Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Spot Anyone

Familiar??

WPS Throw Backs

page: 4

Storytellers Pt. 2:

Ruby Bellanger

page: 6

Volume 53, Number 10

Our masthead this issue features Winnebago tribal member, Keith Chamberlain /

Ma Giksuc ga {Strikes the Earth} [1948-2020].

Keith served our Winnebago people for over 40

years working for the tribe in many capacities.

Personnel Director for the tribe throughout the

1980s, Chairman of the Winnebago Gaming

Commission through the 1990s, and even

as multiple term Mayor for the Village of Winnebago, Keith’s dedication to the success

of our people helped establish many of the

organizational policies that still stand to this

day. Keith’s awareness of local politics helped

him create the foundations upon which each

of the groups he worked with built upon in

later days. Also, a long serving member of

the WRFD, he served as Fire Chief helping

re-establish the organization. Unafraid to call

into question subjects that did not serve the

people, or took advantage of them, he bravely

lived up to his Hocak name. A quality that is

sorely missed. Keith’s family have the WIN’s

sincerest gratitude for their kind permission to

feature his photograph here.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

WinnaVegas Casino Celebrates 32 Years

By Brian Chamberlain

Photos by Brian Chamberlain / Kevin

Ebert / archives

Located on the North end of Winnebago in the HoChunk Village 2.0, HCI started

building the Elders Village Housing in

January 2022 and finished in the Summer

of 2023. 10 elder units were built with

features including solar panels, porch

ramps and attached garages. Community amenities include common areas

with grilling spaces and a courtyard with

walking trails. The goal of this project is to

provide affordable housing for our Elders.

Sign-up for senior housing is located at

HoChunk Capital or reach out to Koren

Russell at krussell@hochunkcapital.com

WTNs Roads Department has a new

warehouse/ office space being constructed. The new building will house 6+ office

workers and various heavy machinery.

Exercise caution when in the area as

construction is active.

[Sloan, IA] The Winnebago Tribe and

management for WinnaVegas Casino celebrated 32 years of business here on April

29th, 2024. First opening in the Spring of

1992, from humble beginnings, WinnaVegas

has become the powerhouse which has propelled the Winnebago people forward since

that time. “I remember opening day. I actually worked the nights. [I] was a blackjack

dealer. [It] was the funnest job!” said tribal

member Teresa Parker who was working

on that fateful opening day. Another tribal

member, Jules LaRose, who was also there

said, “I was there on opening day. Working

as a waiter serving champagne to guests

to open and operate WinnaVegas Casino.

That landmark agreement has been in place

since its inception in 1992.

WinnaVegas had very modest beginnings. It began inside several modular

trailers that were essentially gutted and

daisy-chained together. “We were ready.”

said tribal member Kellie Snow – another

original staff member from day one. Those

trailers housed dozens of slot machines, a

table games area, including a craps table,

a small snack bar, and a poker room. From

those humble beginnings the operation was

capable of funding the renovation of the former Winn-a-Bingo facility, which was closed

a few years prior.

The closure of the tribe’s high-stakes

Con’t. on page 2...

Class III Gaming in Nebraska Steps Forward

Pictured from left: Michelle Mitchell, Danelle Smith (General Counsel), Kia Mallory and Damon Payer (Gaming Commission)

[CONTINUING COVERAGE]

By: Brian Chamberlain

Photos: Brian Chamberlain / Sharon

Redhorn-Chamberlain / archives

May 3rd the Angel De Cora Museum

hosted a tour for members of the Yseali

Institute on Civiv Engagement at UNO.

The group originate from areas of Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,

Malaysia, Burma, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Photos by Angel DeCora Museum

waiting in line to get in.”

WinnaVegas is operated by the Winnebago Tribe as a Class III gaming facility, as

defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory

Act [IGRA]. That Act of Congress passed

in 1988 and signed into law by President

Reagan, has changed the landscape for all

Indian Country. Past leaders for the Tribe

have all remarked at how the operation has

become one of the most important turns

taken for our people.

Winnebago leadership in the early

1990s, taking cues from the national trend

happening at the time, as well as from the

momentum created by the State of Iowa’s

historic riverboat excursion efforts, yoked

the legal support of the IGRA to create the

original compact with the State of Iowa. This

agreement allowed the Winnebago Tribe

[Lincoln, NE] The Winnebago Tribe held

its first round of discussions with delegates

for the State of Nebraska regarding implementation of Class III gaming here on

Thursday, April 25th, 2024. Representatives

for the tribe traveled to the State capital to

begin the process that will soon bring the

expanded form of gaming to the Winnebago

Reservation.

In its most recent iteration, the Tribe

established a committee that will bring the

process forward. Collaborating with mem-

bers of the tribal Gaming Commission, and

office of General Counsel, the committee

responsible for negotiating what will become

the first gaming compact with the State responded to the Governor’s invitation to come

to Lincoln to start the discussions. “I’m really

excited for us, but I’m also ready to begin

working with the new set of rules.” Winnebago Gaming Development Corporation CEO,

Sharon Redhorn-Chamberlain stated.

The Winnebago Tribe began Class III

gaming operations in Sloan, Iowa in 1992.

That remains WinnaVegas Casino / Resort

to this day. However, those activities are

governed under laws created with the State

of Iowa and have no impact on actions west

of the Missouri River. It was not until much

later, following a series of legal events, that

the Winnebago Tribe began meaningful

gaming activity closer to home. In 2004, the

Tribe began an operation in Emerson, Nebraska called the Iron Horse Bar & Casino.

This business was established under the

corporate code of the Tribe and is operated

by the Winnebago Gaming Development

Corporation [WGDC], a wholly owned entity

of the Tribe.

Using the provisions for Class II gaming

as set by the National Indian Gaming Commission [NIGC] and promulgated under

the authority created by the Indian Gaming

Con’t. on page 2...

Visit us at winnebagotribe.com

Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, May 11, 2024

FRONT PAGE CONTINUED

cont. from front page, WinnaVegas Casino Celebrates 32 Years...

cont. from front page, Class III Gaming in Nebraska Steps Forward...

bingo operation led to the financial demise

of the tribe’s activities in that period. Winnebago in 1991 was not a dynamic place

because jobs were scarce, housing was

limited, and the overall outlook was bleak.

Many tribal members left Winnebago to find

work, and a place to live. With the advent

of gaming activity occurring just across the

river, however, that time was not long lived.

Soon the prospects of the Winnebago people would change for the better. The dawn

of prosperity began the day WinnaVegas

opened its doors to the public.

WinnaVegas provided revenue to the

tribal organization, but it also gave the

membership their long-awaited opportunity

to hold jobs - meaningful ones. The name

of the game in Sloan wasn’t just gambling,

it was about upward mobility for the people

who wanted to work, and who were looking

to make an impact on their families’ lives and

for our people. This kind of advancement

opportunity created by Indian Gaming has

touched the lives of hundreds of tribal members. That kind of opportunity still exists in

the gaming industry today.

Expanding Greatness – Beginning in

those confined, reinforced trailers the operation found its legs but looked toward

expansion. Being the only game in town,

WinnaVegas knew the window where that

was true would soon come to an end. Competition was close on the heels of the tribe.

The wisdom of the leadership had them

make decisions that would prove to provide

for our people for decades following.

Capitalizing on the influx of revenue

despite the small size, the former bingo

building next door was completely renovated and the casino was moved. In a quick,

roughshod, yet excitement filled night, the

trailers were left behind and the machines,

equipment, supply, and staff did all they

could to relocate the operation into its permanent home. “It was all hands-on deck.”

said another tribal member who worked

during that hurried time. “We moved literally

everything. Using hand carts, dollies, boxes, truck beds, and of course muscle, the

whole thing was moved in one night. It was

amazing!” they continued.

The area only accessed by an unpaved

county road was also soon upgraded. To

meet the end of the existing pavement at the

Regulatory Act of 1988 [IGRA], the

Winnebago Tribe’s foray into gaming

in Nebraska remained limited for nearly

two decades. Both properties operated

by the WGDC, Iron Horse Casino and

Native Star Casino, stayed within the

parameters of Class II gaming, while

the State of Nebraska remained unable

to change its laws regarding gaming.

“This day is such a long time coming.

It’s almost hard to believe we’re actually

doing this - finally,” said WGDC Board

Vice-Chair, Caroline Bassette.

Under provisions from the NIGC the

State must negotiate with the Tribe ‘in

good faith’ for the creation of a gaming

compact. This compact will govern the

operations of the tribe once established.

After much internal debate, the Winnebago Tribal Council authorized Tribal

Chairwoman, Victoria Kitcheyan, to send

a letter to the Governor of the State of

Nebraska, Jim Pillen, giving him notice

of the Tribe’s intent to move forward with

the process for a Class III gaming compact. That letter sent is a critical component in the Tribe’s invocation of the

gaming compact negotiation process.

The first meeting of the two committees was one that helped establish a

rapport for those on both sides of the

table. Long time lobbyist for the Tribe,

Don Wesley remarked, “Today’s meeting

between the two sovereigns is quite historic.” The State was well represented,

with several members of their committee coming from the areas of gaming

intersection just to the East, the main road

was closed, and the patrons and employees had to take an alternative route going

through one of the adjacent corn fields.

“I forgot about that!” exclaimed one tribal

member the WIN was talking with about

this. The parking lot was also paved at that

time. In years to come the money the tribe

invested in that road would prove invaluable.

During the flood of 2011, that road, which

was over-engineered, and poured at depths

deemed excessive to some at the time, held

up under the flood waters. The casino was

able to re-open even quicker because the

road had almost no damage despite being

under flowing water for that extended period.

Although the old bingo facility had undergone full renovation, there was still other

work to be done. The area that became the

Flowers Island Buffet was part of a phase

two of that overall upgrade. “I recall sitting in

the construction area thinking how nice the

restaurant was going to be.” recalled one

former employee. The restaurant area was

completed not long after the main renovation

was done. From that point the casino began

its full push to become the premier gaming

location in the area.

Return to Bingo – There is a long-held

affinity for bingo in its classic form amongst

the Winnebago people. Winn-a-Bingo was

popular but was forced to close. The tribe

never forgot about it, however. A few years

later, once the expanded casino was taking

hold strongly, leadership for the casino and

the tribe put forward plans to add onto the

operation. The first WinnaVegas bingo hall

was proposed, planned, built and opened

on the southside of the building.

With seating for hundreds bingo made

a roaring comeback. However, the casino

also had their eyes on hosting premier entertainment. The bingo hall doubled as the

concert venue for WinnaVegas. For years the

casino would host A-list entertainers, like Loretta Lynn, Wayne Newton, Dionne Warwick,

Kenny Rogers, and Rick Springfield – among

so many others.

WinnaVegas has certainly seen its share

of changes over the years. Our story here

covers only some of the early days and

the wild success of the 1990s. Even more

exciting expansion was on the horizon after

the turn of the century.

already established by the State, as

well as those from the Department of

Revenue, and Attorney General’s Office.

The introduction of several topics came

forward, including who would be signing the agreement once all negotiations

have been concluded. Also following

the subject matter, next steps were discussed that allowed for a logical timeline

on how to proceed.

The depth of knowledge in the gaming field on behalf of the Winnebago

Tribe was on full display all throughout

the entire discussion. The illustration of

the tribe’s overall intent became clear,

as was the distinction between Class III

gaming and commercial gaming held on

other lands across the state. “Although

both appear to be under the overall

umbrella of the tribe. Class III gaming

remains solely within the reservation

boundaries,” remarked committee member, Brian Chamberlain.

The opening meeting of the two

committees was a productive one. Next

steps were planned, and a general time

frame was established. Now the real

work begins. The WIN will keep you

posted as this prominent issue moves

forward.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The WIN Editor, and

writer of this article, Brian Chamberlain,

was a member of the Tribal Council who

voted in favor of moving the negotiation

process forward. Chamberlain was

appointed to this committee while a

member of the Tribal Council.

Winnebago Gaming Development Executives L to R:

Sandra Olivares, Sharon Redhorn-Chamberlain and Caroline Bassette

Pictured from left: Bethani, Garan and WinnaVegas General Manager, Tom Teesdale

Thomas Snow - Gaming Commissioner and Teresa Littlegeorge - Tribal Council Member

WinnaVegas presents Donations to ATLAS. Pictured L to R: Ray Thomas, LaDonna Holstein, Ken

Vampola, Shannon P, WinnaVegas GM - Tom Teesdale, Landon Hamilton

and Winona Armell

WinnaVegas presents Donations to Senior Center. Pictured L to R: Janet Bird, unknown, Marge

Gilpin and Anna “Babe” Rogue

Saturday, May 11, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

SUICIDE IN INDIAN COUNTRY PART 46

Prevention Through Knowledge

To help someone suicidal move through the crisis and into the healing, here are some

things you need to know:

Suicide is preventable; most people do not truly want to die.

Talking about suicidal feelings with someone does not increase risk, but reduces it.

Treatment, therapy, counseling – call it what you will – works.

Help is available.

About Therapy

Your friend or family member probably needs therapy and possible medication. Talk

therapy works and so do medications. The two together often work best. Consider too,

that as a loved one, parent or friend, you may want to be involved in the counseling as

well. Discuss this possibility with the professional or counselor who is going to try to help

sort things out.

Give Support, But Watch for Clues

Most suicidal people send messages that they want to die. Having experienced a

suicidal crisis once does not mean another crisis cannot occur.

You can help by recognizing situations or communications that suggest another crisis

is brewing or that an old one is returning. While no list of clues can be complete, and one

clue may not mean much, the theme of returning hopelessness my lead to:

A threat to kill oneself. This may be said many ways, but often takes the following forms:

“I’m no good to anyone and might as well be dead.” “You’d be better off without me.” “This

time, I’ll do it right, so you won’t have to worry.”

Sudden changes in behavior, e.g. apathy, anger, moodiness or an unexpected quarrel.

Unexpected problems at school with grades, friends or teachers.

Any indication the person is making final arrangements, such as giving away personal

possessions, making funeral plans, saying goodbyes, or in any way indicating, by word

or deed, that he or she does not intent to be around long.

Vague statements about “taking a long trip,” “joining grandma” (or anyone deceased),

or wondering aloud if “God has a place for a person like me?”

Suddenly turning away from or toward religion, preoccupation with death and dying –

through talk, writing, drawing or doodling.

Making preparations for death, such as buying a gun, saving up pills, or any action

which suggests that a means to suicide is under active consideration.

The onset or return of a depressed mood.

Relapse into drug or alcohol use in someone who is trying to stay clean and sober.

Deadly Situations

There are, also, so-called “deadly situations.” In short, these are situations that, unless

resolved quickly, will often put someone who once considered suicide at immediate and

imminent risk. These situations can vary widely, but the essential ingredient is that some

new crisis or set-back has taken place. Suddenly overcome with a sense of utter hopelessness once again, the person slips back into that false sense of relief that death promises.

The list of deadly situations includes any unexpected turn of events that, taken together

with a previous episode of depression, helplessness, or hopelessness, once again pitches

the person into an acute crisis for survival. The loss of any significant relationship, however,

tops the list. As the time between idea and act can be short, rapid intervention into quickly

changing events is critical.

The golden rule of suicide prevention: If in doubt, ask. If wondering what to do, do

something!

NOTE: While most suicidal people send clues that they are thinking about killing themselves, not all do. Research shows that perhaps 10% of suicidal people keep their plans

entirely to themselves.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), Winnebago Behavioral

Health 1-402-878-2911, After Hours Crisis #1-712-259-3263.

Point your phone’s camera at the QR code to

go to the Big Voice Radio webpage!

KWTN 100.9 FM

The Official Radio Station of the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Notice:

The Polling Place for Winnebago is now located at the

Whirling Thunder Wellness Center/Blackhawk Center

Winnebago Indian News

For the Primary May 14, 2024 Election

is owned and published by the

Please enter through the North door.

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”.

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on May 25, 2024. DEADLINE for this issue will be May 21, 2024.

——————————————————

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.

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

address with old mailing label to:

12:00 Noon Monday Printing Week

Winnebago Tribal Council

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

Periodicals Postage Paid

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

(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE

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

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

Winnebago

Indian

News

Staff

winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com

Phone: 402-878-2272

Brian Chamberlain...................................Editor Coly Brown................................ Member

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

“Official Newspaper of

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

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

Theresa Littlegeorge..................Member

Yearly Subscription Rates

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

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Winnebago Indian News

P.O. Box 687

Winnebago, NE 68071

or contact us at our e-mail address:

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

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

Bethani Redhorn...........Comm. Office Manger

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

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

Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, May 11, 2024

COMMUNITY

...Con’t. from last issue...

Motion carried.

Discussion on the Indirect Cost Rate (IDC) WCHS can get vs. the Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska’s IDC rate. WCHS is researching this.

Follow-Up from the February 2024 WCHS Quarterly Meeting, Health Foundation Update,

Master Facilities Plan Update – presented by David Edwards CEO.

Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn. Kenneth Mallory seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Vice-Chairman Isaac Smith adjourned the meeting at 1:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora,

Secretary, Winnebago Tribal Council

Winnebago Student

Throw Backs

WCHS Hosts Beading Event for

Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Relatives

Winnebago, NE – The resilient spirit of breast cancer survivors and their loved ones was

celebrated at the recent “This Is Living Bead by Bead” event, held at WCHS. Organized

as a collaborative effort between local communities and health organizations, the event

showcased the healing power of beading within Winnebago culture, offering participants

a meaningful space for connection, creativity, and reflection.

In Winnebago culture, beading holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, symbolizing storytelling, heritage, and healing. Passed down through generations, beadwork

serves as a medium for expressing identity, resilience, and unity within the community. For

breast cancer survivors and their relatives, engaging in beadwork becomes a transformative

journey, weaving together threads of hope, strength, and solidarity in the face of adversity.

At the “This Is Living Bead by Bead” event, participants were invited to explore the

rich tradition of beading through a workshop, demonstrations, and interactive activities.

From learning traditional beading techniques to creating personalized beadwork designs,

attendees immersed themselves in a vibrant tapestry of colors, textures, and patterns, each

bead symbolizing a story of courage, perseverance, and healing.

Jane Langemeier, Public Health Nursing Director, expressed her sentiments about

the event, stating, “The ‘This Is Living Bead by Bead’ event exemplifies the transformative

power of cultural heritage and community support in the healing journey of breast cancer

survivors. Through the art of beading, participants not only embrace their cultural roots but

also find solace, strength, and inspiration in the shared stories of resilience and hope. This

event serves as a poignant reminder that healing is not just a destination but a continuous

journey, marked by moments of connection, creativity, and collective empowerment.”

Article by: Wyatt Hoefer

Marketing Specialist | wyatt.hoefer@wchs.health | 402-745-3950-6702

WCHS Staff

WPS High School Choir 1997

Finished necklaces made at the event

Lady Indians Basketball 1994

Event participants

WHS Art Students (Year Unknown)

More event participants

MC Slammers Youth Basketball Team (Year Unknown)

Saturday, May 11, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WINNEBAGO SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER

Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, May 11, 2024

Question of the Issue:

What was the first CD you purchased with your own money?

Garan: I remember my older sister bought a rap CD from Walmart and it

was all messed up because it was the clean version. Basically, every other

word was scratched out and you couldn’t enjoy it. So, I decided I would buy

a R&B CD because of less cussing. It was H-Town and the hit song was

“Knockin’ Da Boots”, which in my opinion helped with the population growth

if you know what I mean.

Brian: I had a lot of cassettes, but my first actual CD was MTV’s Party 2

Go – Vol 1. That whole series was great! I also used to listen to it on my portable CD Walkman in my car. Complete with the cassette adaptor and bass

boost toggle switch. We knew how to jam. Haazz!

Tyler: For my 10th birthday I got a radio / karaoke machine. The first CD

I bought was Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday”. I had the Barbie chain and everything. Haha!

Kevin: Vanilla Ice when I was living in Germany. Not a huge selection. I

had pry 200 cassette tapes.

Christina: I was a major Mariah Carey fan when CDs were the thing to

have. I believe “Emotions” was my first CD purchase if not “The Chronic” lol.

Bethani: I had a nice CD collection that I wish I still had! It is crazy to think

back on that transition to when MP3 players were on the rise & even burning a mixed CD, those were always fun to make. My 1st CD purchase (with

my own money) was from long hours of babysitting & chores! I was never

allowed to buy explicit music, but Ashantis’ debut album was where it was at.

I bought Ashanti by Ashanti, with my mom’s approval of course!

STORYTELLERS PT. 2:

Ruby Bellanger

The Winnebago Indian News sat down

recently with a special tribal member, Ruby

Bellanger. Ruby agreed to speak with us

after I introduced the new column idea to

her following a recent public event. She was

genuinely interested in providing her stories to

the WIN and held an apprehensiveness due

to her self-awareness of being in possession

of an opinion. Once we began speaking, and

the WIN assured her that our readers wanted

to hear her points of view and her experiences

– opinions intact; we began our dialogue. We

had many laughs and we also named quite

a few people. Ruby’s life is certainly at no

shortage for people all throughout it.

The WIN will employ a standard verbatim

dialogue throughout this printed interview to

preserve as much as possible the original

intent and context of our discussion. However, some editing has been done for clarity.

The original transcript remains in the WIN’s

possession. Ruby’s appearance in the WIN

is entirely voluntary and her perspectives are

hers. So please enjoy this conversation as it

is meant to describe her points of view on the

life she has, and the experiences she’s lived.

We are so glad she bravely shared them with

us, unapologetically. Ruby knew her story

was hers to tell. The WIN appreciates her

ability to open-up and share so much of her

story with us. Ladies and Gentlemen, please

allow me to introduce once again our first

Storyteller debuting in these premiere issues

of the Winnebago Indian News: Mrs. Ruby

Bellanger – in her own words.

WIN (W) – (On being Head Lady dancer

at the powwow.)

Ruby B. (R) - Never. I was asked one time

by John Decora. John D. I said No. He said,

Hey you’re not supposed to say no. I said I

know that John D. But I said it’s supposed to

be an honor and you guys are not honoring it,

because you’re gonna pay me. And I said, I

have to be there at such and such time. I have

to sign a contract. I said no. And then he said,

ok well do it for free then. And I said, I’ll be

darned if I will, not when you’ll give the next

person money! So, I turned it down because

to me there’s no honor in it anymore. It’s a

working process where you get paid. You

don’t give tobacco and a check at the same

time. That’s what I’m talking about, there’s no

honor in it anymore. It’s a job.

(W) – (on teaching her own family about

dancing)

(R) – Everybody dances in their front room,

you know. And I used to tell them different

things, because we don’t have any male

dancers in our family. And I just tell them,

dance hard. You know we don’t say dance

good, or jam or whatever. We just say dance

hard, and that means you give it your best

shot.

And we never, ever say, oh you shouldn’t

of done this or shouldn’t have done that. Just

say maybe next time you could do this or not

do that. That’s the way I did. I don’t know how

everybody else does.

(W) – (on Woodland Men’s dancers)

(R) – When I first, first saw them, it was like,

the songs came to me. Not so much as them

[woodland dancers]. But I thought, where’d

I hear that? Where’d I see that? And if you’d

listen, here in Winnebago we sang Winnebago

songs for the woodland. And that’s what our

dancers were dancing to a long time ago. The

woodland. So they were called War Dancers,

never Woodland. And I think some of them

outfits that they’re wearing now, I think they’re

mostly like from Oneidas and stuff like that. We

had floral designs on their breech cloth. And

that’s another thing, they don’t call it a breech

cloth anymore. It’s called an apron. So I told

my grandson, oh I hate to think of you wearing

an apron. [laughs]

(W) – (on changes seen in powwow)

(R) – Those songs were kind of becoming

new when I was becoming young. Because

that was during World War II most of them

songs came out. So, they were new songs.

The women them days they used to always

carry a handkerchief and wave it. That was

like waving a flag. The veterans never ever

ran a powwow. Never. Because those songs

were for them. Everything we did was for

them. Someone or a couple would be home

on leave. We’d dance for them, they’d get

out there and dance. We had a lot of men

dancers. Winnebagos don’t have hardly any

men dancers [now]. We had a lot.

The men dancers. What I notice about

some of… a few of our men dancers they

come from Wisconsin. They’re kind of uniform, you know everything, sort of matches.

Back when I was young, whatever was shiny

and bright and pretty, that’s what you made

your outfit out of. And that’s why I kind of like,

personally, I like to look at them Canadian

dancers. Cause I like traditional. That’s my

favorite dance. I like the way they’re dressed.

Cause they’re kind of hodge-podgy. They

remind me of old time.

There’s a lot of copying going on [now].

But then again that’s because we’re talking

money. Money has ruined a lot of powwows.

I liked going to other powwows [too]. I liked

going to Morton. That’s more of a traditional,

and then maybe they’ll throw in a contest, but

I like traditional powwows. I don’t like Denver

March. I don’t like the Gathering. I’ve been to

all [of] them. I don’t like them. [They are] very

commercial.

See I went to the very first Gathering. And

it’s a lot different than what it is now. Now you

have to park to get in and out, and you gotta

to pay to dance. First you gotta pay to get in,

then you pay to register to dance. So, then

you pay to go look at the Arts & Crafts. If you’d

give yourself a couple more weeks you could

come to Winnebago and see them dancers,

for free. [laughs]

(W) – (about dancing around drums /

groups)

(R) – Drums just kind of floated in. Being

out in California and seeing these different

drums, what I noticed, I said, gee when I grew

up, I was telling somebody, we had one drum.

One Winnebago drum and they sang all day,

and they even sang for us kids at night so we

could Round Dance and 49. They said, gee

how’d they do that? And I said, that’s what

I’m wondering. I said because, I think I know.

But now Winnebago we gotta have this many

drums. We gotta invite drums. And I said them

guys sang, because if you watch them, they’re

singing. Nowadays drums are screaming. If

you really listen to them and watch, they’re

screaming.

(W) – (about what used to be in the arena)

(R) – There used to be, and I don’t know,

I bet you, anybody… I don’t even know it

anymore. I tried to think of it. We used to

have a half-breed song. You never hear that

anymore, because probably nobody knows

how to sing it. I can’t even think of it. But just

the half-breeds got out there and danced. One

time I saw my grandma out there and see I

didn’t even know it. And I thought, what’s she

doing out there? So, I got kind of shook up.

Cause I thought, I bet she didn’t even know.

You know I was all worried and everything.

And then I found out her mother was a French

woman, but she never told us. So, I was like,

ok. So, I can simmer down now, because I

thought she was out there and didn’t know

that song. [laughs]

(W) – (on songs changing)

(R) – That’s like I’m aware of the Marines

song. That was a song was especially for, I

can’t think of his first name, but his last name

was Greencrow. That was his song. That

wasn’t the Marines’ song. But now it’s the Marines’ song, but it was his personal [song]. Just

like Mem. What’s Mem’s real name? [Emmett

Walker] He’s got a song. The Emmett Walker

song. So very few people [know it], probably

20 years down the road that will change to

something else. But that’s his own song.

(W) – (on changes in dances)

(R) – You asked about the dance. There’s

some dances that are being messed up out

there. One of them is the Green Corn dance.

Your partners are crossing over. You never

cross over. And then you go out, and some of

them are going way out to the drum [gestures

arm widely]. And it’s like what are you doing?

Were like rows of corn here! (laughs).

Something that’s kind of a controversy right

now but I only know it one way, and Lavina

knew it the same way I did is the Bean Dance.

They’ve really messed that up. So, if Christina

wants to know how to do it I could tell her how.

Cause she’s going to hear a lot of people say

this and that. And I always just tell the woman

because the men will follow [laughs]. You can’t

tell them nothing! [laughs again].

And then the Pipe Dance. That’s changed

too. I remember that one year [a recent powwow MC, says name] said, and now you go

to your East – West. When I’m out there I don’t

know if I’m North, South, East or West! But

you’re making a full circle so you’re covering

everything. For him to stand out there and say

that, I was like, what are you doing? That’s not

the way you do it.

(W) – (on dancing to specific songs / liking

them)

(R) – Oh yeah! I don’t know if it’s got a

name, but it says in this song to be good to one

another. In fact, I think they’re even saying…

and that’s the first time I heard it was about five

years ago, I heard it that way. They’re saying

that’s the Wolf Clan song. When I was growing

up I don’t remember no Wolf Clan song. But

that’s the one I like. It says the Creator says

be good to one another. You don’t want me to

sing it. I don’t have a voice. [laughs] I wished

I did. I love them women singing, but I can’t

sing. Cause I don’t have a voice. [laughs]

That’s good that they get out there and

sing. But I remember the first powwow at

WinnaVegas some women were taking some

chairs, and they were going to sit behind this

Winnebago drum group. I’m not saying no

names. I said, are you girls singers? And they

said, no huh-uh. And I said, well Winnebago

woman don’t sit behind their men. Oklahoma

women do. Omaha women do. But Winnebago women, and I don’t think Sioux women

do it either, I don’t know, but I just told them

Winnebago women don’t sit behind their

men. They go, I didn’t know that! They were

real good about it. They go, oh ok. They got

their chairs and they left. Even if they sang,

they don’t sit behind them. You go out there

and you leave.

(W) – (more changes seen)

(R) – With this inter-tribal, in my growing

up, women went to the left and the men came

to the right. But now with inter-tribal we go all

over the place. [laughs] Some are going this

way. Some are going that way. [moves arms

in a circle]

I know one year, I won’t say a name again,

we got this MC. He belonged to the Medicine

Lodge. Somebody wanted to bring, come in,

we always go to the left. But they wanted the

men to come in and go to the right. He said,

if you people do that I will leave. Now I don’t

understand the Medicine Lodge. I don’t pretend to because I didn’t grow up with it. Never

went to anything. But for that reason, he said

he would leave. So that must be something

they do. And why somebody wanted to do that

I’ll never know because we’ve always come in,

for the last 100 years [laughs], come in from

the left. [Since] We started our Grand Entry,

we’ve always come in the same way.

(W) – (recalling old powwow grounds)

(R) – The first time I remember dancing

was right downtown. There used to be, in fact

what’s there? Where they got, kind of somewhere around the area where Ricky Jacob

lives. Somewhere down in that area. That was

my first time [dancing].

I remember going to Macy a lot. This was

[a long time ago]. We had to catch a ride.

There used to be a guy that had a truck, kind

of a small, little bit bigger than a pick up bed,

now. I don’t know how many tons you call it.

We had to pay him, something like 10 cents,

or something to ride. And then we couldn’t sit

down. We all had to stand up. Ok, going is ok.

I never once thought about my poor grandma

probably just tired. But coming back, probably

running around down at the powwow, cause I

didn’t dance during that time. Coming back, I

just wanted to lay down and sleep so bad. But

that’s how we got to the Macy powwow. We

rode in the back of a truck! [laughs]

(W) – (on dancing with others / powwow

with others)

(R ) - Yeah. I was trying to think of his

name the other day. He was a young boy

they used to pair me up with, that I used to

have to dance with him for their Green Corn.

But we had Omaha dancers come up. But I

don’t remember any of them other than that

young boy that they made me dance with, who

was like [makes scary gesture]. When I’m 13

I probably would have grabbed him [laughs]

But I’m like 8, I ain’t about to grab him.

(W) – (fun dancing / with Lavina / Live

Wires)

(R ) - Oh yeah! I know I and she did too.

We did. Because every little dance within like

100 miles we were trying to make it.

You know we got that name. They called

us the “Live Wires.” An Omaha man named

us that. He was, in fact Lavina, she didn’t get

feathered until we were dancing in old age.

So, she had a little ceremony down there,

and he was talking, and he mentioned our

dancing. He said, them women are just like

live wires. From there on that’s the name, our

stage name. [laughs]

The first ones that put us in the back, because we were up there dancing the Snake

Dance with the women. Pete Snowball called

us out. He said, I want you women to get in the

back – me, Lavina and Sidney. We go, what

for? He said, I want you guys to be the tail.

They just kind of started teasing us. So that’s

when we decided, we go, let’s give ‘em hell!

[laughs] and see John D., that was Lavina’s

brother, he knew us so when it was our turn,

boy he kicked that drum in. Made it faster and

faster, and we’d look at him, and he’d be just

laughing at us! [laughs]

Another thing we, I wish we still had it.

Do you know where, I don’t know who lives

there now, but where Donnie Snowball had

his house? There used to be a lady who lived

there. Her name was Rosie Payer. And just

about every weekend, she even had her yard

fixed up, she had benches around there. We

had a powwow there. It was cool. That’s where

a lot of us kids learned to dance. And learned

the songs and whatever.

And out there I got to dance with Felix

White, old man. There was a guy named

Mose Whitebear. I got to dance with him.

And sometimes Waukon and Gustave would

come. You just never knew who was going to

be there. It was like a fun time for everybody.

People must have brought potlucks, cause I

don’t remember how we ate.

But all of us kids had orders to never go in

her house. And we never [did]. And that’s how

she was probably able to have them [dances], cause kids would be running around,

you know. But we never went into her house.

I wanted to.[laughs] I really did. I wanted to

see what it was like in there. But that’s another

way we learned as young kids, we went there.

And sometimes we didn’t even dance but

somewhere in the back of your head you’d

hear those drums and people talking, and

that’s how we kind of learned things.

(W) – (on oldest regalia held)

(R) – Probably a dress. Kind of getting a

little thread bare. [laughs] But yeah, a dress.

And then a headband, a beaded headband

about yay wide. [gestures fingers] Some Sioux

woman gave me and I just kept it. A Sioux

woman gave it to me, and I just thought that

was so cool. [laughs]

Our “Storytellers” interview with Ruby Bellanger will continue in the next issue of the

Winnebago Indian News. In the next section

Ruby will continue telling us about her many

times in and around the powwow arena, as

well as her thoughts on what she sees today

within the tribe and community. Don’t forget

this feature will appear only and exclusively

in Hakewe.

Saturday, May 11, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7

WARHORSE CASINO