Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 49, Number 26 • Saturday, December 26, 2020
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Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 49, Number 26 • Saturday, December 26, 2020
Winnebago COVID-19 Response is "Unprecedented"
On behalf of the Winnebago Tribe, a special THANK YOU to the Winnebago Food
Distribution Program and their helpers for
all their hard work and efforts in putting
together the 2020 Christmas Food Basket
bundles for the Winnebago community!
The first doses for the COVID-19 vaccination were administered on the morning of
Thursday, December 17th. Pictured above
is Winnebago Tribal Chairwoman Victoria
Kitcheyan, Vice-Chairman Brian Chamberlain, and Mr. Clint Free SR.
Pictured in the collage: PPE, Freezer & Meat Bundle Distributions, ATLAS of Winnebago’s Tuesday Drive-up Pantry, Quarantine Housing,
Road Infrustructure, Tribal Security, Big Screen LED Projector, and an earlier look at one of the first COVID-19 weekly updates.
Winnebago’s very own Jocelyn Painter
featured in an article on the North Carolina State University College of Natural
Resources webpage. Jocelyn will be
working with a professor to explore the
deep connection that N.C. Native American tribes have to water resources. (Find
this article on: cnr.ncsu.edu)
Shoutout to these two on their performances at Fremont High! Zeriah George
(2-0), Darian Earth (3-0) #GoBigBlue
Winnebago’s Boys and Girls Club staff
served breakfast and lunch to their little
club members! Thank you to their staff
for all their hard work in putting this
together for the children.
Statement from Winnebago Tribal
Chairwoman, Victoria Kitcheyan on U.S.
Representative Deb Halaand! “Congratulations Rep Deb Halaand for breaking the
red ceiling and becoming the first Native
American to be nominated for a cabinet
position and the first Native American to
oversee the Department of the Interior.
She is a visionary leader and champion
for Indian Country. We look forward to
supporting our Indigenous sister in making history.”
Winonah Leader Charge
From the time the Tribe received funds
from the US Treasury in June, plans were
put in place to both get the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)
money into the community, under the everchanging rules issued by the Treasury, and
to comply with the requirement that the
CARES Act money be spent by the Dec.
30th deadline, or risk having to return the
funds to the U.S. Treasury.
Listed below explains and clarifies the
use of the CARES Act money. 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 include:
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.
FOOD SECURITY
The food security project enhances the
components of the local food system to
ensure reservation residents have access
to healthy foods without exposing themselves to potentially dangerous trips to
nearby communities to purchase food in
commercial outlets during the pandemic.
This project meets immediate nutrition needs of families who are suffering
economic impact due to the pandemic by:
Increasing the capacity of the local food
pantry system to distribute food.
Supporting efforts to process, preserve
and store more food in the community.
Enhancing the communities ability to
grow more of its own food on reservation land.
TRIBAL DEPARTMENTS
During the pandemic, the tribal members rely more than ever on our tribal
programming to provide effective local
governance and vital supports. The Co-
V i s i t
u s
a t
vid-19 Tribal Department pandemic project
help tribal programs respond to new and
emerging needs related to the pandemic.
This includes:
Keeping the tribal employers and community stakeholders safe through provision
of PPE, sanitation upgrades, and installation of barrier/safety equipment at program
facilities.
Increasing programs’ IT capacity to
enable tele-work, digital delivery of tribal
services, and access to public health and
safety information
Providing hazard pay, increased staffing, contracted services in order to meet
the increased demand for programming
and supports during the pandemic.
COMMUNICATIONS
The pandemic has created an urgent
need to improve the ability to share information between and among tribal programs, community partners, and tribal
members particularly in the areas of public
health information, tele-health, tele-work,
and the transition to digital learning options. The COVID CARES Communications
project focused on increasing technology
capacities to meet these pandemic-driven
communication needs. There are three
primary deliverables associated with this
project and include:
Increase internet and wireless access
across our service area by installing 4G
upgrades aligned to provide connectivity
for the first responders in the community
as they respond to the pandemic.
The 4G upgrade was engineered such
that when 5G is readily available, the Tribe
will be positioned to upgrade as needed so
the community is ready to respond to current and future phases of the pandemic by
offering new tools for sharing emergency
information, pandemic public policy advisories, educational content, telemedicine
options for safer engagement with health
services, and supporting increased transition to tele-work.
Upgrade tribal facilities and programs
with enhanced telecommunications capacity to ensure the Tribe can effectively share
pandemic-related updates and information
with constituents, offer tele-work options to
tribal employees, and engage tribal members in Tribal Council public meetings and
other tribal functions without requiring
them to participate in potentially unsafe
public gatherings.
The funds were also used to create increased communication ability to the public
with a community screen so that COVID updates and educational information can be
made available to keep the community safe.
SECURITY
The pandemic security initiative focused
on meeting the increased need for public
safety, oversight, emergency response,
and policy enforcement necessitated by
the Covid-19 pandemic such as the mask
mandate in public areas and the community-wide curfew. The project enhanced and
integrated with existing Law Enforcement
and Public Health resources to effectively
respond to this increased need. Deliverables include:
Increased by 5 the number of equipped
police officers with vehicles to ensure adequate 24/7 response to curfew violations
or other pandemic-related Tribal policies
across the reservation
Increased by 10 the number of security
officers available across the reservation to
provide oversight, crowd disbursement,
policy directives, and law enforcement coordination in support of pandemic-related
needs.
Increased communication and oversight/enforcement for public health
and tribal council policies and advisories utilizing signage, and enhanced
surveillance; assist with transportation needs associated with quarantine
and isolation of Covid-19 patients (or
potential patients) and their families.
HOUSING
The pandemic housing project establish
a continuum of housing options to prepare
the community for an increase in Covid-19
cases, and established sufficient inventory
to respond to the isolation and quarantine
requirements of the current and subsequent waves of Covid-19 infections in the
community. The Tribe developed a range of
housing options to meet the specific needs
of households or individuals that will need
to isolate regardless of their income status,
age, household size or other eligibility factors. Deliverables include:
Adding or upgrading paving to 2.5
miles of reservation roads to ensure first
responder and health services access to
tribal members’ homes and public facilities.
Increasing by 6 units the number of
single family homes to be utilized for quarantine and isolation during the pandemic.
The addition of ten camper trailers suitable for use as temporary quarantine and/
or isolation housing.
Develop 1 women’s shelter facility for
women and children in need of safe relocation for isolation/quarantine.
Add a bath/shower facility at the Veteran’s Park so that camper/trailers will
have sanitation adequate for quarantine/
isolation.
Ensuring that tribal members have the
resources to maintain their current housing situation via rent and utility assistance.
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, December 26, 2020
BAGO NEWS
Hōcąk Corner
Kšaikšų
Waguje hąkši
(kshy-kshoo)
(wah-ghoo-jay hahk-shee)
Gloves
Boots
Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, December 26, 2020 — Page 3
COMMUNITY NEWS
Does the Vaccine Turn You into a Zombie?
Winnebago Public Health Department
Many of our Community Members have been asking for an update from
our healthcare workers on how they feel after they received the first dose
of vaccine yesterday. Winnebago Public Health Department's Diabetes
Director, Camilla Barajas (RN, BSN, CDE), gave this update:
"Today I woke up feeling a little achy. The injection site was sore and
I had mild muscle aches. I did my normal morning stretches, took Ibuprofen, and feel great now! We work with the most vulnerable patients in
the community. My husband is also living with diabetes. It is important
to me to keep myself healthy so I can be here for them without worry. I
received the vaccine a little before 11 am yesterday and feel great today. "
Thank you to Camilla for sharing her experience and for her work in
serving the Winnebago community.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. is dedicated to ensuring students are equipped with the skills they need
for a rewarding career
Despite the pandemic, Felicia Masquat, youth and education coordinator, worked with managers across the
company to develop innovative ways
to safely continue the Ho-Chunk, Inc.
2020 Summer Internship Program, and
she is looking ahead to 2021.
Applications are now open
at bit.ly/ho-chunk21. The deadline to apply is March 1.
This is a full-time, paid position with
Ho-Chunk, Inc. Potential placements
include working with communications,
corporate operations, finance, government contracting, HR, IT, manufacturing, marketing, retail, or real estate and
construction.
The Ho-Chunk, Inc. Summer Internship Program is designed to give students in undergraduate and graduate
degree programs hands-on experience
at an innovative Native Americanowned company that prides itself on a
strong social mission and community
impact.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. interns become an
active part of the team from day one.
The personalized approach to learning
and development helps foster growth
and ensure each intern’s experience is
meaningful.
Based on educational goals and interests, interns are placed across a wide
range of projects and business sectors.
During the 11-week paid program,
interns learn directly from company
leaders, see classroom teachings come
to life and make impactful contributions to the company and Winnebago
community.
The program starts Monday, May 17
and goes through Friday, July 30. Only
applicants who can commit to full-time
employment should apply.
Preference will be given to enrolled
members of the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska and other federally recognized tribes.
For full details and eligibility criteria,
visit bit.ly/ho-chunk21.
Questions can be directed to Felicia
Masquat at fmasquat@hochunkinc.
com or 402-878-2809.
Holiday Blues: How to cope.
Winnebago Diabetes Director Camilla Barajas (RN, BSN, CDE) gets the vaccine.
Wīwewi hopįxjį hānįwiną egi mąnįkisak
anągą mą cek wōzawa
ra hanąc hinįkaragiwi ną.
Our warmest thoughts and best wishes for a
wonderful holiday season and Happy New
Year.
Mąnįkisak Hinįgirawi
Season's Greetings
Winonah Leader Charge
The Winnebago Tribal Council wishes
you a Happy Health Holiday!
The holiday season can trigger depression for a number of reasons.
It is often a difficult time for some people especially, this year with the
challenges of the covid 19 pandemic-related restrictions. This incr eased
isolation has led some experts to worry that it will cause higher levels of
loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
doing what is best for you and your loved ones. This includes:
Take Care of Yourself
Being away from family and friends during the holidays can be hard.
When you talk with your friends and family about plans, it’s okay if
you decide to stay home and remain apart from others.
Do What’s Best for Your Household
Doing what’s best for you includes eating healthy foods and getting
enough sleep.
Take care of your body and stay active to lessen fatigue, anxiety, and
sadness.
Spend Time with Those in Your Household
Hard choices to be apart this year may mean that you can spend many
more years with your loved ones.
Do what is best for your health and the health of your loved ones. This
year spend time with those in your own household.
For more information please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.
gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/coping-holiday-stress.html
The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on January 9, 2021.
——————————————————
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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.
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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.
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winnebagotribe.com
402-878-2272
“Official Newspaper of
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”
DEADLINE for this issue will be January 5, 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, December 26, 2020
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Ho-Chunk, Inc. launches gaming division
for Nebraska casinos
JESUS OUR SAVIOR
LUTHERAN OUTREACH
"It happened."
A design concept shows the proposed casino at Horsemen’s Park in Omaha. WarHorse
Gaming will be responsible for gaming operations there, in addition to new casinos at
Lincoln Racecourse in Lincoln, and Atokad in South Sioux City.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. has launched
a gaming division to manage and
operate new casinos at three existing horse race tracks in Nebraska.
The new division, WarHorse
Gaming, LLC, 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.
“The future is bright. We’re excited to bring a new industry to
Nebraska, and in turn, serve HoChunk, Inc.’s mission of creating
jobs and economic opportunity
for Tribal members,” said Brian
Chamberlain, WarHorse Gaming’s
new Executive Director, who is an
enrolled member of the Winnebago
Tribe.
WarHorse Gaming, LLC will
be responsible for overall gaming
operations at Horsemen’s Park
in Omaha, Lincoln Racecourse in
Lincoln, and Atokad in South Sioux
City. The Nebraska HBPA will continue to oversee all horse racing at
the tracks.
In the November general election, Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved a trio of ballot
measures sponsored by Ho-Chunk,
Inc. and the Nebraska HBPA to
expand, regulate and tax gaming
in the state.
The two organizations are in early planning stages for the new casinos and management operations.
WarHorse leadership anticipates
expanded gaming in some form
during the second half of 2021,
with full casino operations up and
running in 2022. More information
on timelines and milestones will be
announced as planning advances.
Chamberlain’s history with HoChunk, Inc. includes serving as
a board member, past and present T ribal Council terms, two
terms with the Winnebago Gaming
Commission, and managing the
Winnebago Gaming Development
Corporation.
In Iowa, the Winnebago Tribe
will continue to own and operate
WinnaVegas Casino Resort, which
is on reservation land that extends
into that state. The new casinos
operated by WarHorse Gaming in
Nebraska are not located on reservation land, and will be regulated
by state law rather than federal law.
“We are thrilled to partner with
a world-class organization like HoChunk, Inc.,” said Nebraska HBPA
Executive Vice President L ynne
McNally. “It’s been a very long process getting to this point, with a lot
more yet to do, but we’re very much
looking forward to what this will do
for Nebraska.”
That is how the story of the greatest
Christmas gift begins and sums it all up
"It happened!"
Luke, the evangelist, used the Greek
word 'egeneto' that can be translated
"it happened." The King James Version translated this word with "and it
came to pass." '"It happened" is such a
matter-of-fact and ordinary way of reporting an occurrence that most modern
translations leave it out, regarding it as
redundant" (quoting Norman Nagel from
his 1975 Christmas sermon).
Now you might be wondering 'what
happened?' The story begins with the
Roman government requiring everyone
to register. Citizens were required to do
so that they might be taxed. So what
else is new? As the saying goes the only
two things one can be certain about is
'death and taxes.' This is not the 'what
happened' point of the story.
However, this was all part of Mauna's
plan to have His Son, His only begotten Son, to be born at the place that
the prophet Micah had foretold. As the
Christmas story unfolds, Joseph who
was engaged to Mary, went from Nazareth in northern Israel south to Bethlehem. Bethlehem, whose name means
'house of bread', was the town of David,
Joseph and Mary's ancestor.
"It happened" that while they were
there that Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. So, what is the big deal?
Mothers give birth to children each and
every day. About half of them are sons.
We learn from the story that Mary had to
wrap her newborn in cloths and laid him
in a manger. So, they were poor. Most
people of this world are poor and give
birth in settings other than hospitals.
"It happened" that this mother was
a virgin. Impossible according to the
basics of science and physical anatomy
- therefore rejected by many. How was
this possible? The Holy Spirit came
upon the virgin Mary and she conceived
and bore the Son of God. Now that is
something awesome that happened!
"It happened" that an angel, a heavenly messenger of Mauna, appeared to
some shepherds who were watching
their flock by night and they were terrified. 'And the angel said unto them,
"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Saviour, which
is Christ the Lord" [Luke 2:10–11 (KJV
1900)].
"It happened" that the Savior of sinners was born. The story of Christmas,
which Christians celebrated on December 25th each year, is about the birth
of God's anointed One- the Christ. This
baby boy who was born in order to suffer and die in full payment for the sins
of all people.
Joseph, his earthly step-father,
would name him: Jesus which means
'God saves.' This is Good News, especially to those who accept Mauna's
heavenly gift. It is my prayer that Jesus is born in your heart today, if he
has not already taken up residence
there.
Mary wrapped her first-born son in
cloths. Mauna wrapped up the Christmas gifts of love, peace, hope and joy
in this precious Christ child! And this
sums up 'It happened.'
Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare
System Administers First Dose of
COVID-19 Vaccination
Update from HoChunk Farms
Ho-Chunk Farms, the agriculture subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc.,
recently finished harvesting 5,400
acres of reservation farmland. Next
year, that is projected increase to
about 6,300 acres.
That includes almost all of the
Winnebago Tribe’s farmable land
and a large portion of allotted land,
plus 231 acres purchased by the
ag company last winter.
Ho-Chunk Farms started in
2012. Since then, they have
changed the dynamics of reservation farming and increased farmland values for the Winnebago
Tribe and its members.
This year, Ho-Chunk Farms
started leasing over 200 acres
from one tribal member and 80
acres from another. Both wholly
own these pieces of land, and that
makes them unique.
“These checks are written out
to the individuals. Not the BIA,
not the tribe,” manager Aaron
LaPointe said. “I get to work directly with these tribal members,
negotiate prices. It’s putting more
money into tribal members’ pockets.”
Very few tribal members wholly
own tracts of land. Much of it is
allotted trust land.
The Dawes Act of 1887 divided
and sold tribal lands, leaving behind a checkerboard of land own-
ership on many reservations with
parcels owned by tribes, individual
tribal members, and non-Natives.
Despite drought conditions in
Thurston County, conventional
cor n yields increased for HoChunk Farms. LaPointe attributes
the above-average year to the fact
that the company acquired leases
to a lot of irrigated acres in the last
two years.
Another new development: HoChunk Farms doubled their storage capacity. They are storing
370,000 bushels of corn – over
half of this year’s harvest – and
planning to sell at more profitable
times in the coming months.
Ho-Chunk Farms is also leading the way with regenerative
agriculture. The holistic landmanagement practice emphasizes ways to protect and build
the soil.
They are looking forward to
planting nearly 1,000 acres of
USDA certified organic corn
and field peas in 2021. An additional 300 acres of alfalfa will
be planted to start transitioning
to organic production.
“Everything we do is based on
sustainability,” LaPointe said.
“That includes economics, the
environment and traditional
ways.”
Gordon Rave (from the Maintenance Department at Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare
System) volunteers to receive the first COVID-19 vaccination in Winnebago. Mr. Rave is a
member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a Veteran.
Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS),
comprised of the Winnebago Public Health Department and Twelve Clans Unity
Hospital, has administered the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccination to its
frontline healthcare workers. A limited supply of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19
vaccinations arrived at the facility the evening of Wednesday, December 16th,
2020 from Indian Health Services (IHS). The vaccine is a 2-dose series given
three weeks apart. One of the first employees from WCHS to volunteered to
receive the vaccination was Winnebago Public Health Administrator and EMT,
Mona Zuffante.
“I was honored and humbled to be a part of the first group to receive the
vaccine. As an EMT, I have seen people at their worst and have witnessed the
devastating effects this virus has been on our people. Our people have survived
several pandemics. Over the past 9 months we have all prayed for this to come
to an end and a vaccine to be created. That day has arrived and we have taken
one step in a positive direction. I know that the vaccine is our best hope to keep
our traditions and culture alive for the next generation,” said Zuffante.
The Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. Distribution
plans for the vaccine will coincide with the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s
recommendations for giving the vaccine. Healthcare personnel are among the
first group to receive the vaccine.
Sixty-five vials of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the first shipment of vaccination. WCHS employees were offered the COVID-19 vaccination based on
prioritization criteria from the CDC. This included the risk and frequency of
potential COVID-19 exposure for staff.
The first phase of the CDC’s vaccine distribution plan offers the vaccine to
those serving in a healthcare setting who have the potential for direct or indirect
exposure to patients or infectious materials. Long-term care facility residents
are also recommended for the initial distribution. The second phase of vaccination distribution will be primarily offered to the essential workers outside a
healthcare setting and high-risk populations. Phase three of the distribution
plan encompasses the general population.
Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, December 26, 2020 — Page 5
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
MID MONTHLY TRIBAL COUNCIL
MEETING
November 16, 2020 via
Go To Webinar
Tribal Council Present:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Brian Chamberlain
Rona Stealer
Lorelei DeCora
Louis LaRose
Thelma Whitewater
John Snowball
Coly Brown (in at 5:16pm)
Aric Armell (out at 5:41pm)
Others Present:
Garan Coons
Alan Post
Esther Mercer
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan called the Meeting to Order
at 5:05pm
OPENING Prayer: Aric Armell offered the Opening Prayer
APPROVE THE AGENDA:
Lorelei DeCora reported the CFO
would like the Roads Department –
Peterbilt Semi Purchase to be added to
the Agenda.
Lorelei DeCora reported the Human
Services Program would like the Community Thanksgiving Meal – Curb-side
for Friday, 11-20-2020 to be added to
the Agenda.
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
Agenda as amended, seconded by John
Snowball.
VOTES: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINUTES:
November 2, 2020 Regular Tribal
Council Meeting Minutes
Rona Stealer motioned to approve
the November 2, 2020 Regular Tribal
Council Meeting Minutes, seconded by
Brian Chamberlain.
VOTES: (7) Yes
(0) No
(0) Abstain
Motion carried.
November 9, 2020 Monthly Land
Meeting Minutes.
John Snowball motioned to approve
the November 9, 2020 Monthly Land
Meeting Minutes, seconded by Brian
Chamberlain.
VOTES: (7) Yes (0) No
( 0 )
Abstain Motion carried.
RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:
Adopt Resolution # 21-28; Winnebago Tribe FY 2021 Northeast Nebraska
Rural Health Alcohol/Substance Abuse
Network Planning Grant.
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the
Five Signatures to adopt Resolution #
21-28 Winnebago Tribe FY 2021 Northeast Nebraska Rural Health Alcohol/
Substance Abuse Network Planning
Grant, seconded by Rona Stealer.
VOTES: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Adopt Resolution # 21-29: Tribal
Enrollment Absolute Relinquishment.
Louis LaRose motioned to Ratify the
Five Signatures to adopt Resolution #
21-29: Tribal Enrollment Absolute Relinquishment of 383-UO7906, seconded
by Brian Chamberlain.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Peterbilt semi for Roads
John Snowball motioned to approve
the purchase of a 2021 Peterbilt 567
truck for the Roads Department as
presented, seconded by Aric Armell.
VOTE: (8) Yes(0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
CV20-81 Kitcheyan V. Winnebago
Tribal Council
Aric Armell motioned to request a
Continuance for CV20-81 from the
Tribal Court
on 11-20-2020 until we get legal
representation, seconded by Lorelei
DeCora
Object: Thelma Whitewater
VOTE: (7) Yes AA, LD, RS, BC, LLR,
CB, JSB
(1) No, TW
(0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Adopt Resolution # 21-25; Liberty
National Bank, Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska Land Account
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
adopt Resolution # 21-25; Approving
the Liberty National Bank, Winnebago
Tribe of Nebraska Land Account, seconded by Louis LaRose.
Object: Thelma Whitewater
VOTE: (7) Yes BC, LLR, RS, JSB,
AA, CB, LD (1) No, TW (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, December 14, 2020 Hearing, Chairwoman
Kitcheyan asked to testify.
John Snowball motioned for the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska to oppose non-Indians using Indian mascots
and to direct the legal counsel to draft
testimony for the U.S. Commission on
Civil Rights Hearing, seconded by Aric
Armell.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
General Counsel RFP Selection
Chairwoman Kitcheyan reports we
received one General Counsel Bid from
the Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP.
Brian Chamberlain motioned to approve the RFP submitted by the Big Fire
Law & Policy Group LLP to be the General Counsel for the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska, seconded by Louis LaRose.
Object: Thelma Whitewater
VOTE: (4) Yes LD. RS, BC, LLR
(1)
No, TW
(2) Abstain JSB, CB
Motion carried.
Human Services Program -Thanksgiving Meal – Curb-side for Friday, 1120-2020 requesting the Tribal Council
donate the Corn Soup for the meal.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve
the Winnebago Tribal members bid to
cook the corn soup for the Thanksgiving
Dinner 11-20-20 Curbside by Human
Services, seconded by John Snowball.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan clarified the
Human Services request for the Corn
Soup is as a donation from the Tribal
Council for $805.00 which breaks down
to the $540 for the corn for the soup and
$265 for the meat and beef base for the
corn soup.
Rona Stealer motion to approve
the meat and beef base costs of $265
for the corn soup, seconded by Brian
Chamberlain.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Tribal Council discussion on the
video posted on social media of individuals unloading freezers at an off reservation business. Tribal Council member
discussed how disheartening it was to
see this.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan thanked all
the tribal programs that assisted in
unloading, loading and distributing the
freezers for our tribal members: HCI Ambassadors, HCI Farms, Team Facilities,
Winnebago Tribal Gardens & Cemetery
Crew, HCI Community Impact Department, Winnebago Finance, Winnebago
Communications, Winnebago Inventory
& Procurement, Winnebago Receptionists, and Winnebago CHR’s.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS: None.
Adjourn:
Rona Stealer motioned to Adjourn
at 6:06pm, seconded by Brian Chamberlain.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned
the meeting at 6:06pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lorelei DeCora,
Winnebago Tribal Council Secretary
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING
November 18, 2020 via
Go To Webinar
Tribal Council Present:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Brian Chamberlain
Rona Stealer
Lorelei DeCora
Louis LaRose
Thelma Whitewater
Coly Brown
Others Present:
Garan Coons
Nicole Ducheneaux
Leonika Charging
Nancy Barret
Peter Langdon
Jennifer Bear Eagle
Absent:
John Snowball
Aric Armell (trying to log in at
11:02am)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan Called the Meeting to Order
at 10:07am
OPENING PRAYER: Rona Stealer
offered the Opening Prayer
Chairwoman stated this is our first
Meeting with our new General Counsel
the Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP, so
this will be a Transition Meeting with
Big Fire. There is also an attorney with
another Law Firm, Abrahams Kaslow
& Cassman LLP interested in offering
pro bono assistance for a Native Tribe,
or for Tribal members and they have
been invited to participate in this Go
to Webinar.
AGENDA:
Lorelei DeCora stated there are two
other items which should be added to
this Agenda:
1. The U.S. Commission on Civil
Rights Hearing on Use of Indian Mascots
2. Winnebago Tribal Court CV20-81.
Brian Chamberlain asked to add
Amendments to the Winnebago Tribal
Election Code to the Agenda.
GENERAL COUNSEL AGENDA
ITEMS:
Transition Meeting with Big Fire
Winnebago Tribal Court CV20-81
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Hearing on Use of Indian Mascots
Winnebago Tribal Election Code
Amendments
Attorney with Abrahams, Kaslow &
Cassman LLP Pro Bono Offer
Brian Chamberlain motioned to approve the Agenda, seconded by Rona
Stealer.
VOTE: (6) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan brought up
some pending legal concerns of the
Tribe:
Iowa Land Acquisition, NNG Con-
struction Tax Issue.
Winnebago Tribal Court CV20-81
Hearing for 11-20-20 Kitcheyan V.
Winnebago Tribal Council. The Tribal
Council requested a continuance until
we get legal representation.
US Commission on Civil Rights Hearing on Use of Indian Mascots:
Discussion; U.S. Commission on Civil
Rights Hearing on Use of Indian Mascots
and Big Fire assistance in drafting our
Winnebago Tribe’s Testimony.
Winnebago Tribal Election Code
Amendments:
Brian Chamberlain stated issues for
amending the Winnebago Tribe’s Election Code:
All vacancies whether expired terms
or unexpired terms should be voted on
by the Tribal membership. We need a
clear definition of the term “vacancy” in
the Code. Clarify how to fill a vacancy.
Establish an Election Committee.
Clarify definition for “tampering” in
the Code.
Clarify the Public Notice Requirements by the Secretary of the Tribal
Council: How many vacancies to be
voted on by the tribal membership. The
Tribal members have the right to vote
for the number of vacancies to be filled.
Tribal Special Election Procedures
should be clarified.
Attorney with Abrahams, Kaslow &
Cassman, LLP Pro Bono Offer:
Nancy Barrett – Abrahams Kaslow
& Cassman LLP introduced herself and
Peter Langdon Attorney introduced himself and spoke of his interest in wanting
to do pro bono work with a Native Tribe
of Tribal members.
Lorelei asked if he would be interested to look at some BIA Mismanagement of Heirship Land Cases we have
identified? He said yes.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan suggested
with develop an M.O.U. with the Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP on pro
bono work with our Tribe.
Rona Stealer suggested we put it out
to our membership in case they have
legal needs Peter Langdon might be
interested in.
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
authorize the Chairwoman to take all
steps necessary to share the General
Counsel Meeting with the Winnebago
Tribal Membership effective immediately, seconded by Rona Stealer.
VOTE: (6) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Brian Chamberlain motioned to adjourn the Meeting at 11:08am, seconded
by Louis LaRose.
VOTE: (6) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain.
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned
the meeting at 11:08 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Lorelei DeCora,
Winnebago Tribal Council Secretary
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
CEO REPORT
NOVEMBER 19, 2020 via
Go To Webinar
Tribal Council Present:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Rona Stealer
Lorelei DeCora
Coly Brown
Thelma Whitewater
John Snowball
Aric Armell
Louis LaRose
Brian Chamberlain (in at 10:48am)
Others Present:
Esther Mercer
Ireta Blackbird
Sunshine Bear
Billie Kitcheyan
Kenny Walker
Tyresha Wolfe
Keely Purcell
Ron Nohr
Joy Johnson
Cheri Redhorn
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan called the Meeting to Order
at 10:05am
OPENING PRAYER: Thelma Whitewater offererd the Opening Prayer
AGENDA: CEO Mercer asks to add
under Agenda Item 2. B. LPTC Board
Lorelei DeCora asked to add Tribal
Council sponsoring the corn soup at
the Human Services Thanksgiving meal
curbside for 11-20-20.
Coly Brown asked to add the Winnebago Gaming Commission to the
agenda.
John Snowball asked to add Law
Enforcement to the agenda.
Coly Brown motioned to approve the
Agenda as amended, seconded by Aric
Armell.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No
(0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Travel Approvals: CEO Mercer reports essential staff travel she approved
per Travel Policy.
FY 21 Organizational Chart: CEO reports the new CAO position will be filled.
John Snowball motioned to approve
the FY 21 Organizational Chart as presented by the CEO, seconded by Rona
Stealer.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
COVID 19 Policy Updates: The ReOpening Committee approved the modified Policy.
John Snowball motioned to approve
the modified WTN COVID 19 Policy,
seconded by Louis LaRose.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
COVID 19 Related Employment
Status for Tribal Government Positions
Coly Brown asked Chairwoman
Kitcheyan to request # of COVID positive employees from all our Tribal employees and Tribal entities.
John Snowball motioned to extend
the deadline for COVID 19 related
employment for tribal government positions to June 30, 2021, seconded by
Louis LaRose.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Boards and Committees:
Emergency Home Repair Committee
Rona Stealer motioned to re-advertise until filled, the Emergency Home
Repair Committee vacancies, seconded
by Aric Armell.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Tribal Housing Committee
Coly Brown motioned to re-advertise
until filled the Tribal Housing Committee vacancies, seconded by Rona
Stealer.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Tribal Utility Board
Coly Brown motioned to re-advertise
until filled, the Tribal Utility Board vacancies, seconded by Aric Armell.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
John snowball asks CEO Mercer
to follow-up with WTN IT, to see if the
Committees or Boards can be assisted
to meet virtually if needed.
LPTC Board of Directors
There was one resignation from the
LPTC Board of Directors.
Louis LaRose motioned to accept
Billie Kitcheyan’s resignation from the
LPTC Board of Directors, seconded by
John snowball.
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Louis LaRose motioned to advertise
for the LPTC Board of Director’s vacancy for 30 days, seconded by Brian
Chamberlain.
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Enrollment Office:
Application Approvals: Resolution
21-30
Thelma White motioned to table the
enrollment applicants until the Enrollment Office can break down each
applicants blood by Winnebago blood
and blood of another federally recognized Indian Tribe, and bring it back
at the next CEO Report, seconded by
Aric Armell.
Object: Brian Chamberlain
VOTE: (4) Yes CB, TW, AA, JSB
(4) No BC, LD, RS, LLR (0) Abstain
There is a tie, Chairwoman Kitcheyan votes no.
FINAL VOTE: (4) Yes CB, TW, AA,
JSB 5) No VK, BC, LD, RS, LLR
(0)
Abstain
Motion fails.
Brian Chamberlain motions to adopt
Resolution #21-30; Tribal Applicants
[A3626, A3627, A3628, A3629, A3630,
A3634, A3640, A3641, A3643] for enrollment into the Winnebago Tribe, further requests the Enrollment Office to
review the blood quantum of applicant
A3635 and bring it back for re-consideration, further requests the Enrollment
Office to provide a breakdown of all
Enrollment applicants showing degree
of Winnebago blood and degree of other
Federally recognized Indian Tribe blood,
seconded by Lorelei DeCora.
Object: Thelma Whitewater
VOTE: (5) Yes LLR, LD, BC, JSB, RS
(2) No, TW, AA (1) Abstain, CB
Motion carried.
Welcome to our new Winnebago
Tribal members.
Lorelei DeCora requests Chairman
Kitcheyan to follow-up with our General
Counsel to provide a training on the
Winnebago Tribe’s Enrollment Section
in the Winnebago Constitution and on
the Winnebago Tribe’s Draft Enrollment
Guidelines for enrollment staff and the
Enrollment Committee.
Physical Resources:
Tribal Housing
Kenny Walker Tribal Housing and
Ireta Blackbird Physical Resources
Director provided an update on the
12-Plex apartment vacancies. The
Tribal Council requests Tribal Housing
to make it a priority to get the vacant
apartments cleaned and renovated for
housing for our tribal members. Kenny
reported the difficulty he has with filling
the maintenance positions.
Discussion on the Tribal Housing
Policy on drug testing and no funding
in their budget to do this.
John Snowball and Victoria encour-
Cont. on pg 7...
Page 6 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, December 26, 2020
COMMUNITY NEWS
Senator Joni Albrecht WEEKLY UPDATE
December 14, 2020
It is starting to look a lot like Christmas!
With unseasonably warm December temperatures, we may have lost sight of the fact that
this is, in fact, December in Nebraska. The past
weekend certainly reminded us in short order.
Remember to drive safely as snow and ice accumulate periodically and to dress for the cold
weather. Sledding and playing in the snow can
be a lot of fun with proper clothing. Children
just want to get out into it, so if you can, donate
winter coats and other clothing to local charities
that want to make sure every child is able to
stay warm. As the holiday approaches, look in
on vulnerable family members and neighbors
to make sure they are okay.
Legislature Ahead: Every day, just before the
Legislature officially convenes, a state senator
leads the Pledge of Allegiance in the Legislature’s chamber. I have been honored to take
my turn during each of the four years I have
served. This year, my office is preparing a proposed change in the rules that would allow each
senator to either lead the Pledge themselves, or,
to have an active or retired military member of
their district lead it in the senator’s place. The
Rules Committee will review the proposal and it
must be voted on by the full body to be adopted.
Wreaths Across America Proclamation.
Nebraska and our nation are rich with historic
recognition of time-honored tradition. One
such tradition is coming up on Saturday,
December 19, 2020. At 11:00 a.m. Nebraska
time, Nebraska will join in 2100 ceremonies
through the country and 24 other countries
and the Seven Seas in recognizing all of the
fallen military members in Wreaths Across
America events. The events differ in some
respects but one thing is consistent across the
world. Wreaths are laid and the names of the
fallen are read aloud. There are over 250,000
wreaths laid in Arlington Cemetery alone. In
Nebraska there are 12 participating cemeteries.
On Monday, December 14, 2020, the Governor signed a Proclamation, proclaiming Saturday, December 19, 2020 as National Wreaths
Across America Day in Nebraska.
I join fellow Americans in recognizing the
brave service and importance of those who have
served our country.
COVID-19 State Response Update.
Once again, Nebraska has done a good job
of slowing the spread. In his Monday press
briefing, the Governor reported that hospitalizations throughout the State continue to
decrease. The State is now in the yellow zone
on the risk dial and the Governor has loosens
restrictions accordingly. As of Monday, fifteen
to twenty percent of hospital patients in the
state are coronavirus patients. That percentage allows for elective surgeries to resume, for
non-household members, like grandparents to
attend extracurricular events like school sports.
The Governor did state that even though those
restrictions are loosened by the State, schools
still have the discretion to implement their
own safety guidelines. You can find updated
Directed Health Measures (DHMs) for each
county at governor.nebraska.gov, keywords
Directed Health Measures.
Even as restrictions loosen, the Governor
stressed that no one wants to be quarantined
or hospitalized over the holiday and urged
Nebraska residents to continue to use the
known tools to help protect the hospital availability. Tools include avoiding the 3 “C”s – close
contact, crowds, and confined spaces. Wash
hands frequently, sanitize hands and surfaces,
social distance, and wear a mask when around
others. If you are experiencing symptoms, get
tested and if you feel sick, stay home.
As of Monday, TestNebraska has returned
back over 523,000 tests. As a reminder, the
test is available to anyone who wants to sign
up at www.testnebraska.com.
There is news that doses of vaccine are
on the way and should arrive in Nebraska
shortly. The first to receive the vaccine are
said to include frontline medical personnel
and long-term care facilities, followed by those
with underlying conditions. Be sure to watch
the Governor’s press briefings on Nebraska
Educational Television (NET TV) to keep up to
date on this and other information concerning
the state.
COVID-19 numbers in District 17
The number of positive tests reported for the
periods December 4, 2020, and December 11,
2020 in District 17 are as follow:
Dakota County +105 (3422)
Thurston County: + 63 (774)
Wayne County: +57 (870)
College in District 17.
After last week’s report by President Turner
about the state of the University of Nebraska, I
found it fitting to brag about District 17 institutions of higher learning. Wayne State College
and Northeast Community College serve a
number of students from Nebraska and other
states in pursuing a number of career paths.
Wayne State College was kind enough to
provide us a very thorough update of its 202021 academic year and the year ahead. We first
congratulate Wayne State College on welcoming
the second largest class in its history for the
2020-2021 academic year. The increase was
a whopping 11.7% over the previous year and
was just five students short of the largest freshman class since 1968. The College provided us
with the following updated information:
“Wayne State’s fall semester started a
week early on Aug. 17, 2020, with face-to-face
instruction. The College was able to maintain
face-to-face instruction throughout the entire
semester, which ended Nov. 25. Graduation
was held Nov. 20 due to the modified fall
schedule.
Wayne State was exceptionally proud of the
way students, faculty, and staff rallied for a successful fall semester. The College instituted the
4 Pillar approach, which emphasized hygiene,
masks (which were required in all academic
buildings and while in line for food service in
the Student Center), social distancing, and
self-screening (via mobile app that the college
community used to monitor for symptoms).
Our full plan for the academic year is available
here: www.wsc.edu/covid19
The College kept numbers low throughout
the semester, largely due to rigorous testing and
tracing combined with quarantine and isolation
protocols. We paid for a block of rooms at local
motels that we used for students who lived on
campus to use when quarantine or isolation
was needed for either exposure to the virus
or a positive test result. We made it through
the semester without any evidence of spread
in our classrooms. The College sent weekly
emails to the campus community regarding
numbers along with updates regarding safe
practices (our numbers for the entire semester are available here: https://www.wsc.edu/
news/article/552/covid-19_cases_at_wayne_
state_college)
Wayne State College began the fall 2020
semester with the second largest class in its
history with 821 new freshmen on campus
for the 2020-21 academic year. The 11.7%
increase is just five students short of the largest ever class that entered in 1968 during the
height of the Vietnam War.
The freshman class growth, combined with
a 2.41% increase in graduate students and a
5.94% increase in returning undergraduate
students, put the college at 3,865 total students, which is 4.77% more than fall 2019.
Wayne State’s total enrollment has grown 20%
in the past three years. You can read more
about our enrollment here: https://www.wsc.
edu/news/article/555/wsc_welcomes_second_largest_freshman_class_in_college_s_history
Our current recruitment cycle for fall 2021
is underway. We are encouraged by the number of applicants as we continue to meet our
mission of regional service through access and
affordability, student success, and learning
excellence. We are especially proud of our work
to keep costs down for students and families
through aggressive scholarship programs and
the work by the Nebraska State College System
to keep our tuition affordable.
One of the ways we have committed to
continued affordability is through a new Tuition Guarantee program. The Nebraska State
Colleges Tuition Guarantee ensures that Pellqualified Nebraska students can attend Wayne
State College tuition-free.
Qualified first-time freshman and transfer
students pursuing an undergraduate degree
will receive a combination of federal grants,
state or private grants, college remissions, or
College Foundation scholarships to fill any
tuition gap left after the Pell Grant. The State
College Tuition Guarantee does not cover additional costs such as room and board, books,
and fees. However, the student's private or
community scholarships will not be considered when providing support to cover tuition
costs. You can read more about the plan here:
https://www.wsc.edu/news/article/557/
state_colleges_to_guarantee_affordability_and_
access_through_new_program
We are extremely grateful to the Nebraska
Legislature for funding approved in August for
the Career Scholarship Program to provide student support aimed at growing the state’s workforce in high demand fields. The newly created
Career Scholarship Program will provide a total
of $1 million in scholarships in its first year to
be awarded to Chadron State, Peru State, or
Wayne State College students who are pursuing careers in critical workforce areas. The new
funding, signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts on Aug.
6, will help support Wayne State’s Cooperative
Education program as part of the Aksarben
Foundation’s Northeast Nebraska Growing
Together initiative launched last spring. Wayne
State is proud to have launched the cooperative
education program this past fall, even in the
midst of the pandemic.
This exciting cooperative education program, which you can learn more about at
https://www.wsc.edu/growtogether, combines
classroom education with real work experience for college credit. At its core, the Growing
Together Career Scholars Program supports
workforce and economic development in Northeast Nebraska. To participate, students must
be passionate about earning a degree in one
of the eligible fields and must be committed to
remaining in Northeast Nebraska. Throughout
the program, students participate in career
readiness activities. During their senior year,
students live in the downtown Norfolk area
with peers. This living experience will help
students socially connect with the community
and gain an appreciation for the many exciting
social and cultural opportunities available in
the city of Norfolk. Upon graduation, the goal is
for students to be hired into full-time positions
in Northeast Nebraska.
One final note: Wayne State is currently
renovating Benthack Hall, home of counseling,
education, and the family and consumer sciences programs. The College aims to make an
immediate impact on the region’s shortage of
mental health practitioners with the renovation
by providing students with a dynamic learning
environment that encourages their passionate
approach to mental health care.
The renovation, which will be complete
in the summer of 2021, includes a state-ofthe-art counseling training clinic for students
to perfect their psychotherapeutic practices
with clients. This clinic aims to serve the surrounding communities’ needs regarding behavioral and mental health. The full-service
training clinic will be supervised by licensed
professional counselors serving people of all
ages, families, and individuals experiencing
a variety of diagnoses and treatment needs.
The Counseling Department strives to become
a leader in producing highly trained clinical
providers to serve our rural community starting with the capabilities and functioning
of this training facility. You can learn more
about the project here: https://www.wsc.edu/
news/article/562/benthack_hall_renovation_
aims_to_serve_regional_mental_health_needs”
I am so proud of the education we are able to
provide our young people in District 17 and am
thankful for the hard work Wayne State has
done to keep them safe while educating them
well. Thank you Wayne State College!
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 402471-2716 or by email at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov
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
gratitude for your continued membership and support. At this time, we are asking
all subscribers to please update their subscription with the Winnebago Indian
News. Your membership and commitment to the Winnebago Indian News allows
us to continue striving as a department and providing a bi-weekly newspaper.
Effective January 1st, 2021 there will be a small increase for a yearly subscription. During the past year, Winnebago Indian News has seen increase costs
for publishing and mailing. Winnebago Indian News is committed to giving our
membership the best newspaper and services. This price increase does not affect members who have paid and have an active agreement.
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:
Phone: 402-878-2272 Extension 4000 & 4001
E-mail: winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com
Please send subscription information and payment to:
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P.O. Box 687
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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
Next WIN Deadline:
January 13th
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
In the Matter of the
Estate of:
LEVI DECORA, Deceased,
In the Matter of the
Name Change Petition of:
JAMISON N. ROBINSON JR.
to JAMISON N. SMITH
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV21-014
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV21-024
WILBUR DECORA, Petitioner.
To: CORAL DECORA, SHELL Y
DOENHOEFER, MIRIAM DECORA,
JENNY DECORA, CORNELIUS DECORA, AND WILLARD DECORA
You are hereby notified that a petition
has been filed and a hearing concerning
the above referred Individual(s) estate in
case no. CV21-014 has been scheduled
and will be heard in the Winnebago
Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska
on the 18TH day of MARCH, 2021 at
the hour of 11:00 A.M.
To: JAMISON ROBINSON SR.
ANY INTERESTED PARTIES
You are hereby notified that a petition for Name Change has been filed
and a hearing concerning the above
referred Individual in case no. CV21024 has been scheduled and will be
heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court
of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 15TH
day of FEBRUARY, 2021 at the hour
of 9:00 A.M.
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…
As of 12-22-20, no recent meth arrest(s) have been reported.
Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, December 26, 2020 — Page 7
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
...cont. from pg. 5
aged Tribal Housing if they don’t have
enough funding in their budget for
cleaning, repair or renovation, to work
with our Treasurer to put together a
budget modification request and bring
it back to the Tribal Council.
Louis LaRose mentioned he saw an
advertisement on a hand held device
that will show the level of a drug in a
home. It is not certified for Court use
but can at least let you know the level
of a drug that might be in a home.
Construction Management:
Ron Nohr, Construction Manager
reported on the Winnebago Tribe Construction Management work developing
the Gross Vehicle Weight Limits for BIA
Route 17, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Overweight Fines and Penalties, Special
Permit for Overweight Vehicles for BIA
Road 17, Overweight Vehicle Special
Permit Fine Schedule and Proposed
Speed Limit Change for BIA Route 17.
The Chief of Police has officers that
can be trained and certified to check
weights for over weight vehicles. Since
BIA Route 17 is a BIA road, he has
funds to purchase the scales.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve
the Construction Manager’s Weight
Limit Plan as presented, further to refer the Plan to our General Counsel to
put it into the Code, seconded by Louis
LaRose. Thelma Whitewater not voting.
VOTE: (7) Yes LD, RS, JSB, AA, LLR,
BD, CB
(0) No
(0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Ron Nohr provided an update on
Construction and Quarantine Housing
work. The Quarantine Camper Site (10
campers) at the Pow-Wow Grounds will
be ready for Quarantine occupation in
one week. The insulation and electrical work is currently being completed.
THPO/Cultural Preservation: Sunshine Bear provided a report on Repatriation and burial of our ancestors
remains.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Joy Johnson and CEO Mercer
reported on the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska Strategic Planning Process
with the Blue Stone Strategy Group
and the first Work Session via computer is scheduled for 12-2-20 with the
Tribal Council 10am – 12:30pm and
with the Department Heads 1:30pm
with the Department Heads. On 123-20 Department Heads from 10am
– 12:30pm. The Strategic Planning Process includes time for tribal members
to participate in the future.
Lorelei DeCora reported there is
nothing scheduled for the Tribal Council on 12-2-20 so we should be able to
participate.
Tribal Council Work Groups:
Housing
Thelma Whitewater motioned to
appoint Coly Brown, John Snowball,
Louis LaRose and Aric Armell to the
Housing Work Group, seconded by Coly
Brown. Brian Chamberlain not voting.
VOTES: (7) Yes RS, LD, LLR, AA,
TW, CB, JSB
(0) No
(0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Fiscal/Investments/Taxation Work
Group required by Code with the Vice
Chairman and Treasurer.
Physical/Natural Resources Work
Group
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
approve John Snowball, Aric Armell,
Louis LaRose, Coly Brown to the Physical/Natural Resources Work Group,
seconded by Coly Brown.
VOTES: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Human Services Work Group
Brian Chamberlain motioned to appoint Rona Stealer, Victoria Kitcheyan,
John Snowball to the Human Services
Work Group, seconded by Coly Brown.
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Safety Work Group
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
add Lorelei DeCora to the Safety Work
Group along with Coly Brown, John
Snowball, seconded by Louis LaRose.
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Health, Elders/Assisted Living, Language/Culture, Gaming Work Groups
Brian Chamberlain motioned to approve the following Work Groups that
had already been approved but put
on hold:
Health – Thelma Whitewater, Louis
LaRose, Lorelei DeCora
Elders/Assisted Living – Thelma
Whitewater, Brian Chamberlain, Ron
Stealer
L a n g u a g e / C u l t u r e – Vi c t o r i a
Kitcheyan, Thelma Whitewater, John
Snowball
Gaming – Brian Chamberlain, Coly
Brown, Rona Stealer
Seconded by Rona Stealer
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Brian Chamberlain motioned to go
into Executive Session at 12:58 pam,
seconded by Rona Stealer
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to come out of
Executive Session at 1:55pm, seconded
by Brian Chamberlain.
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
temporary closure of the Winnebago
Tribal Court through 11/30/30, seconded by Louis LaRose.
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) No
Motion carried.
Brian Chamberlain requested to have
our Communications Officer put out the
schedule of services such as Arraignments so the membership knows.
Human Services Thanksgiving Meal:
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve
$1,087.50 for Greg Bass Sr. Invoice to
provide the Corn Soup for the Thanksgiving Dinner 11-20-20 Curbside by
the Human Services, seconded by Aric
Armell.
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain.
Motion carried.
Coly Brown motioned to approve
$3,712.50 for WinnaVegas to cater the
Human Services Thanksgiving Meal
Curbside for 11-20-20 and to pay
$540.00 for the corn purchased by
Human Services from Eric Overgaard,
seconded by Louis LaRose.
VOTE: (8) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Brian Chamberlain out.
Gaming Commission
Coly Brown asked what are the
qualifications for a Gaming Commissioner. Rona Stealer, as a former Gaming Commissioner added “must have
an Associates Degree and/or related
experience” since a 2017 Motion by the
Tribal Council.
Law Enforcement
John Snowball reported there will be
a law enforcement training in January
2021 and he is thinking about a tribal
member who adjudicated and his job is
ending on COVID. He hopes this tribal
member will have an opportunity to
participate in the law enforcement training so we can add more tribal member
law enforcement officers in our law
enforcement.
Adjourn:
Aric Armell motioned to Adjourn at
2:17pm seconded by John Snowball.
VOTE: (7) Yes (0) No (0) Abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned
the meeting at 2:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lorelei DeCora,
Winnebago Tribal Council Secretary
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
TREASURER’S REPORT MEETING
November 30, 2020
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Brian Chamberlain
Lorelei DeCora
Rona Stealer
Louis LaRose
John Snowball
Thelma Whitewater
Aric Armell
Coly Brown
OTHERS PRESENT:
Angie Walker
Billie Kitcheyan
Cecelia Earth
Garan Coons
T. Mallory
Tyresha Wolfe
William Mallory
Alan Post
Brandon Stout
Danelle Smith
Esther Mercer
Kim Friloux
Michael Mussleman
Mike Means
Teresa Littlegeorge
Mayan Beltran
Christen Rogers
Daniel Spicer
Geraldine Ben
Sam Prue
Ray Thomas
Stephanie Smith
Dena Whistler
Donald Coleman
Rochelle White
Leonard Walker
Kelly Snow
Scott Gardner
Michael Michaud
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan called the meeting to order
at 9:07 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Rona Stealer
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
Agenda. Brian Chamberlain seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
WCHS FINANCIAL REPORT:
Louis LaRose motioned to approve
the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System Financial Report. Aric
Armell seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
WINNAVEGAS:
Thelma Whitewater approve the WinnaVegas Financial Report. Louis LaRose
seconded.
VOTE:(8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Introduction of the Supervisory
Team. WinnaVegas Action Items:
Friday Night Faceoff Slot Tournament, in Dec-Jan Slot Tournament
Rona Stealer motioned to approve
the request from Slots Re: $28,000
Friday night Faceoff Slot Tournament,
in December and January. Thelma
Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Holiday Shopping Spree
Aric Armell motioned to approve
the request from Marketing Re: Holiday Shopping Spree, estimated cost
#36,000. Thelma Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Stuffed Stocking Giveaway in December
Rona Stealer motioned to approve
the request from Marketing Re: $50,000
Stuffed Stocking Giveaway in December.
Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
New Year’s Car Giveaway
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
request from Marketing Re: New Year’s
Car Giveaway, estimated cost $34,000.
Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Thank you checks proposal
Aric Armell motioned to approve
the request from H.R. Dept., Re: Team
Member “Thank You” check proposal
for December 15, 2020 total amount,
$261,853.41
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
January 2021 Continuity Campaign
Thelma Whitewater motioned to approve the request from Marketing Department, Re: January 2021 Continuity
Campaign on Sundays or Mondays in
January, estimated cost $51,000. Coly
Brown seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
February 2021 Continuity Campaign
promo
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
request from Marketing Department, Re:
February Continuity Campaign promo,
estimated cost $46,400. Coly Brown
seconded.
VOTE:(8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
March 2021 Continuity Campaign
Rona Stealer motioned to approve the
request from Marketing Department,
Re: March 2021 Continuity Campaign
promo, estimate $48,000. Thelma
Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
May 2021 Continuity Campaign
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
request from Marketing Department,
Re: May 2021 Continuity Campaign
promo, estimate $51.000. Rona Stealer
seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
June 2021 Continuity Campaign
Thelma Whitewater motioned to
approve the request from Marketing
department, Re: June 2021 Continuity
Campaign. Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
July 2021 Continuity Campaign
John Snowball motioned to approve
the request from Marketing Department,
Re: July 2021 Continuity Campaign.
Rona Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
October 2021 Continuity Campaign
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
request from Marketing Department,
Re: October 2021Continuity Campaign,
estimate $50,400. Rona Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
December 2021 Continuity Campaign
Thelma Whitewater motioned to
approve the request from Marketing
Department, Re: December 2021 Campaign promo, estimate $50,400. Rona
Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
10K Spin to win Promo January 2021
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
request from Marketing Department,
Re: $10K Spin to Win promo every
Saturday on January 2021, estimate
$45,250. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Give us a spin Thursdays January
2021
Thelma Whitewater motioned to
approve the request from Marketing Department, Re: Give Us a Spin
Thursday’s in January 2021, estimate
$37,292. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
WINNEBAGO GAMING COMMISSION REPORT: Requested to be excused due to issues with system, and
will send the report once they get it up
and running.
TRIBAL CFO REPORT:
Louis LaRose motioned to approve
the October Tribal CFO Financial Report. Brian Chamberlain seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Tribal Social Security Fairness Act
of 2018 - Public Law: 115-243
Brian Chamberlain motioned to authorize the Tribal Council Secretary and
Tribal Council Treasurer to take all actions necessary to start the negotiations
with the Social Security Administration
regarding Public Law: 115-243. Louis
LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
COVID-19 updates: BIA, Welfare Assistance, Treasury CARES Act, USDA,
Transit, CDC, Transit, CARES Act
Projects update as of 10/31/20:Housing Utility Assistance, Facilities, Food
Pantry, Wake & Burial, Security, Small
Business Grant, Communication –
Screen Project and Building, Quarantine Housing Project – Isolation is if they
have COVID-19, Quarantine is if you do
not have COVID-19. WCHS will be doing the agreements for the Quarantine
housing, Food Security – Meat bundle
planned this week or next week. Still
working out with Fareway. Clean Water
Initiative – Plumbing repairs for tribal
member’s homes up to $4,000.
Preparations for the Annual Audit –
in progress.
ADJOURN:
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn.
Brian Chamberlain seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned
the meeting 10:48 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Executive Assistant
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
CONCUR:
Lorelei DeCora, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.