Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 50, Number 28 • Saturday, January 23, 2021

Bago Bits…

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 50, Number 28 • Saturday, January 23, 2021

2020 Recap: Winnebago’s Biggest Moments from 2020

Awesome job to the Winnebago Girls

wrestling team for their matches in Battle

Creek on January 18th. Zeriah George

kept her undefeated record, making

it 10-0 for the year! (Photo courtesy of

Adam Tranmer)

Little Priest Tribal College began their

Spring 2021 semester on January 11th.

Maintaining social guidelines, here is an

inside look at how LPTC is keeping their

students safe in the classroom!

A visual recap of Winnebago’s biggest moments in 2020!

Winonah Leader Charge

Winnebago’s very own Robbie Lovejoy

made his college debut for the York College wrestling team on January 16th.

#BagoPride

One of the current ongoing construction

projects in Winnebago is the new Halfway House; here is an updated look at

the progress being made.

On January 14th, the Winnebago High

School Wrestling team had a home match

against GACC and Tri-County! The team

also hosted Parent’s Night.

January 2020: New Year's Eve

Sobriety Powwow and Celebration

Community members gathered at

the Blackhawk Center on New Year's

Eve to bring in the new year with

food, dancing and singing.

February 2020: STATE

CHAMP!!!!!! Zeriah George First Girl

State Champ in Nebraska History

February 1, 2020 Zeriah George

became the first girls State Champ

in Nebraska history and Winnebago

wrestling history. She will be forever

etched in Nebraska Wrestling History as the First Ever Girls State

Champion. Zeriah has also put her

mark on the Winnebago Wrestling

program becoming the first State

Champ (boys or girls).

March 2020: Last Bear Moon

Powwow Bigger & Better

The 2nd year of the Last Bear

Moon Powwow, there was an increase of attending dancers and

singers. They all crowded into the

WinnaVegas Event Center on February 29, 2020. It was an event

to remember for all who attended.

There were "celebrity" dancers and

singers in attendance.

April 2020: COVID-19 Temporary

Curfew Order Goes into Effect for

Winnebago

A temporary curfew order was

enacted by the Winnebago Tribal

Council on April 15, 2020 from 7:00

pm to 5:00 am daily. The Winnebago

Tribal Council found the Temporary

Curfew Order necessary to minimize

in-person interaction.

May 2020: First Death Related to

COVID-19 Confirmed in Winnebago

The Winnebago Comprehensive

Healthcare System, comprised

of the Winnebago Public Health

Department (WPHD) and Twelve

Clans Unity Hospital (TCUH), announced on May 21, 2020 the first

COVID-19 related death occurred

in Winnebago.

June 2020: WinnaVegas Casino

Resort to Reopen June 12 with

Safety Protocols

WinnaVegas Casino Resort an-

V i s i t

u s

a t

nounced the reopening and resuming of casino operations at 50%

capacity on June 12, 2020.

July 2020: 154th Annual Homecoming Celebration

The Winnebago Veteran’s Association announced the 154th Annual

Homecoming Celebration for July

25, 2020 but due to the pandemic,

a decision was made by the Winnebago Veteran’s Association to

postpone the powwow portion of

the Homecoming Celebration. This

decision was made to ensure the

safety of fellow veterans, community

members and elders. On September

3, 2020 the 154th Annual Homecoming Celebration took place for

one day at the Winnebago Veterans

Park. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic,

the celebration was a closed community celebration. The powwow

was intended for the community of

Winnebago and those who lived or

worked within the Winnebago Indian

Reservation boundaries. Only local

Winnebago Tribal members were

allowed to participate.

August 2020: Tribal Council Removes the Enrollment Moratorium

Resolution 2014-114

On July 28, 2020 the T ribal

Council voted for the removal of the

Enrollment Moratorium Resolution

2014-114 in a dramatic vote. The

decision was based on the action

being unconstitutional and used the

last approved language as amended

with Resolution 12-127.

September 2020: CELEBRATING

the 4th YEAR OF THE INDIAN CORN

HARVEST

The Indian Corn program has been

successful in many ways by keeping a supply of corn to help sustain

the need for the Winnebago community, and teaching the community the entire process of planting Indian corn from the beginning

until the end.

October 2020: Winnebago Tribal

Council First Order of Business was

to Amend Drug Testing Policy to Remove Hair Follicle Testing

October 7, 2020, tribal council

held a special meeting to address

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s

‘Tribal Council Mandatory Drug and

Alcohol Test’ policy. In a close 5-4

vote, the tribal council approved a

resolution to remove the hair follicle

sample requirement from policy. It

has been replaced with urine analysis testing.

November 2020: WarHorse Gaming: A Bright Future for the Winnebago Tribe

November 3, 2020 was a historic night for the Tribe and the

entire state of Nebraska. With the

resounding win for initiatives 429,

430 and 431, a bright future has

been secured for the Winnebago

Tribe.

December 2020: CARES Act

Funding Update

A description of the overall purpose, expected outputs and outcomes or results of the project or

activity funded by the CARES Act

funding.

Projects funded by the CARES

Act program:

The ATLAS program’s food pantry

has been generously funded to provide food to the community as well

as enhancing its ability to deliver

food to those in the community.

Creating the Housing and Utility Assistance program to provide

financial relief to Tribal members

(both here at home as well as to

those living in other areas).

Food security.

IT upgrades for the Tribe so proper social distancing protocols can be

observed while protecting the staff

and the public, to ensure continuity of services. This helped increase

communication, both internally

for Tribal operations and public

awareness.

Funds provided to local schools

to help slow the virus as well as

providing funds to the hospital to

purchase equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE) & Sanitation of buildings.

Road infrastructure improvements.

Quarantine & Isolation Housing.

w w w . w i n n e b a g o t r i b e . c o m

Page 2 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 23, 2021

BAGO NEWS

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 23, 2021 — Page 3

TRIBAL NEWS

Winnebago Tribal Member Hand Picked to

Serve Under President Biden Administration

Ho-Chunk, Inc.

A historic day for the nation but also

for the Winnebago Tribe. Ann Marie

Bledsoe Downes will be joining the

Biden Administration as the Deputy

Solicitor for Indian Affairs.

Ann Marie is an enrolled member of

the Winnebago Tribe and has been HoChunk, Inc.’s Executive Vice President

of Community Impact and Engagement

for the past 4 years.

In her new role, Ann Marie will be

the Indian Affairs legal team lead at the

Department of the Interior.

President Biden has nominated New

Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as secretary

of the interior, which is head of the

agency. Upon confirmation, Haaland

would be the first Native American

(she's a member of the Pueblo of Laguna) to run DOI, and first Native

cabinet member ever.

“The significance of her appointment to me personally and to all of

Indian Country cannot be overstated.

I’m honored to be a part of that,” Ann

Marie said.

In addition to her role at Ho-Chunk,

Inc., Ann Marie has been Professor

of Practice and Director of the Indian

Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance

Programs at the Sandra Day O’Connor

College of Law at Arizona State University (ASU).

She previously served as the Deputy

Assistant Secretary for Policy and Economic Development for Indian Affairs

at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Ann Marie grew up in Winnebago,

attending Winnebago Public School

and then graduating from Wayne State

College in Nebraska. She later served as

President of Little Priest Tribal College

in Winnebago.

Thank you, Ann Marie! We appreciate your dedication to serving Native

communities, including Winnebago.

We'll miss working with you, but

excited for the future!

Lear n more: https://on.doi.

gov/3pfQZn7

Winnebago Elders Find Hope in the Covid-19 Vaccine: Winnebago Public Health Department Finds Vaccine Clinics Successful

Pictured is Winnebago Tribal elder Jack LaMere, a retired Veteran and commander of

the Winnebago America Auxiliary Legion Post, and Winnebago Tribal Elder Viola Rave

LaPointe, who will be turning 90 in February!

Winonah Leader Charge

Ho-Chunk, Inc. previews new casino designs

Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s gaming division

is previewing design concepts for new

casinos as planning advances at three

Nebraska locations.

This newly-released 3D concept

shows WarHorse Gaming’s future casino at Lincoln Race Course in Lincoln,

Nebraska. The concept is a glimpse

of the exterior and interior of the casino and race course facilities. A video

version is available online at the HoChunk, Inc. Facebook page.

“Our goal is to create a world-class

facility that complements horse racing

by adding a resort-style casino/hotel

on the property,” said Lance Morgan,

President and CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc.

Morgan is an enrolled member of the

Winnebago Tribe.

The new WarHorse casinos will

advance Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s mission

of creating economic opportunity for

Tribal members, and help fund Win-

nebago community programs and

partnerships.

In Lincoln, the $200 million complex

with casino and accompanying resort

will create about 925 jobs there. WarHorse Gaming recently previewed concepts for the new facility at the current

Horsemen’s Park in Omaha. Plans are

also under way for an upgraded horse

racing track and casino in South Sioux

City, Nebraska.

Expanded gaming in some form is

expected by late 2021 at the existing

race track locations, with full casino

operations up and running in 2022.

WarHorse Gaming is a partnership

with Ho-Chunk, Inc. and the Nebraska

Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective

Association (HBPA). Ho-Chunk, Inc. is

owned by the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Hōcąk Corner

Wanaišgųnį

Hepšį

(wah-nysh-goo-nee)

(hayp-shee)

Wellness

Sneeze

On January 13th, the Winnebago

Community COVID-19 Vaccination

Clinic was held at the Winnebago

Public School in the gymnasium. The

vaccination clinic was a part of an ongoing series of clinics for the Winnebago

community, currently focusing on

non-healthcare essential workers and

Winnebago Elders who are 65 years

and older. The Winnebago Public Health

Department made it a priority to get the

vaccine to the Elders, Spiritual Leaders,

and Language Speakers.

“Our elders and cultural knowledge

holders are very sacred to our people. It

is important that we protect them” said

Garan Coons the Comminutions Officer

for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Coons attended the COVID-19 Vaccine

Clinic and was able to document 2 elders during their experience with their

COVID-19 vaccine. The short film titled

‘Elder Power’ can be viewed on the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s YouTube

Channel and Facebook page.

The elders of Winnebago received

their first does of the Pfizer-BioNTech

vaccine COVID-19 vaccine. “I wasn’t going to get it when I first heard about it.

I told my girls I am too old to get it, give

it to somebody else but I have a sisterin-law that is older than I am, and she

said if I didn’t get it, she wasn’t going to

get it. So, that is what made me change

my mind” shared Viola Rave LaPointe,

who will be turning 90 in February.

“I think we should all do our part and

solve the problem by getting vaccinated

from it. I think that is one of the big

steps...It’s a deadly virus so I figure it’s

time to help fight it” said Jack Lamere

a retired veteran and commander of

the Winnebago America Auxiliary Legion Post.

On January 7th, the second round

of vaccinations (also known as booster

shots) were administered to the essential healthcare workers and those living

in long term assisted living facilities.

The COVID-19 vaccine is administered

as a 2-dose series that is given three

weeks apart.

“I would like to reiterate the importance of pushing through the side effects. I hear people say they are scared

because they know others who had

flu-like symptoms after getting the

vaccine. The side effects only last a few

days for some and others experienced

no side effects at all. The vaccine is a

teacher, it is teaching our body how

to respond to this virus. If we push

through a few days of side effects, it

will be worth it. My experience with the

first vaccine was great! I did not really

feel side effects other than soreness at

the injection site. After the second dose,

I did feel fatigue, and muscle aches. I

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on February 6, 2021.

——————————————————

Postmaster Send Address Changes To

Winnebago Indian News

P.O. Box 687

Winnebago, Nebraska 68071

——————————————————

The Winnebago Indian News (WIN),

founded in January 1972, is published

bi-weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska.

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.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The reproduction of editorial or photography content

without permission is prohibited.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please send

change of address with old mailing label to:

Winnebago Indian News

P.O. Box 687

Winnebago, NE 68071

contact us at our e-mail address:

winnebagoindiannews@

winnebagotribe.com

402-878-2272

“Official Newspaper of

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

pushed through the first day without

taking Ibuprofen so I could get the

best response from the vaccine as my

immune system learned how to fight.

On day 2, I took Ibuprofen because

the muscle aches were intense. By day

3 I felt perfectly fine. I know people

who suffered with COVID-19. I figured

a few days of aches and fatigue were

well worth it” shared Winnebago Public

Health Department's Diabetes Director,

Camilla Barajas (RN, BSN, CDE).

“My second shot the side effects were

decreased then from the first one and

I haven't had any problems since the

day after. The vaccinations are going

amazing. Each clinic gets better and

bigger. We have really worked out any

kinks and have increased to our largest

clinic today of 270 people. It has been

amazing that I have been able to witness all our prayers coming true with

the administering of the vaccine. Each

community member or essential worker

that steps forward is in essence saying

that they want to be a part of the solution and fight this virus in their own

way” said Winnebago Public Health Administrator and EMT, Mona Zuffante.

In the CDC distribution plan, the

first phase of vaccinations went to

healthcare workers and those living

in long term assisted living facilities.

The second phase is for non-healthcare

essential workers and adults over the

age of 65. The third phase is for adults

with a chronic disease. The remaining

phases will cover the general community who are 16 years old and over.

These phases ensure the vaccine gets

to those who are at the highest risk for

exposure.

1 new COVID-19 positive case was

reported in the Winnebago community

as of Wednesday, January 13th. The

total number of positive COVID-19

cases is at 317. Reports indicate that

303 individuals have recovered from

COVID-19. There are currently 9 active

cases and 17 families in quarantine.

150 vaccines were administered at

last week’s COVID-19 Winnebago Community Vaccination Clinic for community members, non-healthcare essential

workers, and elders 65 years and older.

During this week’s vaccination clinic,

the Winnebago public Health Department is aiming to administer 270 vaccines. In total, that would make 737

initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine

that have been given in Winnebago.

For additional vaccine information

and to sign-up for the vaccine waiting

list, please visit: www.winnebagopublichealth.com/VaccineWaitingList.

Winnebago Elders 65 and older who

are interested in receiving the vaccine

can also call the Public Health Nursing

Department at 402-878-2258 during

regular business hours.

DEADLINE for this issue will be February 2, 2021.

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Winnebago Indian News Staff

Winonah Leader Charge .............. Editor

.......................................Office Manager

Bethani Redhorn............Office Assistant

Christina Parker............Desktop Publisher

Winnebago Tribal Council

Victoria Kitcheyan .............. Chairwoman

Brian Chamberlain .......... Vice Chairman

Lorelei DeCora ....................... Secretary

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

Coly Brown .............................. Member

John Snowball . ........................ Member

Arik Armell ................................ Member

Louie LaRose ........................... Member

Thelma Whitewater................... Member

Page 4 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 23, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lance Morgan

I have worked as a lawyer and CEO

for the Winnebago Tribe for most of

my professional career. One of the

most common complaints I have heard

during that time from non-Indians in

our area is that the Tribe does not

pay property taxes. This has been the

excuse for withholding a variety of local services from our community over

the years.

Most tribal land is held in a federal

trust land status, which restricts the

state government from imposing property taxes. The trust land system was

set up in the 1880’s because the state

governments had been abusing the

property tax system to take tribal land.

Most people know tribal people suffer from poverty, but they do not understand why tribes have been so poor

for so long. Establishing trust land

stopped tax-oriented land seizures, but

it had a terrible side effect for tribes. It

essentially froze the tribes’ primary economic asset—their land. In the case of

the Winnebago Tribe, trust land is the

leading reason we have been subjected

to seven generations of abject poverty.

Local critics of tribe’s only see that

we do not pay property taxes on trust

land and worry we are not paying our

fair share. However, if you examine

trust land from a tribal viewpoint it

may change your perspective. Trust

land prevents tribes from using property

taxes to fund their own tribal governments. Tribes have been reduced to

begging for funding from the federal and

state governments to fund their roads,

schools, or economic developments.

Trust land also cannot be used as

collateral. Trust land killed homeownership because tribal members could

not get a home mortgage on trust land.

It also killed tribal members ability to

farm because they could not use their

own land as collateral to borrow money

to plant their crops. Trust land killed

entrepreneurship because aspiring

businesspeople could not leverage their

homes or land to fund a start-up. Tribes

did not ask for trust land, it was supposed to be a 20-year stop gap measure

to prevent abusive land seizures, but it

still persists today as a major economic

impediment to growth.

This cycle of poverty was broken by

the Winnebago Tribe when they opened

a small casino near Sloan, Iowa in the

1992. The tribe used some of its new

proceeds to start the company I run,

Ho-Chunk, Inc.

Ho-Chunk, Inc. is one of the entities

behind the Keep the Money in Nebraska

campaign that authorized gaming for

the Nebraska horse racing tracks. Our

economic studies predict that our efforts

will product about $100 million in state

tax dollars of which approximately $70

million will go into a newly established

state property tax relief fund.

I used to push back on local critics

about tribe’s not paying property tax

on trust land by pointing out that our

economic growth actually made us one

of the largest property taxpayers in our

local area. I now cannot wait to point

out that the Winnebago Tribe will now

indirectly be the largest property taxpayer in the entire State of Nebraska.

I tend to be optimistic about the

Winnebago Tribe’s future, but I have to

admit that I never saw this one coming.

In one generation, the Winnebago Tribe

has evolved out of extreme poverty by

leveraging a small casino to build a

large corporate entity, which will soon

be the largest property taxpayer in the

state. You really cannot make this

stuff up. As they say: “Only in (Native)

America.”

In Loving Memory...

Michaelene Kay Parker

Michaelene Kay Parker, 57 of Winnebago, NE passed away on January

10, 2021 at Mercy One Hospital after

a valiant fight with Covid-19.

Michaelene was born to Janice

Hunter and Quanah Parker on September 27, 1963 at the old Winnebago

IHS Hospital. She was enrolled in

the Winnebago Tribe and a member

of the Thunder Clan. Arrangements

have been entrusted to the Winnebago

Wake and Burial program. Services

will be held at the HoChunk Center

in Winnebago, NE with Frank and

Elizabeth White in charge. Visitation

is now until the services on January

13, 2021 at 2:00 pm.

On her fathers side, Michaelene

was a descendant of the Omaha Tribe.

Michaelene's Hochunk name was Nizu

Mani Wiga, Walking in the Rain. She

grew up in Winnebago and graduated from Riverside Indian School in

Anadarko Oklahoma. Always curious,

Michaelene attended college at Northeast Community College, Nebraska

Indian Community College, and

Western Iowa Technical College where

she enjoyed taking various classes in

cosmetology and business.

In 1985 Michalelene married Vernon “Mike” Maxwell. They made their

home in Winnebago and Homer, NE.

They later divorced. Michaelene was a

long time employee of the Winnebago

Tribe, working in several departments

and making many friends along the

way. Michaelene loved to bead and

has a great eye for color. She was

very fashionable and made sure

she had good eyebrows and worked

hard to have nice nails. Michaelene

thoroughly enjoyed visiting with

friends and relatives, often staying

for extended visits and would make

herself at home so much that the littlest relatives would claim her as their

grandma. She was known for her

laughter and huge smile that could

light up the room.

Michalene was especially close

with Mauna God and spent many

hours in prayer. She grew up in the

Dutch Reformed Church, and the

Native American Church. Michaelene

enjoyed going into the sweat lodge

with her uncles and family from her

Omaha side. Never one to shy away

from the truth, Michaelene freely

shared her battles with addiction and

how staying in prayer and recovery

truly saved her. These last several

years have been a blessing to the family and we are so thankful to Mauna

for her sobriety.

Michaelene's absolute pride and

joy were her three sons and grandchildren. She spoke about them

often and prayed for their lives to be

happy and fulfilling. She was very

willing to show you pictures or talk

about the boys and their sports or the

girls dancing. During his high school

years Michaelene could be found on

the sidelines cheering on her oldest

grandson during football season.

Michaelene is survived by her sons,

William (Samantha) Hunter Maxwell

of Homer, NE, Jake Lee Maxwell of

Winnebago NE, Vernon (Jessi) Maxwell of Sioux City, IA, grandchildren

Bradyn, Eli, Edyn, Charlsie, August,

Chase, Londyn, Haivyn, and Evynn.

Her siblings, Dean Hunter of Sioux

City IA, Sheldon Michael Hunter of

Fort Calhoun NE, Everett Bear of

Denver CO, Evan Bear of Eagle Butte

SD, Jamie Parker of Macy NE, Jennie Parker of South Sioux City NE,

Jean Parker of Winnebago NE, Jolene

Parker of Sioux City IA, her Nani

Louis Mae Hunter of Winnebago, NE

and many beautiful nieces and handsome nephews, extended and adopted

family members and her entire faith

and recovery family.

Michaelene was preceded in death

by her parents, Janice and Quanah

Parker, grandmother Louise Rogue

Hittle, and brother Justin Parker.

JESUS OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN OUTREACH

"Conformed or Transformed?"

I get a kick out of those commercials

about turning into one's parents. Parental-life coach Dr. Rick admits that it

happens to all of us. Try as we might as

a teenager or young adult to not be like

our mom or dad we hear ourselves saying things that our parents said to us.

Sometimes though we rebel to the

point of deliberately acting in a way

that is contrary to what we have been

taught. The WARNINGS of our parents

go unheeded. Teens often do not follow

their parents or grandparents advice

and they end up conforming to the world

around them.

Many have had to endure growing up

or living in a house with an abusive, or

an alcoholic or drug addicted parent.

Many pledge that they would never have

their child or children experience this

type of pain and suffering. And then

their child ends up dealing with similar

suffering and pain.

This brings me to the words of Paul,

inspired by God's Spirit, that he wrote to

those loved by Creator God and called to

be saints in Rome. We turn to the twelfth

chapter: 'I therefore urge you, brothers,

through the mercies of God to present

your bodies [as] a sacrifice, living, holy,

[and] well-pleasing to God, [which is]

your reasonable worship. And do not

be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind so

that you may test and discern what [is]

good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of

God' [Romans 12:1-8 (CPH - Middendorf

translation)].

Paul exhorts these brothers, and

sisters in Christ, not to be conformed to

this age - this wicked age of rebellious

and Wo-wonk actions that go against

the ways of Mauna and inflict suffering

on one's self, one's family, friends and

others. Instead, by the grace of Mauna

and the work of the Holy Spirit, to be

transformed.

You might wonder how is one transformed? One is transformed by the

renewing of the mind through the hearing and the meditating on the Word of

God. God's Spirit works from the inside

out so that one first knows what is the

good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of

God. The Spirit of God then empowers

one to do the good, well-pleasing, and

perfect will of God.

This will of God is to love Mauna with

all one's heart, mind, soul and strength.

This will of God is to love one's neighbor, all those whom one encounters, as

one's self.

Those who have conformed to this

age are in opposition to those who have,

by the grace of God, been transformed.

Those who have conformed to this age

make fun of those who are transformed.

Those who have been transformed

struggle with the temptation to go back

to the ways of conforming to this age.

So, sometimes it is difficult to discern

who has in fact been transformed.

That is why there is a need for daily

repentance and seeking God's Spirit to

assist the follower of Christ alone one's

road of life.

A good spiritual life coach exhorts

you to not be like your parents if

they have or had been conformed to

the world. A good spiritual life coach

exhorts you to be like your parents or

grandparents if they have or had been

transformed by the Sprit of Mauna.

Corona Shot

Today (Jan 13) I went down to the

High school gym to get a Corona shot…

wait, I should say to get a corona virus

shot. It was an awesome sight and

feeling to see all the frontline workers

who were administering the shots to

the residents of Winnebago and the

surrounding area. I thought to myself, how many communities our size

or event much larger have the professional health-care providers to meet

the needs of their people? I hope we

can all share a sense of gratitude for

those everyday front-liners.

When I was a previous council member advocating for our hospital to be

under the control and supervision of

the Winnebago Tribe, I always used the

phrase of "We as a tribe have programs

that take care of our people from the

cradle to the grave''. What did I mean?

It all starts with pre-natal programs,

early infant care, early development

(under the watchful eye of Educare),

on to Whirling Thunder and Boys and

Girls Club after school activities, then

to High School then College. No one is

left behind or left out when it comes to

opportunities. One just has to want it

bad enough.

The tribe’s healthcare programs

consists of 11 different departments,

CHR, Dental, EMS, Vision, Audiology,

alcohol program, substance abuse,

senior citizen’s center, Senior housing,

Podiatry and a first class wake and

burial program that puts our relatives

to rest in a respectful manner regard-

less of one’s faith. So this is what I

mean when I say "we take care of our

people from the cradle to the grave”.

Yes, the stakes are high for good

healthcare for our people, but so are

the goals of our health care workers.

Let me go on a little more now that

I’m on a roll. I believe the gaming initiative that passed this November will

be a game changer for this tribe. Those

who were responsible for this piece of

legislation need our full support and

blessing and encouragement. This will

open many doors to greater prosperity

for this tribe.

I also believe as a tribal member we

need to reclaim, re-establish and remove the land management operations

from the BIA offices. This should have

never happened in the first place. Why

are we accepting chump-change when

we could be receiving nice dividends

through our own operations in farming? The BIA is a ghost of the past, it

serves no purpose for tribes today. I

would like to know where the NNGA’s

lease money goes…

In closing, I have always admired

the Wisconsin Winnebago’s and

their business savvy in the state of

Wisconsin. They are recognized and

respected throughout the state and

are a household name in the state of

Wisconsin. We as a tribe are capable

of the same, but are we capable of setting aside our hate of others?

Kenny Mallory

Llewellyn Thomas Walker Sr.

“Thunder”

July 16, 1963 – December 4, 2020

Walker, LaVerne Ca. Olivia Walker,

Winnebago, Ne. Richard Walker

II, Winnebago, Ne. Mister Walker,

Wisconsin Dells, Wi. Triston Lovejoy

Walker, Omaha, Ne. Llewellyn (Haga)

Walker Jr. Winnebago, Ne. Numerous

Nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by, Parents:

Thomas and Neola Walker, Brothers:

Michael and Garrette Walker. 1 Son,

Chop chup ka ga Walker, 1 Niece,

Kimberly Walker, 1 nephew, Michael

Walker Jr. Grand parents: Tom and

Alice Earth. Thomas Walker Sr. and

Lena Green.

Thunder left this world and entered into life everlasting…

Thunder was born on a “thunderous” rainy night, July 16, 1963 to

Thomas & Neola Walker. Survivors

are brother’s Richard T. Walker,

wife Barbara. Emmett E Walker Jr.

Sister, Twila Redfeather husband

Arnold. Surviving children, Amberle

Thunder served in the US

Ar my, honorably discharged.

Lived in numerous places. Was a

very good ball player, basketball,

soft ball, hard ball, fast pitch and

pool shark @ a young age, starting

@ Bonanza Bar.

Thunder attended schools @ St.

Augustine Indian Mission, Winnebago Public School and Flandreau Indian School. Graduated

from Morningside College in 1989.

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 23, 2021 — Page 5

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

MID-MONTHLY TRIBAL COUNCIL

MEETING

December 28, 2020

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Brian Chamberlain

John Snowball

Thelma Whitewater

Louis LaRose

OTHERS PRESENT:

Brandon Stout

TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:

Coly Brown (leave)

Aric Armell (leave)

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman

Kitcheyan called the meeting to order

at 5:06 p.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Louis LaRose

offered the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA:

Adding ratifying five-signatures

numbers 15, 16, 17, 18 and HCI Board

Update.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to approve the agenda with the additions.

Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

motion carried.

READING OF THE MINUTES:

12-9-20 CEO Report minutes

Brian Chamberlain motioned to approve the December 9, 2020 CEO Report Minutes. Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

12-11-20 Regular Tribal Council

minutes

Louis LaRose motioned to approve

the December 11, 2020 Regular Tribal

Council meeting minutes. Brian Chamberlain seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:

Adopt resolution #21-35; No kid

hungry

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #21-35: No Kid Hungry. Louis

LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Approve one time assistance for

$486.06, D. Blain

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify the five-signature approving the one

time assistance for $486.06, D. Blain

and to raise the amount to $682.94.

Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-36; Land purchase – Linda Appleton

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #21-36: Land Purchase – Linda

Appleton. Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-37; Land purchase- Perry Carrion

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #21-37: Land Purchase – Perry

Carrion. Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-38; Agricultural Lease – Allotment 360L, Asa White

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #21-38: Agricultural Lease – Allotment 360L, Asa White. Rona Stealer

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-39; Agricultural Lease – Allotment 802-2&4, Thomas

Ricehill

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

ratify the five-signature adopting

resolution #21-39: Agricultural Lease

– Allotment 802-2&4, Thomas Ricehill.

Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-40; Agricultural Lease – Allotment 122L-1, James

Horn; Allotment 597, Jamison Hawk;

Allotment 2011 , Henry Rogue

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-40; Agricultural Lease – Allotment

122L-1, James Horn; Allotment 597,

Jamison Hawk; Allotment 2011, Henry

Rogue. Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-41; Agricultural Lease – Allotment 136L, Charles Mix

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

ratify the five-signature adopting

resolution #21-41; Agricultural Lease

– Allotment 136L, Charles Mix. Rona

Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-42; Agricultural Lease – Allotment 411, Henry

Jefferson

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-42: Agricultural Lease – Allotment

411, Henry Jefferson. Louis LaRose

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-43; Agricultural

Lease – Allotment 896, Mary Priest

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-43: Agricultural Lease – Allotment 896, Mary Priest. Rona Stealer

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-44; Agricultural

Lease – Allotment 981-A, B, C, Jumpgechayraywinka

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-44: Agricultural Lease – Allotment

981-A, B, C, Jumpgechayraywinka.

Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-45; Agricultural

Lease – Allotment 956, John Fourcloud;

Allotment 957, George Fourcloud

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-45: Agricultural Lease – Allotment

956, John Fourcloud; Allotment 957,

George Fourcloud. Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-46; Land purchase – Sheila Snow

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-46: Land purchase – Sheila Snow.

Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-47; Land purchase – Kayleen Brown

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #21-47: Land purchase – Kayleen

Brown. Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-48: Approve

Frank Pommersheim, Associate Judge

Independent Contract.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-48: Approve Frank Pommersheim,

Associate Judge Independent Contract.

Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-49: Approve

James Botsford, Associate Justice Independent Contract

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-49: Approve James Botsford, Associate Justice Independent Contract.

Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-50: Approve

Melissa Oestmann, Legal Services for

Child Support Enforcement Independent Contract

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-50: Approve Melissa Oestmann,

Legal Services for Child Support Enforcement Independent Contract. Rona

Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-51: Approve

Robert Clinton, Chief Judge Independent Contract

Brian Chamberlain motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution

#21-51: Approve Robert Clinton, Chief

Judge Independent Contract. Louis

LaRose seconded.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:

HCI Board Update: Given by Brian

Chamberlain, update only.

ADJOURN:

Brian Chamberlain motioned to adjourn. Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned

the meeting at 5:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora,

Tribal Council Secretary

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING

December 29, 2020

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Brian Chamberlain

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Thelma Whitewater

Louis LaRose

John Snowball

OTHERS PRESENT:

Danelle Smith

Wendy Helgemo

Garan Coons

Ernie Sanchez

Alan Post

Esther Mercer

TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:

Coly Brown (leave)

Aric Armell (leave)

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman

Kitcheyan called the meeting to order

at 10:04 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Louis LaRose

offered the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA:

Rona Stealer motioned to approve the

agenda. Brian Chamberlain seconded.

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

Motion carried.

INTRODUCTION OF JENNIFER

BEAR EAGLE – Introduction only.

IOWA LAND LEGISLATION UPDATE

AND RECOMMENDATIONS – DANELLE

SMITH, WENDY HELGEMO

Lorelei DeCora motioned to direct

Chairwoman Kitcheyan in working

with the General Counsel to follow-up

on next steps (A, B, & C) regarding the

Iowa Land Legislation as presented by

General Counsel. Brian Chamberlain

seconded.

OBJECT: Thelma Whitewater

VOTE: (5) yes, LLR, LD, RS, BC (1)

no, TW

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Brian Chamberlain brought to the attention that the annexation of the roads

to WinnaVegas was brought up during

the flood, and still needs follow-up.

D. Smith said this will be placed on

the next General Counsel meeting.

TRIBAL HEMP COMMISSIONJennifer Bear Eagle met with the

Hemp E Conservation group and revised

Code E Plan to USDA. USDA approved

getting regulations im place. Developing

a memorandum.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to direct General Counsel to continue developing Hemp with the Hemp E Conservation Group. Lorelei DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

RADIO STATION TOWER –

Ernie Sanchez provides a background. Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

has a FCC License authorizing Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska to operate a

Station. Relocated equipment from Allen, NE so Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

can receive the signal.

Further discussion followed.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to table

the radio station issue until next General Counsel for further review. Louis

LaRose seconded.

*memo and writing of options to

be reviewed by Tribal Council prior to

meeting.

(John Snowball stepped away and

did not vote)

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

Motion carried.

CODE REVISIONS:

ELECTION CODE:

Lorelei DeCora motioned by the

General Election, the tribal members

can vote for total number of vacancies,

whether unexpired or expired vacancies.

Brian Chamberlain seconded.

VOTE: (3) yes, LD, BC, LLR (3) no,

TW, JSB, RS

(0) abstain

Chairwoman Kitcheyan votes yes to

break tie.

FINAL VOTE: (4) yes, LD, BC, LLR,

VK (3) no, TW, JSB, RS

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Brian Chamberlain states; we can

still amend this motion.

-Special Election January 4, 2021

Brian Chamberlain motions to place

on the table the Special Election Resolution for January 4, 2021. John Snowball seconded.

Discussion followed.

-vote of the people to determine the

qualified individual

-can General Counsel revise but not

call it a Special Election

-provide a resolution: Creating within

the code, a mechanism to fill a vacancy.

VOTE: (4) yes, JSB, TW, BC, LLR (2)

no, LD, RS (0) abstain Motion carried.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to authorize the General Counsel to bring

forward Election Code Revisions as discussed. Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

ETHICS CODE: needs work, clarify

“removal”, who does what role. Ethics

complaints, How the court is to be used

in this.

METH CODE: dated 2018. Need to

educate our members on where to get

them treatment. Or where do they go

when displaced. What about the code

and how the court rules on Meth Issues.

Is there a METH task force?

Louis LaRose motioned to direct General Counsel to follow up on the METH

Code. Brian Chamberlain seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

ENROLLMENT CODE: Issues, Memo

of History. Secretarial Election.

-Education for Tribal Members and

for Enrollment Committee.

Jennifer Bear Eagle states; can resend the Memo to the Tribal Council.

Can assist with education on what the

Constitution or Code says now.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

authorize General Counsel to work on

education components of Enrollment as

stated in the Constitution. Louis LaRose

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

SECRETARIAL ELECTION: Discussion.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan ased Jennifer Bear Eagle to do a memo of Pros &

Cons regarding whether to remove the

use of the BIA Secretary of Interior for

Secretarial Elections. “Never taking the

voice of the people”.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to have

the General Counsel produce a Pros &

Cons memo on Secretarial Election.

Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

OPIOID LITIGATION – STATUS UPDATE: Big Fire Law has not heard back

on their inquiry.

TRIBAL COUR T CASE UPDATE

(POSSIBLE EXECUTIVE SESSION):

Discussion.

ADOURN:

Brian Chamberlain motioned to adjourn. Louis LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned

at 2:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora,

Tribal Council Secretary

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

TREASURER’S REPORT MEETING

December 30, 2020

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Brian Chamberlain [in late]

Thelma Whitewater

Aric Armell

Louis LaRose

John Snowball [in late]

OTHERS PRESENT:

Esther Mercer

Billie Kitcheyan

Danelle Smith

Kim Sulsberger

Kim Friloux

Cece Earth

Mayan Beltran

Angie Walker

M. Painter

Brandon Stout

Kelly Snow

Jeremy Payer

Garan Coons

TRIBAL COUCNIL ABSENT:

Coly Brown

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman

Kitcheyan called the meeting to order

at 9:06 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Rona Stealer

offered the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA:

Aric Armell motioned to approve the

agenda. Brian Chamberlain seconded.

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

Motion carried.

WCHS FINANCIAL REPORT: [Brian

in]

Kim Friloux presented the financials

for November 2020.

Louis LaRose motioned to accept the

Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare

System report for November 2020. Rona

Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

WINNAVEGAS REPORT: [John in]

Mayan Beltran presents the report.

Aric Armell motioned to accept the

WinnaVegas November financial report.

Thelma Whitewater seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

APPROVALS:

WinnaVegas PTO buy out program

(HR)

Rona Stealer motioned to approve

the PTO buyback program. Thelma

Whitewater seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

VEHICLE PURCHASE (ADMIN)

Louis LaRose motioned to approve

purchase of a 2021 KIA Telluride for

$55,155.00 as a replacement vehicle for

administration. Aric Armell seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

CONTINUITY GIFT (MARKETING)

Louis LaRose motioned to approve

for Basque Matte Black Knife Set Continuity Campaign – August 2021. John

Snowball seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

CUPID SHUFFLE

Louis LaRose motioned to approve

the WinnaVegas $56,000.00 CUPID

SHUFFLE promotion for every Saturday in February 2021. Aric Armell

seconded.

DISCUSSION: Lorelei DeCora request WinnaVegas to report out revenue

with each promotion starting this OCT

2020 FY.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Winnebago Senior Party on Monday,

December 28, 2020

Julia Snow – Retirement Party for 27

years of servies

Boys and Girls, Atlas donations

Toys for Kids

WINNEBAGO GAMING DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (WGDC):

Page 6 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 23, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Senator Joni Albrecht WEEKLY UPDATE

January 15, 2021

One of the most important bills I

am presenting to the Legislature this

year is LB111, the First Responders

and Public Protection Bill. The Bill

will address some of the concerns that

emerged surrounding officer and public

safety during riots this past summer. It

will define and enact criminal violations

related to rioting, inciting or recruiting, or participating in a riot, violence

toward first responders, riot-related

vandalism and blocking public roads.

I feel privileged to introduce legislation that will secure the safety of those

who put their lives at risk, so the rest

of us have the privilege to live without

fear of danger. They include police

officers, firefighters, emergency care

providers, probation officers, Correctional Services employees, and Health

and Human Services employees. I have

been receiving a growing number of responses from supporters, those in opposition, and the media about the bill.

Ronald Reagan said, “We must

reject the idea that every time a law’s

broken, society is guilty rather than

the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the

American precept that each individual

is accountable for his actions.” In a culture that has growing confusion about

responsibility and accountability, I

find President Reagan’s quote a good

reminder. We are each responsible for

our actions and behaviors. What I say,

do and think is my responsibility. I’m

so thankful to live in the great state of

Nebraska where we uphold the values

of freedom, responsibility and holding

each individual accountable.

New Legislation

LB280- Insurance Corporation- As

the law currently stands, any insurance company that provides insurance

in the state of Nebraska must have at

least one member of their board of directors residing in Nebraska. In other

words, any new insurance company

who might be considering bringing

jobs and business to Nebraska, might

find it a deterrent that they would have

to either add a Nebraska resident to

their board of directors, or move one

of their current directors to the state.

I believe this is potentially an inhibitor

to economic development in our state.

LB281- Erin’s Law- The purpose

of this Bill is to require that public

schools provide four hours of body

awareness training to students in K

through 5, and teacher training as a

preventative method for helping reduce

incidents of child sexual abuse. This is

an extremely appropriate curriculum

and is in no way a sex education class.

It simply helps children understand

that no one should touch them anywhere that makes them feel uncomfortable. It also gives children who might

be experiencing abuse, a voice, where

they could safely go and share that

they need help.

LB282- Repeal Obscenity Exemption- Laws have been in place for decades that make it illegal for an adult

to expose a child to pornographic or

obscene material. An example of this is

that children under 18 cannot attend

R rated movies. There is an exemption

however, for an adult in an education setting. Currently an adult in an

educational environment cannot be

prosecuted when a minor under their

supervision is exposed to obscenity.

This Bill would close that loophole and

assure that a child would be protected

in a school environment from any intentional harm.

LB325- Art Therapy Bill- This bill is

designed to provide Nebraskans with

the best possible care and protect the

welfare of vulnerable populations by

certifying they are receiving professional, art-based therapeutic treatment.

Also, to delineate the professional title

of “Art Therapist” as a distinct and

separate mental health and behavioral

profession, credentialed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Maintaining Confidence in Nebraska’s Election Process

Last week I shared that I am doing

some deep investigations into the security and integrity of Nebraska’s election

processes. I want to make sure that the

people in District 17 know that they

can be completely confident that the

elections across our state

.

This week I met with Bob Evnan

and Wayne Bena, from the Secretary

of State’s office to learn every step in

Nebraska’s election process. It has

been extremely informative to see great

lengths were taken in the process to

see that our elections are thoroughly

run with precision and excellence! In

fact, I am so impressed that I am going

to be introducing a Resolution, inviting

every representative in Nebraska’s Legislature to thank the great folks across

the state who once again delivered an

excellent election process, especially

in the middle of a pandemic!

COVID-19

It is my hope and prayer that you

and your family are remaining healthy

during this time. As more people are

contracting Covid-19, I am grateful for

the excellence of District 17’s Health

Departments, Emergency Managers

and everyone involved with providing

great healthcare to our residence.

In Governor Ricketts State of the

State Address on Thursday he informed us that, “The federal government has invested over $10 billion in

aid into our state. The State steered

federal coronavirus relief towards $411

million in grants for Nebraska’s businesses and family farms. We also provided over $80 million to aid non-profit

and community-based organizations

ranging from food banks to childcare

providers.”

According to the Omaha World

Herald, Nebraska will start vaccinating anyone 65 years and older as part

of its next phase in administering the

COVID-19 vaccine. A top official in

Nebraska’s vaccine effort cautioned

that the shifting priority will add some

300,000 to 400,000 people to the next

vaccine group, so it will take cooperation from everyone as we begin to vaccinate our citizens.

The number of positive tests reported for the periods January 8, 2021,

and January 14, 2021 in District 17

are as follow:

Dakota County +24 (3678)

Thurston County: +66 (977)

Wayne County: +18 (971)

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your

voice in the Legislature. I encourage

you to contact me and I look forward

to hearing from you. You can reach

me by phone at 402-471-2716 or by

email at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

Attorney General Peterson joins 50 Attorneys General in Condemning Attack on the

U.S. Capitol

LINCOLN, NE —Attorney General

Peterson today joined a bipartisan

coalition of 50 states, territories, and

the District of Columbia, in sending a

letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General

Jeffrey A. Rosen condemning the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and stating

such actions cannot be allowed to go

unchecked.

The letter, led by Colorado Attorney

General Phil Weiser, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine,

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, and Nebraska Attorney General

Doug Peterson, reads:

“We, the undersigned state attorneys general, are committed to the

protection of public safety, the rule of

law, and the U.S. Constitution. We are

appalled that on January 6, 2021, rioters invaded the U.S. Capitol, defaced

the building, and engaged in a range of

criminal conduct—including unlawful

entry, theft, destruction of U.S. government property, and assault. Worst of

all, the riot resulted in the deaths of

individuals, including a U.S. Capitol

Police officer, and others were physically injured. Beyond these harms,

the rioters’ actions temporarily paused

government business of the most sacred sort in our system—certifying the

result of a presidential election.

We all just witnessed a very dark

day in America. The events of January

6 represent a direct, physical challenge

to the rule of law and our democratic

republic itself. Together, we will continue to do our part to repair the damage done to institutions and build a

more perfect union. As Americans, and

those charged with enforcing the law,

we must come together to condemn

lawless violence, making clear that

such actions will not be allowed to go

unchecked.

Thank you for your consideration

of and work on this crucial priority.”

Nebraska was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska,

Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the

District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia,

Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa,

Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,

Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,

Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New

Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico,

New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio,

Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania,

Rhode Island, South Carolina, South

Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,

Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington,

West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Thurston County Roads Department

Notice: Thurston County Roads is taking applications for a County Highway

Superintendent. Class A License required.

Please send applications to Thurston County Clerk, PO Box 159 Pender, NE

68047.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Veterans preferred

Any questions please feel free to call the County Clerk's office at

402-385-2343

Thank,

Tasha Breitbarth, Deputy Co. Clerk

Winnebago Indian News to Reset Subscriptions on 1/1/21. Update Your Subscription Today!

Dear Winnebago Indian News Readership,

On behalf of the Winnebago Indian News, I would like to express our deepest

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all subscribers to please update their subscription with the Winnebago Indian

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Yearly Subscription Rates: Nebraska Residents -$25.00 - Out-Of-State Residents -$35.00 - Overseas - $50.00

***Failure to update subscription and submit payment will cancel services***

Additionally, we will continue focusing on our mission 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.

If you have any questions about the renewal process, please contact:

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Thank you once again for your commitment to the Winnebago Indian News.

We look forward to serving you for another year.

Sincerely,

Winonah Leader Charge

Winnebago Indian News Editor

I refuse to allow the Angel of death make me admit defeat.

I am a warrior. I am eagle clan. I am maxihamanigooga, an eagle

standing in the clouds. Army Veteran. Honorable discharge.

Choka, Jaji, Wonk shik was ho sha, ma ne pe’, wonk Ja’n ka,

wo wonk idate.

Written by “Thunder Walker”

The family of Llewellyn Walker Sr. (Thunder) would like to thank every one

who had a helping hand in our time of need. We are enternally grateful.

Dallas Bearskin, you did a amazing job, thank you very much. Too your

fireman, Jarred Frazier, you are always around to help our family, thank you

for being there.

Our Sister Cindy Earth, and your helpers, thank you very much. Meals were

delicious as always, medicine for our hearts, body and soul.

Robin Bear thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we know this was very

hard for you, you were always a good friend to Thunder.

God bless each and everyone….may he keep you in the hollow of his hand.

Stay safe….

The Family of Thunder Walker

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Case No. JFJ21-005

The People of the Winnebago Tribe

In the Interest of:

N. G. (Born 1/2021)

To:

SHANELLE HORN, Mother

ALL POTENTIAL FATHERS

You are hereby notified that a hearing for Initial Appearance concerning

the above referred minor individual(s)

in case no. JFJ21-005 has been

scheduled and will be heard in the

Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,

Nebraska on the 16TH day of MARCH,

2021 at the hour of 11:00 A.M.

Next

WIN

Deadline:

February

2nd

The Winnebago Tribal Council is 100% AGAINST Meth. Not only is Meth

harmful to the individual, it destroys families and our community. Meth

use is not the HoChunk/Winnebago way of life. On 12-30-19, during the

Winnebago Mid-monthly Tribal Council meeting, a motion was passed to

publish all meth related offenses occurring on the Winnebago reservation,

in the Winnebago Indian News.

The following individual(s) has been arrested for a meth offense…

Emily Mejia-Lopez, 34 –

Charged with dangerous drug offense and/or possession of a dangerous drug

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 23, 2021 — Page 7

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

November report: Tom Snow, Chairman; Sharon Redhorn, Interim CEO

Rona Stealer motioned to approve

the WGDC Financials. John Snowball

seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

GAMING COMMISSION REPORT:

Damon stopped in, Gaming Commission still working with accounting.

Turned in a paper October 2020 Report. Rona Stealer read it to the Tribal

Council.

Aric Armell motioned to accept Gaming Commission Report as reported by

the Treasurer’s Report. Louis LaRose

seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

TRIBAL CFO REPORT:

Louis LaRose motioned to approve

the CFO report for November 2020

Financials. Aric Armell seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

APPROVALS:

TRIBAL COVID PAID LEAVE POLICY

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

approve the COVID Paid Leave Policy

extended to December 31, 2021. Louis

LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS: none.

ADJOURN:

Aric Armell motioned to adjourn.

Rona Stealer seconded

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned

at 11:01 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Tribal Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL

MEETING

January 14, 2021

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Louis LaRose

Coly Brown

John Snowball

Aric Armell

Thelma Whitewater

Brian Chamberlain [in @1:14 pm]

OTHERS PRESENT:

Garan Coons

Billie Kitcheyan

Alan Post

Shadana Sulton

Erika Dunn

Kurt Lyons

Coralys Ruiz

Daryl LaPointe

Esther Mercer

Joleen Thiele

Teresa Littlegeorge

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman

Kitcheyan calls to order at 1:04 p.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Lorelei DeCora offers the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA:

Aric Armell motioned to approve

the agenda. John Snowball seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no (0) abstain Motion carried.

READING OF THE MINUTES:

12-28-20 Mid-Month Meeting

Minutes

Rona Stealer motioned to approve

the December 28, 2020 Mid-monthly

Tribal Council Meeting minutes.

John Snowball seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no (0) abstain Motion carried.

12-29-20 General Counsel Meeting Minutes

John Snowball motioned to

approve the December 29, 2020

General Counsel Meeting minutes. Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

12-30-20 Treasurer’s Report Minutes

John Snowball motioned to approve the December 30, 2020 Treasurer’s Report Meeting minutes. Aric

Armell seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:

Adopt resolution #21-48; approving Frank Pommersheim Independent

Contractor Agreement for Judicial

Services

John Snowball motioned to ratify

the five-signature adopting resolution #21-48; Approving Frank Pommersheim Independent Contractor

Agreement for Judicial Services. Coly

Brown seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-49; Approving James Botsford Independent

Contractor Agreement for Judicial

Services

Rona Stealer motioned to ratify the

five-signature adopting resolution

#21-49; approving James Botsford

Independent Contractor Agreement

for Judicial Services. Aric Armell

seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-50; Approving Melissa Oestmann Independent

Contractor agreement for legal services.

Coly Brown motioned to ratify the

five-signature adopting resolution

#21-50; Approving Melissa Oestmann

Independent Contractor agreement for

legal services. Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

Adopt resolution #21-51; Approving Robert Clinton Independent

Contractor agreement for Judicial

Services.

Coly Brown motioned to ratify the

five-signature adopting resolution

#21-51; Approving Robert Clinton

Independent Contractor agreement

for Judicial Services. John Snowball

seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

Authorize Facilities to go to the Hochunk Center and make the building

entrances useable, and authorize the

family of R.K. to use it for their wake

& burial services for their loved one.

John Snowball motioned to ratify

the five-signature approving to Authorize Facilities to go to the Hochunk Center and make the building

entrances useable, and authorize the

family of R.K. to use it for their wake

& burial services for their loved one.

Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

Approve Budget Modification for

maintenance and repairs in the

amount of $7,500.00 for Wake &

Burial

Coly Brown motioned to ratify the

five-signature approving a Budget

Modification for maintenance and

repairs in the amount of $7,500.00

for Wake & Burial. Louis LaRose

seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

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

Approve to submit application for

receipt of Emergency Rental Assistance Payments from U.S. Department of Treasury

Louis LaRose motioned to ratify the

five-signature approving the Winnebago Housing Development to submit

application for receipt of Emergency

Rental Assistance Payments from

U.S. Department of Treasury. John

Snowball seconded.

VOTE: (8) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kurt Lyons, Air Quality Specialist,

WTN EPD, January Radon Awareness

– Presentation

Discussion & Questions: Tribal

Council would like to be proactive on

helping our Tribal Members be aware

of Radon levels in our area.

Shadana Sulton, Tribal Partner

Specialist, US Census Bureau

Presentation from Shadana Sulton

and Coralys Ruiz regarding the 2020

Census updates.

Acknowledgement of all the work,

effort, and energy that Garan Coons

put forward to support the 2020

Census.

[Brian out]

OLD BUSINESS:

To approve HR to work with legal

to develop a resolution that helps

encourage Tribal Employees to get

the COVID-19 Vaccination (Failed five

signature).

Discussion. John Snowball would

like to see a resolution supporting

vaccination.

John Snowball motioned to approve for a resolution to be developed for a COVID-19 Vaccination

Campaign. Coly Brown seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:

Wake & Burial Program COVID-19

Protocol

Thelma Whitewater motioned to

approve the revised Wake & Burial

Program COVID-19 Protocol. Lorelei

DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain Motion carried.

ADJOURN:

Aric Armell motioned to adjourn.

Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned

the meeting at 3:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Littlegeorge,

Executive Assistant

CONCUR:

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Winnebago Tribal Council