Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Food Review:

Waffle House

WTN General Election

Candidate Letters!

page: 7

pages: 6

Hųwą žuk wīra

Volume 54, Number 19

Featured on our masthead for this issue of the

WIN is the icon representing our Pigeon Clan /

Rucge Hikikarac. The Pigeon Clan holds many

important responsibilities for the tribe, including those being connected to war, like the other

Sky Clans to which it belongs. The Pigeon Clan

supplied soldiers for times of warfare. Little has

been recorded about the Pigeon Clan. However, according to Pigeon Clan history it was

one of the last HoChunk clans to be formed. In

Hocak stories the youngest of any group in often

associated with strength, and strength associated

with power or status. Although the strongest, the

Pigeon Clan does not claim the highest position

in the tribe. There are no families within the Pigeon Clan in Winnebago today. Our gratitude to

the HoChunk Renaissance Department for their

assistance in providing this information.

Elk Calling Moon

Saturday, September 27, 2025

WATER: OUR MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE

Water Quality Tribal Community Forum

Nį̄šoc Nįgešąną

By Bethani Redhorn

Photography by Trisha Rivers

[Winnebago, NE] Winnebago Tribe’s

Environmental Protection Department hosted

a tribal community forum in the basement of

the EPD headquarters on Tuesday, September

16, 2025. The purpose of this forum was to

host a space for the Water Quality Team to

provide information and hear input from the

community as they are creating a Watershed

Base Plan aimed to protect and preserve tribal

rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds from nonpoint

source pollution such as urban stormwater,

September 11th, Winnebago Tribal

Seniors visited WarHorse in Omaha NE.

During the trip enrolled elders aged 55

years and up were able to try their luck on

the slots with $50 freeplay. This has been

the second Senior Day thanks to Ho-Chunk,

Inc. & their community engagement team.

ineffective septic systems, and agricultural

runoff.

Representing the Water Spirit Clan, Winnebago Tribal Elder Anthony Earth offered

a prayer for the meal at the beginning of the

event and shared the short version of the Water

Spirit Clan origin story. In closing, he said,

“Water is sacred. Nothing on this earth can live

without water. Water is life.”

Packed with important information, Water

Quality Specialist Aseanna Overfelt provided

a breakdown on aquifers, watersheds, and the

location of both watersheds in Winnebago:

Blackbird Soldier on the east side of the reser-

vation and Logan Creek on the west side of the

reservation. A watershed is an area of land that

collects water to a single point, and each body

of water which includes ponds, lakes, streams,

rivers, and even oceans have its own unique

watershed. Aseanna identified the key aquifers

for Winnebago: the Missouri River aquifer

and the Dakota Sandstone aquifer. An aquifer

is an underground layer of permeable rock

or sediment that stores and transmits groundwater. Watersheds include both surface water

and underlying groundwater that recharges

Con’t. on page 2...

Nebraska Tribal Colleges and Universities Drive

Economic Growth and Opportunity Statewide, New Study Finds

September 21st, the WPS 5/6th grade boys

football team won 50-18. Great job team!

#GoBigBl

By: Harper Estey

September 23rd, the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System hosted a

Family Night event. This family-friendly

event featured supper and carnival games

while implementing mental, emotional, and

physical health. This stress-relief focused

event was made possible by the Winnebago Public Health Nursing Department &

collaborating partners.

Lincoln, NE – A comprehensive economic

impact report released this week spotlights the

essential role of Nebraska’s Tribal Colleges

and Universities (TCUs) in fueling state and

local prosperity. Produced through the American Indian Higher Education Consortium

(AIHEC) in partnership with Lightcast, the

study quantifies the pivotal financial and social

contributions of Nebraska TCUs – Little Priest

Tribal College and Nebraska Indian Community College – for fiscal year 2022-23.

“The work we do at Little Priest Tribal College touches lives far beyond our classrooms,”

said Manoj Patil, President of Little Priest

Tribal College. “This report highlights the

vital role our college plays in Thurston County

and across Nebraska—strengthening Native

identity, fueling prosperity, and equipping students with the skills to thrive. Our community’s

success is a testament to the power of education

rooted in culture and excellence.”

Nebraska’s TCUs provide a lifeline of

accessible, culturally relevant higher education,

technical training, and workforce development

for Native and non-Native communities. With

deep ties to local employers and communities,

these colleges empower students across Nebraska to achieve their potential, gain workforce-ready skills, and contribute directly to the

region’s vitality.

Economic Contributions

“Little Priest, along with Nebraska’s other

Tribal Colleges, provides students with the

skills and opportunities they need to succeed,”

said Senator Fischer (R-NE). “I am grateful for

their efforts to strengthen not only their local

communities, but our entire state, and I look

forward to continuing to work with TCUs to

support their mission of driving prosperity for

all Nebraskans.”

The report reveals Nebraska TCUs delivered $19.2 million in added income—equal to

supporting 337 jobs statewide through direct

spending, student activities, and the enhanced

productivity of alumni.

Key findings include:

Operations spending impact: $7.9 million

Con’t. on page 2...

Visit us at winnebagotribe.com

Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, September 27, 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS

...Cont. from front page NEBRASKA TRIBAL

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY STATEWIDE, NEW STUDY FINDS

annually, supporting 177 jobs.

Construction spending impact: $926,900 and

10 jobs created.

Student spending impact: $616,100 and 12

jobs, representing expenditures by retained

students and those benefiting from scholarships

and aid.

Alumni impact: $9.7 million in added income and 138 jobs, the largest single source of

ongoing benefit.

Nebraska TCUs play a transformative role

across multiple sectors, generating measurable

impacts in construction (35 jobs), retail (28

jobs), health care (24 jobs), and accommodation & food services (17 jobs), demonstrating

the colleges’ centrality to Nebraska’s economic

ecosystem.

Nebraska TCU students enjoy exceptional

value from their educational investment:

For every $1 invested, students gain $12.10

in increased lifetime earnings.

The average annual rate of return is 27.8%,

far exceeding returns from stock market or

savings accounts.

Associate degree graduates earn $8,500 more

per year than those with only a high school

diploma, yielding an undiscounted lifetime

benefit of $365,500 per graduate.

Taxpayer investment yields robust returns:

For every public dollar invested, national

taxpayers receive $1.60 in value through increased tax receipts and public sector savings.

Nebraska taxpayers achieve an outstanding

ratio of $3.60 returned for every dollar invested—including higher revenues and reduced

government costs.

The study finds that, as society invests $14.9

million in Nebraska TCUs, the resulting social

benefit totals $76.6 million – a benefit-cost ratio of 5.2. These gains extend beyond economics, encompassing better health, reduced crime,

and less reliance on public assistance, helping

build a stronger Nebraska for all.

“A flourishing Tribal higher education

sector doesn’t just benefit Native communities

– it strengthens the entire nation,” said AIHEC

President Ahniwake Rose. “TCUs equip

students with the skills they need to thrive and

lift up families, businesses, and economies far

beyond reservation borders. This study makes

it clear: when we invest in Tribal Colleges and

Universities, we invest in expanded opportunity, upward mobility, and lasting prosperity for

all Americans. Supporting TCUs is not only the

right thing to do – it is a powerful strategy for

building a stronger, more resilient future for

generations to come.”

Nebraska Indian Community College and

Little Priest Tribal College are vital educational

and economic pillars serving diverse populations statewide. The Lightcast analysis draws

on institutional data as well as sources such as

the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S.

Census Bureau, using rigorous, conservative

methods to produce actionable findings for

Nebraska leaders and stakeholders.

For more information or to schedule

interviews, contact Harper Estey at Harper@

NUNAConsultGroup.com.

About the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC):

American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) provides a support network to

the nation’s accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and works to influence public

policy on American Indian and Alaska Native

higher education issues through advocacy, research, and programmatic initiatives; promotes

and strengthens Indigenous languages, cultures,

communities, lands, and tribal nations; and

through its unique position, serves member

institutions and emerging TCUs.

...Cont. from front page WATER: OUR MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE - WATER QUALITY TRIBAL COMMUNITY FORUM

aquifers, which are sources for the groundwater supply. The team also identified project areas

to improve water quality for the Kelly Pond, H-Lake, Sampson Springs, and Hensley Springs

as well as beautifying these areas.

The event featured guest speakers such as Michelle LaMere, who shared the importance

of traditional plants; Kevin Abourezk, who spoke on behalf of Great Plains Action Society to

share the threats to air and water with a map that charts key industrial polluters in the surrounding areas of Nebraska and Iowa; Lorelei DeCora, Winnebago Tribal Council Member;

and included comments from a few tribal members in attendance such as Keely Purscell, Trey

Blackhawk, Crystal White, and Scott Aldrich Sr.

The forum was sponsored by Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, The Land

Institute, Palmer Candy Store, Brutal Doodles, JEO Consulting Group, Scheels, and Red Sky

Nation. There was also a youth coloring contest featured at the event to demonstrate how recycling and resharing can be achieved on a community-wide scale which was shared by Brutal

Doodles.

The Water Quality Team also encouraged all Winnebago Tribal Members/Community Members to take part in their online survey which was heavily promoted on their social media page:

Winnebago Tribe Environmental Protection Department. For more information, you can visit

their webpage on the Winnebago Tribe’s website: winnebagotribe.com/epd

***Editor’s note: In case you may have missed it, this event had a livestream provided by

the Big Voice and you can view the playback at any time by visiting our YouTube channel:

KWTN The Big Voice.

Saturday, September 27, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3

Wāgax hųk ra wāgax hokik’ųna

Letter to the Editor

JESUS OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN OUTREACH

‘Enter through the narrow gate’

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide

is the gate and broad is the road that leads to

destruction, and many enter through it. But

small is the gate and narrow the road that leads

to life, and only a few find it” [Matthew 7:1314 NIV(84)].

These words and teachings of Jesus are hard

for many to read or to hear. Why are they hard

to hear? They are hard to hear since they go

against what many teach and against what most

people believe will happen to those who pass

from this world to . . . well - to either everlasting life in paradise or to a place that I will call

‘No God’s land.’

‘No God’s land’ is a place where God presence is not felt! ‘No God’s land’ is a place of

the absence of the love of God. ‘No God’s land’

is a place where one who had forsaken God - or

who banished Him - or who had no place in his

or her heart and mind for God.

Sadly, tragically most people do not, I repeat

do not place their faith, their trust, their hope in

Jesus, the world’s one and only Savior. Rather

they placed other things, things that had been

created by God - above God.

By: Pastor Ricky Jacob

Satan was the first to attempt to grasp equality with God. Satan failed and was banished

from God’s loving presence. Satan now attempts to have more and more to journey down

the WIDE ROAD that leads to . . . . (what did

Jesus say?) . . . that leads to destruction.

Jesus goes on to inform his disciples and

us too - that many enter through the gate of

everlasting death - everlasting suffering without

God - in other words they end up in ‘No God’s

land’. They have no one to blame but themselves. They have been WARNED - they have

been asked to follow Jesus as Jesus follows the

will of his Heavenly Father. They have stubbornly refused Jesus’ gracious invitation.

On the other hand there is Good News for

the few, yes the few: Jesus’ Spirit fills the few,

the chosen, the brave Christians to have faith in

Jesus as the Victorious Christ - God’s Anointed

One! Jesus’ Spirit moves the few, the chosen,

the brave Christians to action - to go on ‘good

works’ in accordance with the will of God.

I close with the words of Good News of

Jesus: “Enter through the narrow gate. . . . the

gate that leads to life!” [Matthew 7:13-14 NIV]

Winnebago Tribe’s Jajap Telecommunications is

Soliciting Contraction Bids

BIG VOICE RADIO

KWTN

100.9 FM

Official Radio Station of the

Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska

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”.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

In the Matter of the

Guardianship Petition of:

Dawn Baxter

In Re:

L.S. (Born 10/2014)

R.S. (Born 01/2012)

In the Matter of the

Name Change Petition of:

EMARIE ROSE LEVERING-RAVE

to EMARIE ROSE SNOW

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV25-056

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV25-135

TO:

To: REBECCA RAVE, MOTHER

WAYLON BROWN, FATHER

ANY INTERESTED PARTIES

Derrick Standing Soldier, 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. CV25-135 has been scheduled and

will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court

of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 29TH day of

August, 2025 at the hour of 11:00 A.M.

You are hereby notified that a petition for

Name Change has been filed and a hearing

concerning the above referred Individual in

case no. CV25-056 has been scheduled and will

be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 6TH day of October,

2025 at the hour of 10:00 A.M.

Fiber high-speed internet service is getting closer to being a reality for residents and businesses on the Winnebago Reservation and neighboring communities. The Tribe begins accepting contractor bids to install both the infrastructure and service lines beginning September 15, 2025. The bid letting will take

approximately 30 days when sealed bids will be opened and evaluated for bid

selection, followed by formal selection by the Tribal Council.

Brandon Stout, Tribal IT Director shares “We hope to have construction

beginning around Thanksgiving this year. This has been an arduous and tedious

process aligning several federal agencies to approve various stages and components of the project before we could engage contractors to begin on-the-ground

work.” The National Telecommunications and Information Administration

(NTIA), the Tribe’s funding partner, has been patient as the Winnebago Tribe

worked through various complications faced when projects cross reservations.

Going forward based on a press release from the Department of the Interior

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs on September 8, 2025 new

response timelines will expedite the federal processes while respecting tribal decision-making. Winnebago was the first awarded project of its type from NTIA

to bring high-speed internet access to Indian reservations.

The Winnebago Tribe Broadband Connectivity Project will construct a

multi-conduit, underground FTTP system, more than two hundred eighty-one

(281) miles, to connect every household and business within the Winnebago

Reservation and adjacent communities. Communities included in the project

are: Winnebago, Homer, Emerson, Thurston, and Wakefield, Nebraska. The

project will serve eight hundred eighty-six (886) households, 46 businesses and

19 anchor organizations. Utilizing underground conduit for the entire system

aids reliability and connects areas where aerial or wireless access is not achievable due to topography or overloaded existing utility aerial easements.

“Our project is unique in that it will cross the Missouri River in two locations.

First to connect to a central access hub in Sioux City and second to ensure service to enterprises the tribe has on the Iowa side of the river, including but not

limited to WinneVegas,” notes Joy Johnson-a consultant with the project. The

hub connection in Sioux City, IA will provide conduit leasing options to multiple Internet Service Providers. These leases will provide increased revenue to

the Winnebago Tribe, and managing the system will create jobs for Tribal members. Running fiber to each end point will give immediate high-speed internet

access to every household and business. This also creates the opportunity of the

Winnebago Tribe, through Jajap Telecommunications, to provide reliable, economical service in a competitive marketplace to its tribal members and other

residents of the reservation and adjacent communities while creating jobs. Jajap

Telecommunications is currently within the Tribe’s operations similar to the

Tribe’s utility/water services. It is envisioned to evolve and grow in the future as

an independent entity owned by the Tribe.

Contractors can access the bid documents and information on the project at

www.questcdn.com, once logged into the site, insert eBidDoc project number

9224350, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska - Winnebago Tribe Broadband Connectivity Project.

Winnebago Fiber Design map can be found at Winnebago Fiber Design

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on October 11, 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 7, 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

Victoria Kitcheyan................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 Coly Brown................................ Member

Tyler Snake............................. Office Manager Kenny Mallory.............................Member

“Official Newspaper of

Christina Parker...................Desktop Publisher Aric Armell..................................Member

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

Lorelei DeCora...........................Member

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Nebraska Residents....................................$25.00 WTN Communications

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Winnebago Indian News

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or contact us at our e-mail address:

Out-Of-State................................................$35.00

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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, September 27, 2025

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT

September 9, 2025 (1:00 p.m.)

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith (in at 1:14 p.m.)

Kenneth Mallory

Coly Brown

Aric Armell (in at 1:13 p.m.)

Lorelei DeCora

OTHERS PRESENT:

Autumn Nieman

Brian Chamberlain

Jewel Parker

Darla LaPointe

Harvey Freemont

Elizabeth Bayer

Fannie LaTray

Kellie Snow

James Price

Kiana Lewis

Kenny LaPointe

Kevin Ebert

Christina Parker

Sean Bear

Tiffany Armell-Buchanan

TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:

Teresa Littlegeorge (travel)

Rona Stealer (travel)

Eugene DeCora (travel)

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Kitcheyan called to order at 1:14 p.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Councilman Mallory

offered the opening prayer.

Internal discussion until a quorum was made.

Physical Resources Executive Summary for

August 2025. - presented by Autumn Nieman.

[Aric I at 1:13 p.m.]

APPROVE AGENDA:

*Approval of Agenda was missing, due to

lack of quorum when discussion started. Agenda was acknowledged and approved on 9-17-15

by five-signature.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(1) abstain, RS

five-signature motion carried.

[Isaac in at 1:14 p.m.]

Chairwoman states, in session with a Quorum at 1:14 p.m.

Physical Resource Report

a. Monthly Report

Kenneth Mallory motioned to accept the

August 2025 Physical Resources Report. Isaac

Smith seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Land Management

Agricultural Resolutions

Allotment 17W Whitewater 56.6%

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-246: Agricultural Lease – Allotment 17W

Whitewater. Isaac Smith seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Allotment 956 John Four Cloud 72.8%

Kenneth Mallory motioned to adopt resolution #25-247: Agricultural Lease – Allotment

956 John Four Cloud. Coly Brown seconded

the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT:

Automotive expenses

Discussion – FY 2023, 2024, and 2025 expenses, Will return with an action item.

Request for additional funding for Facilities

dumpster expenses

Aric Armell motioned to direct the Acting

CFO to do the budget mod for the facilities

dumpsters expense of $17,000 for the rest of

the FY 2025 year. Kenneth Mallory seconded

the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

BHC remaining contingency funds

Blackhawk Contingency Fund $80,000 left

over.

Contractor keeps 25% ($20,000) and

the rest ($60,000) will be sent back to ARPA.

No action needed. Information only.

Tribal Housing rental rates

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the Tribal

Housing Rental rate schedule as presented.

Aric Armell seconded the motion.

VOTE: (3) yes, IS, AA, KM (2) no, CB,

LD (0) abstain Motion carried.

FY26 IDC rate calculation – being worked

on. Information only.

EPD Recycling position – Interviews in

progress.

h. WLP Information

i. Legal funding for JD modifications

ii. Reimbursement for transport costs

associated with PD on call

iii. Job Description modifications

In-house legal counsel is currently reviewing.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:

Request for Referral – Liz Bayer

Request for transportation to the away football games for family to attend. Discussion on

all sports the school participates in.

Isaac Smith motioned to have Physical

Resources to work with Tribal Transit to coordinate fans transportation to the away football

games. Aric Armell seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

BREAK: reconvened at 2:43 p.m.

Gaming Commissioner

Lorelei DeCora motioned to offer $55,000

for the Gaming Commission appointment.

Isaac Smith seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Legislative Bus Tour expenses

Aric Armell motioned for Winnebago Legislative Bus Tour to pay $500 for the drum and

$50 per dancer not to exceed $1,250. 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 2:45 p.m. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to come out of Executive Session at 3:13 p.m. Lorelei DeCora

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

ADJOURN:

Aric Armell motioned to adjourn the meeting

at 3:13 p.m. Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 3:13 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Tribal Council Member

Winnebago Tribal Council

CONCURRED:

Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

September 9, 2025

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith

Lorelei DeCora

Coly Brown

Kenneth Mallory

Aric Armell (in at 9:34 a.m.)

OTHERS PRESENT:

Anna Bess Preston

Brittany Thomas

Darla LaPointe

Christina Parker

TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:

Teresa Littlegeorge (travel)

Rona Stealer (travel)

Eugene DeCora (travel)

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Kitcheyan called to order at 9:05 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Vice Chairman

Smith offered the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA: *add Executive

Session.

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the agenda

with addition. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

READING OF THE MINUTES:

August 19, 2025 – Mid-month Tribal Council meeting minutes

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the August

19, 2025 - Mid-month Tribal Council meeting

minutes. Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

August 19, 2025 – Special Tribal Council

Meeting-Human Services minutes

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the August

19, 2025 – Special Tribal Council Meeting-Human Services minutes. Coly Brown seconded

the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

August 25, 2025 – Special Meeting with

Federal Law Enforcement Partners meeting

minutes

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the August

25, 2025 - Special Meeting with Federal Law

Enforcement Partners meeting minutes. Coly

Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

August 29, 2025 – Treasures Report meeting

minutes

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the August

29, 2025 – Treasurers Report meeting minutes.

Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

September 3, 2025 – General Counsel meeting minutes

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the September 3, 2025 - General Counsel meeting

minutes. Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

September 4, 2025 – Special Tribal Council

meeting – Election Candidate and Adoption

Ballot Approval minutes

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the September 4, 2025 – Special Tribal Council meeting – Election Candidate and Adoption Ballot

Approval minutes. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:

Adopting resolution #25-234: FY26 Winnebago Tribe-Food Distribution Program on

Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: Adopting resolution #25-234: FY26

Winnebago Tribe-Food Distribution Program

on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Coly Brown

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopting resolution #25-235: 2025-2026

Early Head Start/Head Start Consolidation

Grant

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: adopting resolution #25-235: 20252026 Early Head Start/Head Start Consolidation Grant. Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopting resolution #25-236: Educare of

Winnebago Supplemental Funds for Nutrition

and Healthy Eating for Head Start Children

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: adopting resolution #25-236: Educare of Winnebago Supplemental Funds for

Nutrition and Healthy Eating for Head Start

Children. Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopting resolution #25-237: FY 2025 Tribal Historic Preservation Office Grant

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: adopting resolution #25-237: FY 2025

Tribal Historic Preservation Office Grant.

Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopting resolution #25-238: Winnebago

Tribe Senior Home Improvement Project FY

26

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: adopting resolution #25-238: Winnebago Tribe Senior Home Improvement Project FY 26. Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopting resolution #25-239: Nebraska

Environmental Trust (NET) Grant 2026.

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: Adopting resolution #25-239: Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) Grant 2026.

Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopting resolution #25-240: FY26 EPD

CERCLA Section 128(a) Tribal Response

Brownfields.

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: adopting resolution #25-240: FY26

EPD CERCLA Section 128(a) Tribal Response

Brownfields. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopting resolution #25-241: Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska FY26 BIL Tribal Response

Program

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: adopting resolution #25-241: Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska FY26 BIL Tribal

Response Program. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopting resolution #25-242: FY25 Winnebago Tribe FDPIR Nutrition Education

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: adopting resolution #25-242: FY25

Winnebago Tribe FDPIR Nutrition Education.

Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Approval to nominate Amy

LaPointe-Houghton, WTN Education Director

and LPTC BOD Chair, to serve on the U.S.

Department of Education’s National Advisory

Council on Indian Education

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature: approving the nomination of Amy

LaPointe-Houghton, WTN Education Director

and LPTC BOD Chair, to serve on the U.S.

Department of Education’s National Advisory

Council on Indian Education. Coly Brown

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Approval to waive the $450.00 fee to utilize

the Ho-Chunk Center for traditional wake services for Zeke Porter. (Mr. Porter was respectfully a member of the Winnebago Community)

Isaac Smith motioned to ratify the five-signature approving to waive the $450.00 fee to

utilize the Ho-Chunk Center for traditional

Wake services for Zeke Porter. (Mr. Porter was

respectfully a member of the Winnebago Community). Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Planning Dept. - Resolutions

OVW FY25 violence Against Women Tribal

Special U.S. Attorney Initiative Grant

Winnebago Tribe Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program

*Resolutions A&B were completed by

five-signatures and will be ratified at the

Mid-Monthly Tribal Council meeting.

Winnebago Youth Shelter 2025-2026 SNP

Reimbursement

Isaac Smith motioned to adopt resolution

#25-245: Winnebago Youth Shelter 2025-2026

SNP Reimbursement. Coly Brown seconded

the motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:

Executive Session

Coly Brown motioned to go into Executive

Session at 9:19 a.m. Isaac Smith seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (4) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

[Aric in at 9:34 a.m.]

Aric Armell motioned to come out of

Executive Session at 10:15 a.m. Isaac Smith

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

ADJOURN:

Coly Brown motioned to adjourn the meeting

at 10:15 a.m. Kenneth Mallory seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Tribal Council Member

Winnebago Tribal Council

CONCURRED:

Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

CEO REPORT

September 10, 2025

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith

Coly Brown

Lorelei DeCora

Kenneth Mallory

Aric Armell

OTHERS PRESENT:

Tiffany Armell-Buchanan

Brittany Thomas

Mark Stout

Terri Lee Medina

Kevin Ebert

Kellen Kelsey

Miskoo Petite

Darla LaPointe

Kristine Earth

Sunshine Bear

Kiana Lewis

Kellie Snow

Anna Berridge

Aaron LaPointe

Corey Cleveland

Cecelia Earth

Ramona Sheridan

John Blackhawk

Jaralyn Bear

Willy Bass

TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:

Teresa Littlegeorge (travel)

Rona Stealer (travel)

Eugene DeCora (travel)

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Smith

called to order at 9:16 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Vice Chairman

offered the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA:

Aric Armell motioned to approve the agenda

with additions. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

CEO REPORT: Presented by Darla

LaPointe.

Aric Armell motioned to approve the CEO

Report as presented. Kenneth Mallory seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

CAO REPORT: Presented by Tiffany

Armell-Buchanan.

Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve the

CAO Report as presented. Kenneth Mallory

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

HO-CHUNK INC:

Presentation on Tribal Court Building Updates – Aaron LaPointe

Tribe purchasing the Court Building for $1.

HCI Board willing to approve it.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT:

Department Spotlight

BOARD AND COMMITTEE:

Enrollment Committee

Lorelei DeCora motioned to accept the Enrollment Committee resignation and advertise

(1) vacancy for 30 days. Coly Brown seconded

the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Hemp Commission – 4 Vacancies, 2 Applicants

Aric Armell motioned to appoint Joshua

Chamberlain and Anthony Earth to the Hemp

Commission. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Pow-Wow Committee – Advertise

Aric Armell motioned to advertise for vacancy for the Pow-wow Committee until filled.

Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

LPTC Board

Kenneth Mallory motioned to appoint

Miskoo Petite to the 4 year term on the LPTC

Board. Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Con’t. on next pg...

Saturday, September 27, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5

COMMUNITY

Motion carried.

LPTC:

MOA Agreement

LPTC to give Thunder Clan Building to the

Tribe.

Aric Armell motioned to approve the MOA

between LPTC and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Kenneth Mallory seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to contact the Sioux

City Tree for the Thunder Clan Repairs for

$35,000 and to direct the Acting CFO to find

the money before the next Treasure’s Report.

Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

ENROLLMENT:

Resolution – Tribal Enrollment Applicants

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-248: Tribal Enrollment Applicants [A4541,

A4561, A4585, A4586, A4663, A4671, A4686,

A4691, A4695, A4696, A4714, A4715, A4716,

A4722, A4729, A4742, A4743, A4745, A4747,

A4748, A4756, A4758, A4760, A4764]. Coly

Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution- Blood Quantum Correction

Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt resolution

#25-249: Blood Quantum Correction (383U01285). Aric Armell seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-250: Blood Quantum Correction (383U01762). Kenneth Mallory seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-251: Blood Quantum Correction (383U01763). Lorelei DeCora seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-252: Blood Quantum Correction (383U01765). Lorelei DeCora seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-253: Blood Quantum Correction (383U03307). Lorelei DeCora seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-254: Blood Quantum Correction (383U04082). Lorelei DeCora seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-255: Blood Quantum Correction (383U04577). Lorelei DeCora seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-256: Blood Quantum Correction (383U04578). Lorelei DeCora seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-257: Blood Quantum Correction (383U05017). Lorelei DeCora seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Coly Brown motioned to adopt resolution

#25-258: Blood Quantum Correction (383U05684). Aric Armell seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Coly Brown motioned to adopt resolution

#25-259: Blood Quantum Correction (383U05852). Aric Armell seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Coly Brown motioned to adopt resolution

#25-260: Blood Quantum Correction (383U06261). Aric Armell seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Resolution – Blood Quantum Correction

Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution

#25-261: Blood Quantum Correction (383U09237). Coly Brown seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEM:

WinnaVegas Request

Aric Armell motioned to approve the

WinnaVegas Montgomery Gentry Entertainment Contract for $30,000. Kenneth Mallory

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve

the CEO Report. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to adjourn the meeting at 12:58 p.m. Coly Brown seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Vice Chairman adjourned the meeting at

12:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Tribal Council member

Winnebago Tribal Council

CONCURRED:

Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

Winnebago Public Health Department Earns National

Public Health Accreditation

WCHS joins elite group as only the

8th Tribal health department nationwide to achieve this honor.

By: Erin McElroy Flores Communications Manager

\Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) is proud to announce

that the Winnebago Public Health Department has officially achieved national Public Health

Accreditation, a distinction earned by only seven other Tribal health departments across Indian

Country. This recognition comes after years of dedication, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the health and well-being of the Winnebago community.

“This accomplishment reflects the perseverance and skill of our Public Health team and the

strength of our entire healthcare system,” said David Edwards, CEO of WCHS. “Achieving

accreditation demonstrates that we are delivering services that meet the highest standards in

public health. It is proof of our commitment to protecting and promoting the health of our people

for generations to come.”

Accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is a rigorous, multi-year

process that requires health departments to:

Demonstrate they provide the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

Show continuous quality improvement and performance management.

Strengthen partnerships with the community and key stakeholders.

Prove they use data and evidence-based practices to guide decision-making.

Commit to ongoing accountability and transparency in service delivery.

Mona Zuffante, Chief Public Health Officer, shared, “This journey has been years in the making.

This recognition honors our sovereignty, our traditions, and our unique approach to community

wellness. It demonstrates that we are paving the way for other Tribal Nations by leading the way in

public health innovation and equity. This milestone is not just a reflection of our commitment

to excellence—it is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and passion that our staff brings to

our mission of striving for a healthy, thriving Indigenous community. Accreditation affirms that

we meet or exceed national standards in delivering public health services, and it strengthens our

foundation for continuous improvement, accountability, and trust.”

Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, September 27, 2025

Question of the Issue:

What is one thing on your bucket list? Tell us all about it.

FOOD REVIEW:

REGIONAL HOSPITALITY –

A REAL LEGEND LIVES ON WAFFLE HOUSE –

MISSOURI

GARAN: If you know me, I love football. My team since its inception has been the

Tennessee Titans. I have yet to go to one of their home games in Nashville. So that’s

one of my bucket list items. While you’re reading this, did you know that the owner of

the Titans was enrolled in a tribe from Oklahoma? The Titans are not doing too great

these days, so I have plenty of room on this band wagon if you want to jump on. Go

Titans!

BRIAN: Travelling is always a good thing to go for when considering things to do

before that day. To see the classic wonders of the world is surely on the list – Giza,

Chichinitza, Great Wall, Hanging Gardens, Great Barrier Reef, etc. And four lanes

from Bago to SUX would be awesome! (Hint NDOR!!!) But the greatest would be to

see our hocak people reunified, no longer split in two. One language, one society, one

people. Geography ought not to matter, and money is a poor reason to keep our people

apart. #WeAreOne

TYLER: Of course, traveling is always the plan. A few things I’d like to experience

are natural hot springs and tropical settings. Sunsets in different, beautiful places.

CHRISTINA: Mine is simple, I want to see the Egyptian Pyramids in-person in my

lifetime.

KEVIN: I want to go to Hawaii!

By Brian Chamberlain

Photos by Sharon Redhorn-Chamberlain

BETHANI: One of the things I have on my bucket list is to travel to Ireland with my

girl Ione Irene! When we were kids, we would work on those country spotlights & I

remember being obsessed with Ireland because of how green & beautiful the country

is. I hope that someday I can check it off my list of must sees! =)

[Kansas City, MO] You may have heard the

stories, you may have seen the social media

highlights, perhaps you’ve even heard the

songs, but there is indeed no place like it in the

world. Of course, Ladies and Gentlemen, we

are speaking of the one and only Waffle House.

The location famous for its menu options, its

hours of operation, and even its extra-business

superlatives launching it into the lore of modern

American society. To quote Tina Turner, listen

to the story…

Following her high school graduation, my

daughter, Savannah, decided to attend Haskell

Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas

to play volleyball. This academic site took us

to some places we had never really been to, including the metro areas of Kansas City. On both

sides of the Missouri River, Kansas City boasts

some excellent meal choices that we could

spend time on and never try them all. Kansas

City is also known for its world-class bar-b-que

offerings that are the absolute best anywhere.

Travelling to Lawrence, Kansas is relatively

simple, just take I-29 South until you reach

KC, then I-70 West. Drive times are about 4 ½

hours – give or take pit stops. Haskell volleyball travels well and definitely has a presence

in their local region. This became the reason we

found ourselves in the KC area so often.

Not long after familiarizing ourselves with

Lawrence, we also found the icon that is known

all throughout the South. A staple in southern

living that singers, politicians, and even comedians have paid homage to – Waffle House.

As a matter of fact, there is one right along the

interstate as you head West on I-70 leaving KC.

As time goes on we found that there were even

more locations, including ones in Platte City,

MO, Tiffany Springs, MO, and further north in

St. Joseph, MO. Yes, we’ve been to them all –

and more!

When you arrive, you can see the place isn’t

very large. The iconic yellow and black logo

covers the structures causing the eye to notice

how close you are. The windows surround the

dining area making it easy to view what’s going

on inside and there’s never many times when

you get to go inside as the only customers. As

with all places famous for breakfast, the morning times are typically busy no matter which

location you go to. But what they’re famous

for besides the food, is turning the orders out

quickly. In those early days, we would often

drag our boys with us on our trips, and they

liked eating a big breakfast.

The Waffle House menu isn’t enormous,

standard American “continental” is exactly

what they’re about. The galley style kitchen

makes it easy to find a seat and see just how

your food is going to be prepared. We usually

go for the breakfast items, but if you’re so

inclined there are standards like burgers, melted

sandwiches, small steaks, and even salads.

Our favorites now are the All-Star breakfast

combo. Its two eggs cooked to order, choice

of meat, either bacon sausage or ham, toast –

white, wheat, or raisin bread, hashbrowns or

grits and of course the namesake of the food

chain, the waffle. The dishes are served to order

with add-ons available that include – mushrooms, onions, diced ham & jalapenos. Those

have code names, which add to the experience.

To really cap it off when you’re super hangry,

you can also add an egg and even double the

hashbrowns. Now that’s a breakfast feast!

The waitstaff are usually well trained and it’s

easy to see which ones have been working for

a long time. They have the lingo down pat, and

they all know how jibe and jaw with the others

– including the cooks. As part of the vibe of

each location, the way they banter is part of the

experience. Each order is delivered verbally,

sides, prep and extras included. The cooks are

incredibly adept and memorize everything as it

is barked out by the waitstaff. Expect a lively

and actively loud restaurant if you’ve never

been there.

Again, the time it takes to get your food from

the galley kitchen is usually quick. The only

long experience we’ve had was actually in an

Orlando, Florida location, when the cook was

also the waitstaff. Someone called in, I guess.

Food ended up good regardless of timing.

So, travelers, if you find yourselves near

a Waffle House, I highly recommend taking

the time to stop in. The closest location to

Winnebago is the St. Joseph, Missouri location.

It is right off the interstate and easy to see.

We’ve never had a bad experience at any of the

locations around KC that we’ve been to. But

we frequent the Tiffany Springs location or the

one that is on Armor Road just off I-29 to the

south of Worlds of Fun. But the one across the

road of WoF is good too (yes, there’s two that

close) – ha-ha!

When you go don’t be afraid to order up

and experiment with the add-ons. I like getting

mushrooms, onions, and ham added to my

order. The jukebox is also a nice amenity that

quickly livens up the joint. But don’t be scared

or surprised if you hear the staff start yelling.

That’s all part of the experience. Enjoy!

Notice:

Boarding School Remembrance Day

is coming up on

September 30, 2025.

Participate by wearing the color orange on this day.

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.

Saturday, September 27, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7

TRIBAL COUNCIL

CANDIDATES

CANDIDATE: Ireta Frazier

Haini te’e hanač hinikaragiwi

(This morning I greet you all.)

My name is Ireta (Hunter) Frazier,

and I am ready to earn your vote in

the 2025 Winnebago Tribal Council

elections.

My bloodline

Mother: Monica (Hunter) Cleveland

(Winnebago)

Father: Charles Blackbird (Spirit

Lake Nation)

Maternal Grandparents: Louise (LouMae) Hunter & Lloyd Hamilton Sr.

(Winnebago)

Paternal Grandparents: Charlene Tebo

& Frank Tebo (Winnebago) / Louise

(Dewey) Blackbird (Spirit Lake Nation)

Education

Little Priest Tribal College – Associate of Science in Business

Bellevue University – Bachelor of

Science in Business Administration

Leadership & Service

I have served on several boards and

committees, where I’ve brought my

expertise and vision for our community:

Ho-Chunk, Inc. Board of Directors

Winnebago Housing Development

Commission

Educare Policy Council & Parent

Committee

Utility Board

Tribal Housing Board

Core Skills

Effective Communication

Leadership & Teamwork

Conflict Resolution

Strategic Planning

Budgeting & Policy Development

Grant Management (Tribal, State,

Federal)

My Vision for the Winnebago

People

Youth Advancement

Our youth are the future of our Tribe.

We need to start providing language,

culture, and healthy lifestyle education

from kindergarten onward. Restore

and expand after-school programs for

sports, cultural learning, and community engagement. Teach financial literacy

and real-life skills so youth are prepared for adulthood. Create youth work

opportunities to explore trades, administration, and other career paths.

Elders

Our elders cared for us — now it

is our turn to care for them. Push for

better elder care services, including

staffing solutions for assisted living or

nursing home, whichever would make

more sense. Advocate for monthly

financial support, such as food vouchers or home necessities. As our elders

are most vulnerable and set income

monthly.

Employment for Winnebago Members

We need stronger opportunities for

our people. Reviewing employment

policies so small barriers, like minor

driving record issues, don’t prevent

hiring. Gathering HR data across all

entities to track hiring, promotion,

and retention of Winnebago members.

Holding our organizations accountable

to ensure our people are prioritized in

our workforce.

Language, Tradition & Culture

Our HoChunk ways define us as

Hochunk people. I am full support for

our language learning, but we need to

expand classes for all ages which may

be having after school programming

or evening classes. Increase community cultural programs so knowledge is

passed to the next generations.

Supporting the Less Fortunate

Growing up in Winnebago, I’ve seen

the struggles many of our families face.

Our programs need to develop workforce pathways that connect assistance

programs to meaningful employment.

Strengthen addiction support and outreach services, with additional trained

workers and community education.

Build a community of understanding

and support, not judgment, so we uplift

one another.

I am deeply committed to our people,

our sovereignty, and our future generations. I will amplify your voices, act

with integrity, and work tirelessly to

build a stronger, healthier, and more

unified Winnebago Tribe.

Vote Ireta Frazier for Winnebago

Tribal Council.

CANDIDATE: Keely Purscell

Dear Tribal Members,

I am asking for your vote on October 7th for the Winnebago Tribal

Council.

My name is Keely Bassette Purscell. My HoChunk name is Ni hiro

hap pi wiga. I am the daughter of

the late Sharon Rose Bassette and

granddaughter of the late Howard

and Pamelia (Earth) Bassette. I am a

member of the Water Spirit Clan.

I am writing to you today with a

vision for our community that is rooted in care, support, and progress. As

we head toward the future, I believe

there are several key areas where we

can make meaningful differences and

improvements for all tribal members:

1.

I support a per cap for tribal

members.

2.

I support the proposition to

increase all currently enrolled members blood quantum to 4/4 for the

upcoming Secretariat Amendment

Vote. This amendment to the constitution is a step in the right direction.

Enrollment is a complex and sensitive

issue for many of our families. We

must find a way to honor our cultural

identity and values, while ensuring

that our tribal membership remains

inclusive and meaningful.

3.

I support Supportive Housing:

It is crucial that we have supportive

housing available for those who may

benefit from a group home setting,

ensuring that all our community members are cared for in a respectful and

dignified manner.

4. I support Dual Language Classrooms: Students and staff are proving

that our HoChunk Language and Culture can help all HoChunk children.

By increasing funding and providing

teacher support for dual language

classrooms, we can continue to share

our rich culture with all our children.

5. I support a transparent tribal

council: Transparency is vital in fostering trust and unity within our tribe.

6. I support a tribal member-only

addition to our website: Some tribal

matters and tribal business are intended for tribal members only and are not

meant to be seen or discussed in front

of the general public.

Our culture and history have laid

the foundation for who I am. I would

be honored to have your vote and

to represent you on the Winnebago

Tribal Council.

Respectfully,

Keely M. Purscell