Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Throw back pics of

Last Bear Moon powwow

Higher Education Spotlight!

page: 7

Volume 55, Number 4

For this issue of the WIN our masthead

features the icon representing the Fish

Clan / Ho Hikikarac. The Fish Clan holds

many functions within our tribe. Of those

they held responsibility for our engineering, commerce, and the environment.

Fish Clan members are Friendship clan

to the Snake Clan. The Fish Clan is one

of the eight Earth clans. In ancient times,

the Fish Clan may have held a special

significance, given the name of our people

is a compound word beginning with Ho,

reflected in the name Hocak. Families

belonging to the Fish Clan include: Big

Head, Blackfish, Fischer, Houghton, and

Sharpback. Our gratitude to the HoChunk

Renaissance Department for their assistance in providing this information.

Nį̄ šoc Nįgešąną

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s

HR department has recognized Elaine

Rice as January 2026’s Employee of

the Month. Elaine’s work for WTN

and HoChunk Renaissance has shown

outstanding performance and consistently exceeded expectations.

Congratulations!

page: 5

Hųc wī hiroāgnį na

Last Bear Moon

Saturday, February 28, 2026

DOXEY DOES IT AGAIN:

B2B STATE WRESTLING CHAMP

By Bethani Redhorn

Photography by Tyler Last, Antonyo Johnson, & Shot by Cheline

[Winnebago, NE] Jared Doxey does

it again! He becomes the first back-toback Nebraska School Athletics Association State Wrestling Champion and

the first multiple-time state champion

amongst all sports, team or individual,

in Winnebago Indians history. Doxey defended his title in the Class-C

heavyweight division at the CHI Health

Center in Omaha, NE from February

19-21, 2026, in the NSAA Boys State

Wrestling Championship Tournament.

Jared is the son of Angel Terese

Figueroa and Jared Doxey Sr. His HoChunk name is Hac Maci Ga, meaning

Lives by the Village. He is currently

in his Senior year at Winnebago Public School and began wrestling on the

youth wrestling team, Company A

Scouts, in the fourth grade. Following a

few years off, Jared rejoined wrestling in

the eighth grade, fell back in love with

the sport, and has consecutively wrestled

since.

There is a lot of blood, sweat, and

tears that go into the sport of wrestling.

Doxey talked about several factors that

are considered in wrestling, whether you

are battling, cutting weight, trying to

stay in top shape, or winning matches;

pressure is at an all-time high building

up to the state tournament. Three words

helped Doxey lock in this season which

is purpose, goal, and focus. “You need

to have a purpose, not only in the room,

but in your everyday life. You need to

have a purpose of what you want to

be, your goal, your purpose to get that

goal,” shared Doxey. Mending a dislocated thumb and a knee injury a week

out of districts, Doxey showed resilience

through adversity.

Earning his first state gold medal in

2025, Doxey shared that Coach Adam

Tranmer reminded him of the target he

had on his back coming into this season

and that everyone would try to wrestle

their best against him. In the first wrestling tournament for the season, a tone

was set. From there, Doxey dominated

through the season with his eyes on the

goal of becoming this year’s back-toback state champion. At the State Wrestling Championship Tournament, Doxey

won all four matches, two tech falls and

two pins. A tech fall occurs when there

is a 15-point lead against the opponent.

Closing his record-breaking season out

with an undefeated 55-0 record and a

back-to-back state champion!

*Editor’s Note: Congratulations on

behalf of the Winnebago Tribe’s Communications department, Jared! We are

so proud of you! Thank you for sitting

down with the WIN for an interview to

talk about your senior year season and

the events leading up to state. Have fun

on your campus tours!

Building Digital Sovereignty: Fiber-to-Home Project

On February 25th, the WTN EPD

department attended the Environmental Advocacy Day at the Iowa State

Capitol. The Iowa Environmental

Council curated this event to promote

awareness and educate. Environmental groups were brought together to

highlight and advocate for policies that

protect our natural resources.

Ho Chunk Renaissance met with our

Elders and were able to listen to their

stories, memories and wisdom. Their

teachings and shared history continue

to guide us and remind us of the importance of listening and carrying our

knowledge forward to the community.

Renaissance has also finished their

Princess Etiquette Classes; participants

learned how to formally introduce

themselves, their clan, age and family

members.

By Bethani Redhorn

Photography from Archive

[Winnebago, NE] Building digital

sovereignty in Winnebago as construction

for the fiber-to-home project with Jajap

Telecommunications is now underway!

This project is a historic moment for our

community, bringing high-speed fiber internet to homes and businesses in the Winnebago community as well as surrounding

areas such as Homer, Emerson, Thurston,

and Wakefield. Jajap Telecommunications

is owned and operated by the Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska.

Currently in phase two, a service line

agreement (SLA) for homeowners is

required and allows crews to install a fiber

connection box at your home or business

for FREE! There is no charge included for

the installation, and it should be noted that

only the homeowner or property owner

can sign and submit the SLA. Any renters

that are interested will need to request

landlords to complete the agreement.

Completing the agreement will allow for

fiber installation but does not include signup for services as that will be included in

phase three.

It’s important for homeowners, property

owners, and landlords to complete the SLA

as it allows for fiber box installation ahead

of construction, it speeds up the connection process once service is available,

helps the IT department map completed

addresses, prepare for installation, and

ensures homes and businesses are ready

on day one of service. Additional benefits

of having high-speed fiber internet include

clear video calls with family and friends,

telehealth appointments with doctors

outside of the area, online learning for

students without buffering, and increasing

property values by having fiber available.

The service line agreement form

is available online on the Winnebago

Broadband website and paper copies are

available for those without internet access.

Questions can be directed to Brandon

Stout, Winnebago Tribe’s IT Department

Director, by calling (402)878-2272, or

email brandon.stout@winnebagotribe.

com. For more information, visit the website: www.winnebagobroadband.com

“Aikiruti hinažį hį’ųkjawi – Help Support Each Other”

Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 28, 2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW FACES IN WTN PLACES!

Welcome to our newest

Winnebago Tribal Employees!

Raegan Chavez

Tribal Deputy

Prosecutor

Nevaeh Moniz-Morris

Corrections Officer

Taryn Thomas

Carpenter Assistant

Sherriel Slowman

Ho-Chunk Renaissance

Project Manager

Maxine Rice

Child & Family Services

Trainee

Saturday, February 28, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3

Wāgax hųk ra wāgax hokik’ųna

Letter to the Editor

JESUS OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN OUTREACH

NOTICE – HELP WANTED

Thurston County Clerk’s Office

is seeking applications for a

full-time office clerk.

Please contact the clerk’s office at

402-385-2343 for more information or

for an application.

‘The Righteous judgment of God’

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Applications may be found on Thurston

County website- www.thurstoncountyne.gov

under services tab. Or in Clerk’s Office.

Choose non-driver application.

Equal Opportunity Employer, preference to Veterans.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV26-068

Winnebago

In the Matter of the Custody Petition of:

Kateri Payer

vs.

Christopher Morris Sr.

Indian News

To:

CHRISTOPHER MORRIS SR,

You are hereby notified that a Custody petition has been filed and a hearing concerning the

above referred Individual(s) in case no. CV26068 has been scheduled and will be heard in

the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,

Nebraska on the 6TH day of APRIL, 2026 at the

hour of 11:30 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE

is owned and

published by the

Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska”.

Christians are reflecting on the passion

of Jesus during this season of Lent. So,

what is Lent? ‘In the early church, Lent

was a time of preparation through fasting for new believers who were baptized

at Easter. Today, it has become a shared

season on the Christian calendar of

repentance and discipline in preparation

for Easter as Christians focus their hearts

on Jesus’s sacrifice and await the celebration of His resurrection’ [taken from

The Pour Over].

At Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Church

we have been studying the first few

chapters of Paul’s inspired letter to the

saints, the believers in Christ Jesus, at

Rome. Paul points out that one is not in

a position to judge others.

However, it is quite easy for you to

be critical of others. One is quick to see

the error of others - while overlooking

the error of one’s own ways. Often we

become judgmental. Even when one

tries not to do so. This is not the way one

should be.

Paul wrote: ‘Therefore you are without

a defense, yes, you, every person who

judges. For in whatever you are judging

the other person, you are condemning

yourself, because you, the one who

judges, are practicing the same things.

And we understand that the judgment of

God upon the ones who practice things

like these is in accordance with truth’

[Romans 2:1-2 Middendorf].

The person who judges is making two

fatal mistakes - according to Michael

Middendorf whose translation from the

Greek I am using. First, ‘you’ are taking

it into your own hands to judge those

guilty of practicing things like these

when it is properly ‘the judgment of

God’. The ‘things like these’ were writ-

By: Pastor Ricky Jacob

ten down in the opening chapter.

Paul wrote: ‘[the foolish unbelievers

and at times Christians as well] become

filled up with every unrighteousness,

wickedness, greediness, [and] evil; full

of envy, murder, strife, deceit, [and]

meanness; [they are] gossipers, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, puffed up,

boastful, [and] inventors of evil; [they

are] disobedient to parents, lacking common sense, disloyal, without affection,

and merciless’ [Romans 1:29-31 Middendorf].

‘God (and God alone) is the One who

justly executes judgment; it is not up to

“you.” Middendorf’s second point: ‘You’

fail to perceive that you are similarly

condemned because you are doing some

of same things. As a result, Paul begins

with the charge that any such person is

also defenseless.

God, through these condemning

words, is actually being kind to you. By

speaking the truth of one’s sinful existence God is demonstrating His kindness

that, I pray, is leading you to repentance.

Repentance, the turning back to God and

owning one’s sins, is the work of the

Holy Spirit bringing one to seek God’s

mercy. This leads one to God’s gracious

invitation to place one’s faith and hope,

not in oneself, but rather in the righteousness of God and his saving work

found in Jesus Christ! A Christian is a

believer in Christ Jesus.

I close with these words from Sacred Scripture: ‘[N]ow, apart from

the Law, a righteousness of God

has been revealed and is now out in

the open, while being testified to

by the Law and the Prophets, that

is, a righteousness of God through

faith in Jesus Christ into all those

who believe’ [Romans 3:21-22a

Middendorf].

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV26-076

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV26-075

In the Matter of the

Guardianship Petition of:

LAURA BUCHANAN

In Re:

A.B. (Born 3/2022)

SHAI WEBSTER, Mother

LAWRENCE BUCHANAN, Father

In the Matter of the

Guardianship Petition of:

Rheanna & Lamuel Freemont

In Re:

C.R. (Born 05/2016)

C.R. (Born 12/2017)

A.R. (Born 11/2019)

DANICIA FREEMONT, Mother

SHAI WEBSTER, Mother

XAVIER RAVE, Father

LAWRENCE BUCHANAN, Father

TO:

DANICIA FREEMONT, Mother

You are hereby notified that a petition has

XAVIER RAVE, Father

been filed for Guardianship and a hearing

concerning the above referred Individual(s) in

You are hereby notified that a petition has been

Case No. CV26-076 has been scheduled and

filed for Guardianship and a hearing concernwill be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court

ing the above referred Individual(s) in Case

of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 26th day of

No. CV26-075 has been scheduled and will be

March, 2026 at the hour of 10:30 A.M.

heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 26th day of March,

2026 at the hour of 11:00 A.M.

TO:

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV26-021

In the Matter of the

Name Change Petition of:

LATRICIA LUCERO to LATRICIA

BLACKHAWK

To:

ANY INTERESTED PARTIES

You are hereby notified that a petition

for Name Change has been filed and a

hearing concerning the above-referred

Individual in case no. CV26-021 has

been scheduled and will be heard in the

Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,

Nebraska, on the 19TH day of FEBRUARY, 2026, at the hour of 11:30 A.M.

Notice of Hearing

Case No. JFJ26-012

The People of the Winnebago Tribe

In the Interest of:

E.E.S. (Born 09/2012)

To:

DELRAE MEDICINE HORSE,

Mother

GEORGE ELKSHOULDER, FATHER

You are hereby notified that a hearing

for an Initial Appearance concerning the

above referred minor individual(s) in case

no. JFJ26-012 has been scheduled and will

be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court

of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 25th day

of FEBRUARY, 2026 at the hour of 11:30

A.M.

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on February 28, 2026.

——————————————————

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 February 24, 2026.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please send change of Advertising/News Deadline

address with old mailing label to:

12:00 Noon Monday Printing Week

Winnebago Tribal Council

Coly Brown.............................. Chairman

Periodicals Postage Paid

Isaac Smith...................... Vice Chairman

(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE

Teresa Littlegeorge.................. Secretary

Rona Stealer........................... Treasurer

Winnebago

Indian

News

Staff

winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com

Phone: 402-878-2272

Bethani Redhorn.....................................Editor Victoria Kitcheyan...................... Member

Tyler Snake............................. Office Manager Ireta Frazier................................Member

“Official Newspaper of

Christina Parker...................Desktop Publisher Trey Blackhawk..........................Member

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

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

Yearly Subscription Rates

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

Eugene DeCora..........................Member

Winnebago Indian News

P.O. Box 687

Winnebago, NE 68071

or contact us at our e-mail address:

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

Overseas.....................................................$50.00

Advertising Rate

Per Column Inch............................................$7.00

Garan Coons.............................Comm. Officer

Gayla Whitewater..........Comm. Office Manger

Christina Parker.............................Web Master

Kevin Ebert..................Multimedia Coordinator

Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 28, 2026

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

MID-MONTHLY MEETING

January 19, 2026

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Isaac Smith

Rona Stealer

Victoria Kitcheyan

Ireta Frazier

Eugene DeCora

Lorelei DeCora

OTHERS PRESENT:

Kevin Ebert

Aric Armell

Anna Berridge

Kiana Lewis

Larry Payer

Kellie Snow

Aaron LaPointe

Terri Lee Medina

Keri LaPointe

Greg Walker

Daryl LaPointe, Jr.

Scott Medina, Olsson

Tylen Bear

Jennie Kozal, Olsson

Anthony Bassette

Velma Alaniz

Gordon Rave

Cherie Tebo

Sarah Snake

Keely Purscell

Desirae Kitcheyan

Barbara Pretends Eagle

Willy Bass

Alfred Lopez

Kellen Kelsey

Brittany Thomas

Danelle Smith

Kristine Earth

Fran Sharpback

Tiffany Buchanan

Kenny LaPointe

Darla LaPointe

Dorine Payer

TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:

Coly Brown (PTO)

Teresa Littlegeorge (Bereavement leave)

Trey Blackhawk (Travel)

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman

Smith called to order at 5:08 p.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Kellen Kelsey

offered the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA:

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the

agenda with additions. Victoria Kitcheyan

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

READING OF THE MINUTES:

January 5, 2026, Regular Tribal Council

meeting minutes

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the

January 5, 2026, Regular Tribal Council

meeting minutes. Rona Stealer seconded

the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

January 6, 2026, Treasurer’s Report

meeting minutes

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve

the January 6, 2026, Treasurer’s Report

meeting minutes. Ireta Frazier seconded

the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

January 12, 2026, Physical Resources

Report meeting minutes

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve

the January 12, 2026, Physical Resources

Report meeting minutes. Rona Stealer

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

January 14, 2026, CEO Report meeting

minutes

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the

January 14, 2026, CEO Report meeting

minutes.

Ireta Frazier seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Planning Dept. Resolution

FY 2026 Winnebago Water Resources

Performance Partnership Grant – Clean

Water Act Section 106 (Water Quality )

and Clean Water Act Section 319 (Nonpoint Source Water Pollution)

Ireta Frazier motioned to adopt resolution #26-70: FY 2026 Winnebago Water

Resources Performance Partnership Grant

– Clean Water Section 106 (Water Quality)

and Clean Water Act Section 319 (Nonpoint Source Water Pollution). Rona Stealer

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

TAP Resolution

Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt resolution #26-71: Authorizing the Establish-

ment of a Tribal Coordinating Committee

to Develop and Implement a Tribal Action

Plan for a Comprehensive Prevention and

Treatment Program for Alcoholism and

Other Substance Abuse. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

EAPC, Justice Center update

Update only with presentation.

BREAK: 6:03 p.m. (lost zoom audio),

reconvene at 6:07 p.m.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:

Resolution

Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt

resolution #26-72: A Resolution of the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska in Support

of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Other Tribal

Nations and Opposing Immigration and

Customs Enforcement Practices that Violate Tribal Sovereignty, Civil Rights, and

Treaty Obligations. Victoria Kitcheyan

seconded the motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

ADJOURN:

Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn

at 7:00 p.m. Rona Stealer seconded the

motion.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Vice Chairman adjourned the meeting at

7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

CONCUR:

Ireta Frazier, Recording Secretary/

Council member

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING

January 21, 2026

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Coly Brown

Teresa Littlegeorge

Ireta Frazier

Lorelei DeCora

Victoria Kitcheyan

Rona Stealer (in at 9:30 a.m.)

Isaac Smith (in at 10:32 a.m.)

OTHERS PRESENT:

Danelle Smith

Darla LaPointe

Burke Harr

Terri Lee Medina

Sarah Herring

Kiana Lewis

Jennifer Berridge

Brandon Stout

Joy Johnson

Ramona Sheridan

Maggie Miller

Tyler Smith

Brittany Thomas

Kevin Ebert

Karen Bass

Anna Berridge

Cecelia Earth

Tyresha Romero

Jewel Parker

James Price, Sr.

Bethani Redhorn

Kellie Snow

Chad Smith

Brian Chamberlain

Tiffany Buchanan

Anna Bess Preston

Kirstin Lowry

Billie Kitcheyan

Jeremiah Lonewolf

Nilah Soloman

John “JR” Burge

Antoniette Kyriss

Olivia Steve, Regional Office

Jason Searle, NARF

Beth Wright, NARF

Todd Morman

TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:

Eugene DeCora (PTO)

Trey Blackhawk (travel)

CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown

called to order at 9:15 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Kevin Ebert

offered the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA:

Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to approve

the agenda. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded

the motion.

VOTE:

(4) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

STATE ADVOCACY: Presented by

Burke Harr.

Update on the Legislative Luncheon

event.

[Rona in at 9:30 a.m.]

ACTION ITMES:

Boys & Girls Club NMTC Project –

Novogradac Agreement

Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve

the Novogradac Agreement as presented.

Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the motion.

VOTE:

(5) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

Winnebago Tribal Police Department

Animal Control Policy

Lorelei Decora motioned to approve

the Winnebago Tribal Police Department

Animal Control Policy. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the motion.

VOTE:

(5) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

[Isaac in at 10:32 a.m.]

Wildlife & Parks Code Revision

Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt

resolution #26-73: Amendments to the

Winnebago Tribal Code Title 8, Article 1,

Wildlife and Parks Code. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.

VOTE:

(6) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

WINNEBAGO LAND TRANSFER

ACT IMPLEMENTATION: Updates.

Hunting Season – update for the Iowa

side of the river.

Working with the Casino and Security

regarding the sales of Hunting Licenses,

safety and patrol.

Looking into a boat for patrolling.

WL&P will be hosting training at WinnaVegas.

[Teresa out at 10:50 a.m., in at 10 55

a.m.]

BROADBAND FIBER PROJECT:

Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve an

exception to Bauer Underground contractors insurance/bonding requirements for

its Professional/Pollution insurance policy

coverage for the Winnebago Tribe Fiber

Broadband Project, such that the internal

laws of the State of Nebraska shall apply,

without giving effect to any conflicts or

choice of law principles, to any dispute

concerning or relating to this policy,

including its formation, coverage, or the

meaning, interpretation or operation of

any term, condition, definition, enforcement, or provision of such policy resulting

in litigation, arbitration or other form of

dispute resolution. Ireta Frazier seconded

the motion.

VOTE:

(6) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

BREAK: 11:15 a.m., reconvene

11:29 a.m.

THURSTON COUNTY BOARD

OF SUPERVISORS:

Update regarding draft support letter to present to the Thurston County

Board of Supervisors to approve

regarding County Road D. Avenue.

FEDERAL ADVOCACY:

CONGRESSIONAL UPDATES

Minibus Appropriations Bill

ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES

Administration for Children & Families Comments

ACF’s framing questions and re-

sponses

ICWA, Title IV-B funding

Guidance requiring consistent remote access for Tribes in ICWA cases

HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory

Committee Nomination

Tribal Council nomination letter

submitted for Victoria Kitcheyan

SAMHSA Cancellation the restoration of Tribal Grant

Chairman Brown recommended

sending a Thank you letter for rescinding the termination of the grant.

IHS Tribal Consultation on Agency

Realignment

TRIBAL CONSTITUTION

AMENDMENTS – SECRETARIAL

ELECTION:

Survey will be conducted until the

end of January.

BREAK: 12:35 p.m., reconvene at

1:11 p.m.

LAW ENFORCEMENT:

[Isaac and Rona out]

BIA REGIONAL DIRECTOR INTRODUCTION: Olivia Steve, Regional Director.

Officer J.R. Burge – finalization

of transfer of BIA property from the

Winnebago Tribal Police Department.

EXECUIVE SESSION:

Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to

enter Executive Session at 1:44 p.m.

Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the

motion.

VOTE:

(4) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to exit

Executive Session at 2:57 p.m. Ireta

Frazier seconded the motion.

VOTE:

(4) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

WINNEBAGO HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:

Thunder way updates

HAVW transfer of property to

WHDC.

Eugene DeCora was named to the

TIAC Committee

ICE GUIDANCE: Legal will work

on a statement from the Chairman.

Lorelei DeCora motioned to direct

legal counsel to start the Automated

Speed Enforcement Cameras project. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the

motion.

VOTE:

(4) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

ADJOURN:

Ireta Frazier motioned to adjourn

the meeting at 3:31 p.m. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.

VOTE:

(4) yes (0) no (0)

abstain Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

Saturday, February 28, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5

COMMUNITY

Winnebago Tribe Higher Education Spotlight

WCHS Hosts Heart Healthy Lunch & Learn

Nickolasa (“Nikki”) Jackson

Nickolasa (“Nikki”) Jackson currently serves as a research attorney for the

Kansas Court of Appeals. She earned her

Juris Doctor with honors from Washburn

University School of Law in May 2025

after previously completing her Master of

Studies in Law in 2023 while beginning

her first year of law school.

At Washburn, Jackson served as president of the Native American Law Students

Association chapter (NALSA) and spent

two years on the Washburn Law Journal,

first as a junior staff writer and later as an

articles editor. Her scholarship has earned

recognition in NALSA writing compe-

titions, including the recent publication

of her article, Native History Is United

States History: How United States History

Censorship Leads to Passive Acceptance

of Racial Discrimination and Furthers

the Decline of Tribal Sovereignty, in the

American Indian Law Journal at Seattle

University School of Law. She also earned

fourth place for Best Written Advocate at

the 2025 NALSA National Moot Court

Competition among more than sixty teams

nationwide.

Jackson participated in the Washburn

Law Clinic and received the Zac Bealer

Memorial Award, a public service scholarship. She was also the recipient of several

scholarships from the Foundation for

Natural Resources and Energy Law.

Jackson passed the Kansas bar exam

with a score qualifying her for admission

in any UBE jurisdiction.

Throughout law school, she balanced

her academic and professional commitments while raising her family, including

two children at home. She is from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, enrolled

with the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

and is the daughter of the late Sandra K.

Mitchell and Larry Fairman. She is also

the granddaughter of the late Melvin

Twin, a Winnebago Tribal member and

one of eight Meskwaki Code Talkers who

received the Congressional Silver Medal

for their military service. Jackson is deeply

grateful to the Winnebago Tribe and its

various departments for supporting her

throughout her challenging yet rewarding

educational journey.

Following her clerkship, she plans to

focus her practice on tribal law. #Rezgirlscandoanything

Terri Lee Medina

My name is Terri Lee Medina, and my

Hocąk name is Masų Ska Wiga, White

Quill Feather. I’m Wakąja Hik’ikarac

(Thunder). I am dedicated to education,

leadership, and serving my community.

I’m a single mother of three children,

my parents are Terry and Pat Medina

(Smith); my maternal grandparents

are Waukon and Emily Smith; my

great-grandparents are George and Maggie Smith, and John and Lucy Lowry.

I earned my Associate of Science in

Business from Little Priest Tribal College in May 2022. I then completed my

Bachelor of Science in Human Resource

Management, with a minor in Business

Administration, from Wayne State College in December 2023. Most recently,

I earned my Master of Business Administration from Wayne State College in

December 2025.

I am currently pursuing a Doctor of

Education (EdD) in Interdisciplinary

Leadership at Creighton University and

expect to graduate in December 2028. I

am also a participant in Native Nation

Rebuilders through the Native Governance Center; a two-year leadership

program focused on developing changemakers in tribal communities.

Professionally, I serve as the Community Programs Manager for the Community Impact and Engagement team at HoChunk, Inc., where I will celebrate seven

years in April. I oversee eight youth

development and education programs,

including internships, apprenticeships,

scholarships, career and academic development initiatives, the Career Closet for

program participants, and the oversight

of Community Chat over Coffees. My

work centers on mentorship, leading by

example, and helping tribal members

access educational and career pathway

opportunities.

In addition to my professional role, I

serve my community as Chairwoman of

the Winnebago Tribal Housing Committee and Vice-Chairwoman of the Winnebago Tribal Enrollment Committee. I

am also a member of the Winnebago National Indian Child Welfare Association,

the Winnebago Tribal Election Board,

the Winnebago Homecoming Celebration

Committee, and the Winnebago Water

Resource Committee.

Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS)

recently hosted a successful Heart

Healthy Lunch & Learn Event at Whirling Thunder Wellness Center. Community members gathered for an afternoon

centered on education, prevention, and

strengthening heart health in Winnebago,

NE.

Heart disease continues to disproportionately affect Native American communities and remains the leading cause

of death among Native people nationwide. The Higher rates of diabetes, high

blood pressure, and smoking commercial

tobacco that are seen in WCHS patients

all contribute to increased cardiovascular

risk. Heart disease develops at younger ages in many Native communities,

including Winnebago. This makes early

education, prevention efforts, and routine screenings critical. By increasing

awareness, WCHS’s Public Health Nursing team supports and empowers their

relatives and patients to take meaningful

steps towards heart health.

Guests enjoyed informational booths,

a nutritious meal prepared by Mary

Kelsey during a lunch & learn presentation led by guest speaker Ashleen

Blackbird, DNP, NP. Dr. Blackbird

shared guidance on recognizing risk

factors, understanding personal health

numbers, and making realistic lifestyle

changes to support long-term cardiovascular wellness.

“It was truly encouraging to see so

many community members come together to learn about heart health,” said Carla Olsen-Griffin, Public Health Nursing

Director. “Heart disease continues to

affect our people at high rates, but when

we understand our risk factors and take

small, consistent steps toward healthier

habits, we can make a lasting impact for

ourselves and our families.”

The event emphasized the importance

of routine screenings, healthy nutrition, physical activity, and community

support in reducing heart disease risk.

Opportunities like this reflect WCHS’s

continued commitment to promoting

education, prevention, and accessible

healthcare resources for the community.

Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 28, 2026

Question of the Issue:

The Last Bear Moon (HoChunk spelling) is coming to a close,

which signifies the changing seasons. What goals, professionally,

and personally do you have for the upcoming season?

GARAN: My goal is to get into powwow shape! Both professionally and personally.

BRIAN: As it was also the beginning of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse),

this is a good time to set new pathways forward. Professionally, learning never stops,

so anything new that can be added is positive. Personally, staying the course and keeping those who love you close in my mind and heart feels like the good path to follow.

KEVIN: My professional goal is to make it to retirement and that ties into my personal goal of traveling and enjoying life.

TYLER: Hmm for powwows specifically- I’d like to learn more about using the

manual mode. Jerry Mennenga, a skilled local photographer, is usually at Winnebago’s

events and never fails to show me new techniques and tips.

BETHANI: Professionally, I would like to take part in a creative writing workshop.

I want to improve my writing skills and become a better writer. Personally, the list

goes on and on, but I want to work on getting a home built for myself. I want my own

home and my own space.

CHRISTINA: A lot coming up for me personally. My twins are growing up on me, no

longer my tiny babies *teary eyed* they will be graduating this spring and venture off

into their adult lives. Professionally, with technology always changing I feel like I need

to take a minute from time to time to see what is changing around me and I rarely get a

chance to do that. So with the new sesason I hope to catch some time to research those

new abilities.

Ho-Chunk, Inc. Hosts Leadership Siouxland at

Little Priest Tribal College

Submitted by Kiana Lewis

On February 5th, Ho-Chunk, Inc. and Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC) welcomed

the 2025-26 Leadership Siouxland cohort at LPTC for an evening focused on economic

development, leadership, and culture.

Leadership Siouxland is a regional program that develops emerging leaders by connecting participants with communities and organizations across the Siouxland area. The

visit marked the first time the group gathered in Winnebago, giving attendees an opportunity to learn firsthand about the Winnebago Tribe’s community-centered approach to

growth.

Lance Morgan, Aaron LaPointe, and John Blackhawk presented on tribal economic

development and the Winnebago Tribe’s ongoing efforts to create long-term opportunities. The evening also included a campus tour of LPTC, a traditional meal, and a cultural

presentation and singing by New Breed.

Ho-Chunk, Inc. employees Rachel Penn, Blade Smith, and Kiana Lewis are members

of this year’s Leadership Siouxland cohort, representing the Winnebago community

while developing their leadership skills.

Hosting this cohort provided an opportunity to share our culture while highlighting the

importance of developing the next generation of leaders for both the community and the

region.

BIG VOICE RADIO

KWTN

100.9 FM

Official Radio Station of the

Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska

Understanding Our Waters:

Monitoring and Stewardship in Our Community

Clean water is something many of

us rely on every day — for drinking,

farming, fishing, recreation, and cultural

traditions. Protecting that water requires

consistent monitoring, thoughtful planning, and long-term commitment.

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Environmental Protection Department’s

Water Resources Program works each

year to monitor and assess water quality

across Tribal lands. The information

collected helps guide protection efforts,

inform planning decisions, and support

long-term stewardship of our local waters. Because water flows beyond jurisdictional boundaries, this work benefits

both Tribal members and neighboring

communities.

What We Do:

From April through October, our team

conducts routine water quality monitoring at streams, ponds, and natural

springs throughout the Reservation.

These warmer months are when water

flow, recreation, and biological activity

are most active.

During sampling season, we test for

several important indicators of water

health, including:

• Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus

• Bacteria, including E. coli

• Dissolved oxygen, which fish and

aquatic life depend on

• Temperature and pH

• Turbidity

• In certain locations, metals or other

site-specific contaminants

Each of these measurements helps us

understand the overall condition of our

waters. For example, excessive nutrients can contribute to algae blooms that

reduce oxygen levels. Low dissolved

oxygen can stress fish populations. Elevated bacteria levels may affect recreational use.

By collecting data year after year, we

are able to track trends, identify concerns early, and guide decisions that

support protection and long-term water

quality.

Why Monitoring Matters:

Water monitoring is not just about

collecting data. It helps protect public

health, support wildlife habitat, and preserve natural and cultural resources.

Clean water supports:

• Healthy source waters that supply

drinking water systems

• Agriculture and livestock

• Fishing and aquatic life

• Outdoor recreation

• Cultural and traditional uses

• Flood and erosion control

Consistent monitoring provides

reliable information about the health

of our local waters. Public drinking

water systems serving the community

are monitored separately by the Village

of Winnebago and the Tribe’s Utilities

Program.

Understanding Watersheds:

A key part of our work involves watershed planning.

A watershed is the area of land where

rainfall and snowmelt drain into a common creek, river, or pond. Everything

that happens on the land — from land

use practices to stormwater runoff —

can influence water quality downstream.

The Tribe’s Watershed-Based Plan

was recently accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This plan

provides a science-based framework

for evaluating priority waterbodies and

identifying practical steps to protect and

strengthen water quality.

A Watershed-Based Plan identifies:

• Likely sources of pollutants

• Areas where additional protection or

improvement efforts may be beneficial

• Practices that reduce runoff and

erosion

• Long-term strategies that support

water quality

For our community, this means we

now have a structured roadmap to guide

future projects and continue supporting

the overall health of our local waters.

A Shared Responsibility:

Water does not stop at political boundaries. Improvements upstream benefit

downstream neighbors. Reducing erosion and runoff strengthens water quality

across the entire watershed.

The Water Resources Program works

collaboratively with local, state, and

federal partners to support the long-term

health of our local waters. Protecting

water is both a shared responsibility and

an ongoing commitment.

Community members can help by

maintaining septic systems, limiting

fertilizer use near waterways, picking up

pet waste, and reporting unusual algae

blooms or fish kills.

The Winnebago Tribe’s Water Resources Program remains committed to

consistent monitoring and responsible

stewardship to help protect our waters

for current and future generations.

For more information about water

monitoring or watershed projects, please

contact the Winnebago Tribe Environmental Protection Department.

Submitted by:

Ase Overfelt

Water Quality Specialist

Office: 402-878-4060 ext. 2002

920 N Mission Dr, Winnebago, NE

68071

aseanna.overfelt@winnebagotribe.com

Saturday, February 28, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7

MOMENTS IN TIME: LAST BEAR MOON

BLAST THROUGH THE PAST: LAST BEAR MOON

Last Bear Moon 2019: Photography by Garan Coons

Last Bear Moon 2024:

Photography by Savannah Berlyn Photo & Design

Last Bear Moon 2020:

Photography by Kayleen Blackhawk & Garan Coons

Last Bear Moon 2025: Photography by Keya Clairmont

Last Bear Moon 2023: Photography by Jordana Bass

Page 8 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 28, 2026

LAST BEAR MOON

Saturday, February 28, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 9

SUMMER INTERNSHIP