietary restrictions and allergies
- Delivery and/or on-site preparation options
- Food safety and sanitation compliance
- Staff training or support (if applicable)
Bid Submission Requirements
Please include the following in your proposal:
- Company profile and relevant experience
- Sample menus for each age group
- Pricing structure (per meal or per child)
- Licensing and certifications
- References from similar contractsBid Evaluation Criteria
Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Compliance with USDA CACFP guidelines
- Quality and variety of proposed menus
- Experience and references
- Cost-effectiveness and pricing structure
- Ability to accommodate dietary restrictions
- Delivery or preparation capabilities
- Licensing and certifications
Timeline
- Bid submission deadline: November 30, 2025
- Contract start date: April 2026
- Initial contract term: 1 year with renewal optionContact for Inquiries
Miskoo Petite
Human Services Director
Email: miskoo.petite@winnebagotribe.com
Phone: 402-922-2997
Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, October 11, 2025
Question of the Issue:
With our hometown school hosting their 2025 Homecoming recently, when was your FAVORITE
Homecoming? Tell us about it!
[The following editorial is written as a discussion point for our readers. It is an opinion piece
that describes the individual point of view of its author. The editorial herein does not necessarily depict or represent the positions of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, the Winnebago Indian
News or any other part of the tribal organization or its employee(s). The subject described is a
topic of discussion only and is presented as a singular position and is not meant to describe or
endorse the positions or viewpoints of anyone other than the author.]
REJECTING A BROKEN SYSTEM
GARAN: In 1998, my senior year I was voted homecoming King and Becky Bird was
voted the Queen. Here is the thing, that is the year they tore out the old football and
baseball field. That season all of the home football games had to be on the road, it was
crazy!
BRIAN: We had fun every year, that’s for sure. As for being memorable, that would
be my freshman year of high school. I don’t recall who the football team played, but
back then there were still bonfires and large student gatherings that happened in the
evenings. As part of the pep rally that was outside down by the football field, the fire
was set ablaze on the old baseball diamond. The cheering crowd and the lines of kids
running through the area whipping around those poor fools on ends all over was fun.
Later, we went on a death ride on the backroads to Walthill. Tim and Cupcake were
there. Someone’s old truck and too many of us in the back flying all over while the dirt
flew up in the darkness. Fun times, oh yeah, but days long gone. It should have been
1986.
TYLER: I’ve attended only 2 homecomings but I'd say going to WPS’ was the better
one. I didnt have a dress or anything special, but the person/people I went with made
the night. I’ll cherish those memories forever <3
CHRISTINA: Not one year stands out over the other but it was always a good time.
My senior year Alise DeCora and JP Lapointe were homecoming Queen and King.
KEVIN: My favorite homecoming was sophomore year. My mom let me take my
dad’s truck to Sioux City, even though he was working on the highway between Sioux
City and Winnebago, so I had to take the back road all the way there.
When I got to Sioux City, the girl I was picking up said she’d only come if she could
bring her friend—because the dance was on the rez, and she wasn’t too sure about it.
I said fine and ended up taking two girls to homecoming instead of one. One of the
cool parts was that my best friend, Troy Smith, ended up hitting it off with her friend.
They became close, stayed in touch, and eventually even had a baby together. So that
homecoming ended up being a night none of us ever forgot.
BETHANI: As odd as it may seem, I missed out on a lot of my Homecoming
experiences in High School but went during junior high. I think the best part about
Homecoming back then was being able to hang out with my friends, because we
would dance the night away (literally), which was always my favorite part. Dancing &
decorating! :)
By Brian Chamberlain
There are things in our lives that we all need.
Food, water, shelter, these are all parts of our
lives that seem too fundamental to even mention, but without them our lives would be much
more difficult to live. In our tribal history, we
had virtually unlimited access to these essentials
of life because our culture caused us to live the
way we could as being in harmony with the
creation. When it came to dwellings specifically, the people were housed by the land and our
people created ciporokes and such. Those structures were crafted by the people for our people,
allowing us to weather any conditions keeping
everyone safe from the elements.
In today’s society, the colonized mentality
for the basics of our lives comes complete with
the colonized thoughts that include ownership
and indebtedness. When we think about it, those
concepts fly in the face of cultural teachings and
even tribal sovereignty because they perpetuate a belief system that is intrinsically foreign
to our cultural awareness. That is not who we
are. Those things are not what we are taught to
believe in. But still, here we are caught in the act
of perpetuating that mindset. I’ll explain.
Over the past several years, there have been
numerous examples of life lessons that have
challenged my points of view, and some of them
have caused alternate ways of thinking about
age-old issues. As part of this journey, the subjects that continue to return are hardly groundbreaking or completely unheard of. To the point
they are usually shopworn topics that can be dry
and lifeless to some. But this is where I want to
introduce the emergence of a greater awareness
of a topic widely known generally as – historical
and generational trauma.
Academically, this subject is by far nothing
new. To be honest, it has been beaten to death
among those seeking attention for attention’s
sake, with the ending being the same old story
– nothing changes, and our tribal people are
looked down upon one more time as victims.
Yet, despite this subject’s ill-fated introduction,
the matter is valid and brings with it energy that
can be yoked into capturing meaningful change.
It is with that mentality that this editorial is
brought forward.
As the story of our people continues to be
written, we are often reminded of examples of
those too few occurrences when an awakening
occurs. To our favor, we are in the midst of one
of those times again. It is at these points, however, that we can begin to recognize once more
who we are and what we believe, as opposed to
who we are supposed to be, that concept always
determined by someone else. This awakening
is always a good thing, regardless, and it is
happening inside a growing number of our tribal
mindsets. Initially, people will grab for the word
tradition and think this becomes a narrative that
gets to be turned into another failed example
of talking about something but never doing
anything substantive about it. This time around,
let’s move toward making the change more
permanent by fully understanding ourselves and
demanding the inclusion of what we believe in.
The status of our people remains one that has
not changed much. Depending on who you’re
speaking with, this can be a good thing or not
so good. For this discussion we will look at it
as both. It is not so good, because we will look
at the station of our people and the standards of
living we maintain. Suffice to say, that standard
is not high enough, and we are living too close
to economic poverty lines that work to categorize us in groups that have little to no ability to
positively affect our outcomes. Conversely, this
unchanged status is a good thing because we are
still able to recognize for ourselves what we believe in and what kind of people we are. We are
humble, hopeful, and capable of doing anything
we choose to do collectively. Our people are
indeed powerful, although sometimes distracted.
Now, the topic of generational trauma is one
that takes a short definition. Simply put, it is the
on-going existence of traumatic experiences that
have been endured by our people over several
generations. Those sources of traumatic experiences are varied and diverse, including areas of
economic oppression, geographic displacement,
and social degradation of all types. It is the first
of those listed that we will focus on here – economic oppression.
Those generations that came before us lived
their lives according to our beliefs, our traditions, and within our culture. The times that our
ancestry lived in determined for the large part
how the standard of living was for our people.
Prior to contact, our people were known for their
resilience and their ability to live off what was
provided by the creation. As woodland people,
we knew how to sustain our lives through the
harmonious co-existence within nature. We
knew not to take more than what was needed,
and there was no concept of greed, gluttony, or
avarice. The people understood this and for the
most part it went unchallenged.
Following contact, the possessions of the
world became categorized and catalogued so an
accounting of those things could be assigned and
a value applied to each that was foreign to our
people. The concept of ownership was introduced
as the leading belief system. This concept is the
basis for existence in larger American culture.
Along with that ownership came the predominance of control.
The world that had overtaken our reality valued control over all things. As possessions gained
assignment, that level of control placed on our
people worked to erode the most fundamental beliefs we once held. It worked to separate us from
the creation and from one another. It touched at
the very heart of our living selves because for the
first time in our existence, we had to own a place
to live. Whether that was housing, community
places or even the land itself, the concept of ownership, or more specifically, individual ownership
took root and replaced everything about our
beliefs once held in contrast.
In considering the generational and historical
traumas that our people have endured, our own
families all tell the story of how everything we
once held dear was taken and replaced by the
oppressive larger society. Its educational systems,
its views on basic human rights, like food and
water, everything was re-written for our people in
the course of a few short years. These traumatic
experiences not only displaced us geographically,
but they also removed us from the necessities
we once had in simple and ready abundance and
forced us into a system that required payment for
these basics of life.
Fast forward to today. Recently a discussion
was held in front of our leadership where the
subject of housing was raised once again. Depictions of tribal demand and need were retold with
the usual sources of causality identified. Yes, our
people need housing. The need for shelter grows
every day. Moreover, we need adequate housing that fulfills the life needs of the people. But
does this mean we are supposed to also re-inflict
those traumas that got us into this situation where
we are today on yet another generation of our
people? Those traumas being the withholding of
basic human rights, housing in this case, all for
the sake of indebtedness and control by someone
else?
The larger society will tell the story of how
home ownership is the goal of everyone. On the
face, this is true. But only because all people
have a basic human need for shelter. But there is
no need for indebtedness or succumbing to the
control of others while shelter is sought. That is
a made-up reality. What’s more, the proposal that
no housing can be created until a tribal member
agrees to spend 30 years of their life paying for
a basic human right is also a false choice. To
exacerbate the ideology - Did our ancestors tell
one another to pay for their dwellings over 30
years prior to contact? Are we only willing to
help create housing if those who struggle to pay
current subsidized rent also agree to three decades
of debt service? And what of those among us who
are unsheltered? (aka homeless – yes, we have
homeless tribal members!) Do we really expect
someone without any place to live to somehow
now make a mortgage payment for 30 years?
The holdings of the tribe belong to all of us.
Ironic as that may be. Those items and material
possessions are held on our behalf under the
governmental structure we operate. The projects,
the programs, the businesses, everything, they all
belong to our people as a whole. What ought to be
considered is how to better serve our people with
those resources without reinstituting the methodology of a failed system. That broken system
being the American housing system that enslaves
people who are trying to gain a basic human need.
It’s lunacy to think we should replace all that we
believe in, all that we embody as tribal people for
the sake for recreating a reality that has ultimately
worked to hold all of us down.
In summary, we are all part of our circle. There
are over 5,700 of us, thankfully. I hope to see this
number grow and grow and grow. We can provide
adequate housing for our people if we choose to
do so. Because when we decide to do something,
nothing stands in our way. Our people have
endured traumas of all sorts, but we are still here,
though too many of us are struggling just to keep
afloat. Let’s rethink how we affect the lives of our
membership by working together to provide the
basics of life – like housing that is free from the
control of a failed methodology. Let’s not choose
to inflict fallacies upon our own people just for
the sake of someone else’s ideology. Our people
once provided for ourselves utilizing the power
of our tribally based mindset. Move away from
the ways that cause a deeper rift in our people,
those acts that created the have and have nots. As
one tribal leader stated – we are only as well-off
as our poorest tribal member. Once and for all
let us reject a broken system that works for none
of us and begin to lift one another up from the
constraints of a foreign scheme forced on our
people, traumatizing whole generations. We can
do better, so let’s.
Saturday, October 11, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7
2025 HARVEST CELEBRATION POWWOW
2024 Jr. & Sr. Miss Harvest Powwow Princesses Willow Smith & Cam
LaRose leading the royalty during the Grand Entry.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Craig “Tunny” Cleveland –
Friday, September 19th, 2025: GRAND ENTRY
(Whirling Thunder Wellness Center).
Traditional Dancer Lloyd Hamilton amongst other dancers during Grand
Entry.
Winnebago Tribal Veterans Aric Armell, Gordon Rave, and Caroline
Bassette carrying the Eagle Staff, United States flag, and the
Winnebago Tribal flag.
Little Fancy, Traditional, Woodland, Grass Dancers in the front row;
HoChunk Applique & Traditional Dancers in the back row.
Words by Winnebago Tribal Council Vice-Chairman Isaac Smith
addressing the community, alongside 2024 Miss Harvest Royalty with
family. (Sr. Miss Harvest Princess Cam LaRose with Monroe Rave; Jr.
Miss Harvest Princess Willow Smith with AnnaBess Preston).
The ladies of HoChunk Applique lining up for the Bean Dance.
A beautiful sight to see; continuing with the Bean Dance
Honor song for the newly crowned 2025 Sr. Miss Harvest Princess,
Ellianna Blackhawk & Jr. Miss Harvest Princess, Payton Miller on the
left & right, 2024 Jr. & Sr. Miss Harvest Princesses Willow Smith & Cam
LaRose.
Page 8 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, October 11, 2025
COMMUNITY
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF
WINNEBAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A Meeting of the Board of Winnebago
Public Schools was convened in open and
public session on Monday, September 16,
2024 at 4:44 p.m. in the board room at the
Winnebago Public Schools, Highways 77
& 75, Winnebago, Nebraska. The roll was
called and the following Board members
were present or absent:
Present: Teresa Littlegeorge, Crystal
Ross, Patrice Bass, Nilah Solomon, Greg
BassIII
Absent: Sarah Snake (excused)
Notice of the meeting was given in
advance by posting in accordance with the
Board approved method for giving notice
of meetings. Notice of the meeting was
given in advance to all members of the
Board of Education. Availability of the
agenda was communicated in the publicized notice. All proceedings of the Board
of Education, except as may be hereinafter
noted, were taken while the convened
meeting was open to the attendance of the
public.
1. Receiving of Delegations:
2. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 4:44 p.m.
by Board President Teresa Littlegeorge,
also President Littlegeorge states, “MEMBERS OF THE BOARD RECEIVED
NOTICE OF THE MEETING SHOWING THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE
MEETING INCLUDING THE AGENDA
TO BE CONSIDERED. NOTICE OF
THE MEETING WAS PUBLISHED
BY POSTING IN THE SIOUX CITY
JOURNAL AND ON THE OFFICE
DOOR AND THREE OTHER PLACES.”
A COMPLETE COPY OF THE OPEN
MEETING ACT IS POSTED ON THE
WEST WALL.
3. Approval of Agenda
Motion: Ross
Second: Solomon
Discussion: None
Voting for: BassIII, P.Bass, Ross,
Solomon, Littlegeorge
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Snake
Motion Carried: (5-0-0-1)
4. Business Affairs
4-1. Approve minutes of September 9th,
2024 board meeting
Motion: Solomon
Second: Littlegeorge
Discussion: None
Voting for: P.Bass, Ross, Solo-
mon, Littlegeorge, Bass III
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Snake
Motion Carried: (5-0-0-1)
1.
September 16, 2024 Special School
Board Meeting
Maunka Morgan, MBA, Announced as Economic
Development Keynote at 2025 Seven Generations
Inter-tribal Leadership Summit
CEO of Isanti LLC to share insights on Native Nation
Rebuilding and Tribal Economic Empowerment
4-2. Approve increase of base Growth
Percentage used to determine the district
property tax request by up
to 7%. (Requires 70% Board
approval vote)
Motion: Ross
Second: Bass III
Discussion: None
Voting for: Ross, Solomon, Littlegeorge, Bass III, P.Bass
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Snake
Motion Carried: (5-0-0-1)
4-3. Approve to adopt 2024-2025 Budget of Receipts and Expenditures
Motion: Ross
Second: P.Bass
Discussion: None
Voting for: Solomon, Littlegeorge, Bass III, P.Bass, Ross
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Snake
Motion Carried: (5-0-0-1)
4-4. Approve to adopt Property Tax
Request Resolution w/Base Growth %
increase.
Motion: Solomon
Second: Ross
Discussion: None
Voting for: Littlegeorge, Bass
III, P.Bass, Ross, Solomon
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Snake
Motion Carried: (5-0-0-1)
Lac Courte Oreilles, WI — Isanti LLC is
proud to announce that its President and CEO,
Maunka Morgan, MBA, will serve as the
Economic Development Keynote Speaker at
the Seven Generations Inter-tribal Leadership
Summit on Thursday, October 2nd at 9:00 AM.
His keynote, titled “Native Nation Rebuilding:
A Practitioner’s Perspective,” will explore
strategies for tribal economic empowerment
and long-term sustainability.
An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska, Morgan has over 20 years of
experience leading tribal enterprises and advancing Native Nation building. At Isanti LLC,
the economic arm of the Santee Sioux Nation, he
oversees a portfolio of businesses focused on job
creation, revenue growth, and intergenerational
prosperity.
“It’s an incredible honor to join this year’s
Seven Generations Summit,” said Morgan. “This
gathering is more than a conference — it’s a
movement. I’m humbled to contribute to the
conversation on rebuilding our Nations through
economic strength.”
Morgan’s background includes leadership
roles with multiple tribal governments and
institutions, including Little Priest Tribal
College and Migizi Economic Development
Company. He holds an MBA in Health Care
Management and Accounting, and a BS in
Business
Administration with a focus on Native American Studies.
The summit, hosted by Lac Courte Oreilles
Ojibwe University, brings together tribal leaders,
educators, and changemakers to strengthen Indigenous governance, education, and economic
development.
Learn more and register at: www.lco.edu/
sevengensummit Discover Isanti’s mission at:
www.isanti-llc.com
Contact: Marketing Department, Isanti LLC
Winnebago Health Foundation’s Evening of Culture Raises Over $50,000 for
Food is Medicine Initiative
5. New Business
none
6.Reports
Superintendent
Administrator Reports
7. Discussion:
none
8. Public Comment
10. Adjourn at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Crystal Ross, Secretary
Winnebago Board of Education
By: Erin McElroy, Communications Manager
Sioux City, IA – The Winnebago Health Foundation (WHF) proudly announces the success
of its Evening of Culture fundraiser, held on Friday, October 3, at the Country Celebrations
Event Center. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, the event raised over
$50,000 to support Food is Medicine, a critical component of the Winnebago Comprehensive
Healthcare System’s (WCHS) Master Facilities Plan.
The evening featured an Indigenous-inspired dinner, a lively silent auction showcasing Native
arts, crafts, and services, and a breathtaking performance by the Many Moccasins Dance Troupe.
Guests also joined in a celebratory round dance, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of
Ho-Chunk culture.
“This event shows the power of community coming together to support health and wellness
in a way that is deeply rooted in our culture,” said Danelle Smith, Chairwoman of the WHF
Board. “Every dollar raised brings us closer to ensuring our patients have access to fresh, culturally centered, and nutritious food as part of their care.”
The Food is Medicine initiative will bring three important resources to Winnebago: a Fresh
Food Market, a Healthy Choice Café, and a Teaching Kitchen. Together, these spaces will help
patients and families access healthy, culturally-centered food while learning skills to support long-term wellness.
David Edwards, CEO of WCHS and WHF Board Secretary, added: “This initiative is foundational to how we reimagine healthcare for the Winnebago community. Integrating food into care is
an act of healing and prevention, and it is one of the most important steps we can take toward better health outcomes. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported this event and believe
together we will make this vision a reality.”
Over the next two years, WCHS and the Winnebago Health Foundation aim to raise $1.3 million to bring these components to life. Funding will come from a variety of sources, including grants, partnerships, and personal donations. Events like Evening of Culture play an essential
role in moving this vision forward. For more information about supporting the Winnebago Health
Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.wchs.health/foundation.
Saturday, October 11, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 9
WINNAVEGAS CASINO RESORT
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.