# Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Awinnebago%3Ac53aade62bc9de70

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Storytellers Pt. 1:
Kellie Snow

page: 6

Volume 54, Number 8

In honor of April being Ho rohiginini wira
/ Fish Appearing Moon, our masthead for this
issue features the icon representing the Fish
Clan / Ho Hikikarac. The Fish Clan holds many
functions within our tribe. Of those they held
responsibility for our engineering, commerce,
and the environment. Fish Clan members are
Friendship clan to the Snake Clan. The Fish
Clan is one of the eight Earth clans. In ancient
times, the Fish Clan may have held a special
significance, given the name of our people is a
compound word beginning with Ho, reflected
in the name Hocak. Families belonging to the
Fish Clan include: Big Head, Blackfish, Fischer,
Houghton, and Sharpback. Our gratitude to the
HoChunk Renaissance Department for their
assistance in providing this information.

Rez Tour 2025

page: 6

Hō hirogįnįną wī
Fish Appearing Moon

Saturday, April 26, 2025

WCHS Successfully Completes Statewide Emergency Exercise

Nį̄šoc Nįgešąną
Bago Bits

By: Erin McElroy, WCHS Communications Manager

In honor of Easter, the Winnebago
Comprehensive Healthcare System held
their 13th annual ‘Egg-Stravaganza’ for the
community. This family-friendly event had
15 thousand eggs to hunt, bouncy houses,
pony rides, a petting zoo and prizes.

Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive
Healthcare System (WCHS) demonstrated its
commitment to emergency preparedness by actively participating in a state-sponsored hospital
emergency exercise. The large-scale simulation,
which spanned multiple healthcare facilities and
agencies across Nebraska, tested the region’s
ability to respond to a mass casualty event caused
by a severe tornado outbreak.
The exercise was designed to assess hospitals’
capacity to manage a sudden influx of patients
while maintaining operational effectiveness.
WCHS, along with other participating institutions, worked through complex scenarios that
simulated real-world emergency conditions,
ensuring staff and systems were rigorously

tested under pressure. Importantly, the exercise
did not affect the hospital’s actual patient care,
as all cases in the drill were simulated.
WCHS collaborated closely with its regional hospital coalition, the Rural Region One
Medical Response System (RROMRS), and the
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
Center for Preparedness to execute the drill
successfully. This coordinated effort reinforced
the hospital’s role as a frontline responder in the
face of large-scale disasters.
“We take emergency preparedness very
seriously, and exercises like this are crucial to
ensuring that our staff, resources, and systems
are ready for real-life emergencies,” said Paul
McCarty, Physical Environment Director
at WCHS. “This drill allowed us to put our
response plans into action, evaluate our capa-

bilities, and strengthen coordination with other
healthcare facilities and emergency response
teams.”
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kini underscored
the value of such simulations stating, “A mass
casualty event can overwhelm hospitals in a
matter of minutes. This simulation gave us the
opportunity to refine our protocols, enhance
communication, and ensure that our medical
teams are fully equipped to manage a sudden
surge in patients efficiently and effectively.”
By participating in rigorous emergency
training exercises, WCHS continues to prioritize patient safety and community well-being.
The hospital remains dedicated to continuous
improvement in emergency response planning
and will continue engaging in training initiatives
to strengthen its disaster readiness.

Families Celebrate at the 13th Annual WCHS Easter Egg-Stravaganza!

April 22nd was Earth Day. Wildlife and
Parks celebrated the day by providing trees
for the community to plant. Pictured above
is Mary Painter with her tree seedlings.

By: Erin McElroy, WCHS Communications Manager

The HoChunk Inc Community engagement
team worked with the Winnebago Public
School to host a college/career fair for upcoming graduates. Surrounding entities and
colleges like HoChunks Farms, construction,
legal team, University of Nebraska Lincoln,
Briar Cliff college, WTN Health Department, WTN HR and more were present with
a variety of opportunities. Pictured above is
a WPS Junior, Mimi Coons with WTN HR
Director Tara Hernandez and HR Specialist,
Alyssa Wolf.

Winnebago, NE – The Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) hosted
another successful Easter Egg-Stravaganza on
Friday, April 18th, bringing together families
from across the community for a day of fun,
laughter, and celebration.
More than 15,000 candy-filled eggs were
scattered across the Land of Wellness as children eagerly participated in age-grouped egg
hunts. In addition to the egg hunts, families
enjoyed a petting zoo, pony rides, exotic
animals, and bouncy houses, making it an
unforgettable event for all.

“This event is about more than just Easter
fun, it’s about bringing families together and
strengthening community bonds,” said Mona
Zuffante, WCHS Chief Public Health Officer.
“Seeing the smiles and excitement on the children’s faces reminds us why these gatherings
are so important to overall well-being.”
WCHS remains dedicated to fostering
family connections, recognizing that social
and emotional well-being play a vital role in
overall health. The Easter Egg-stravaganza
continues to be a cherished annual tradition,
giving families a chance to celebrate together while children enjoy their day off from
school.
Event Highlights:

15,000+ candy-filled eggs hidden for the
children’s delight
Petting zoo and pony rides that captivated
young animal lovers
Exotic animals exhibit, providing a unique
and educational experience
Bouncy houses, adding an extra level of
excitement for kids of all ages
“Events like the Easter Egg-Stravaganza
are a reflection of our mission to create and
sustain a healthy community. By bringing
families together in a space filled with joy,
connection, and culture, we’re taking steps
toward our greater vision, leading the nation
in health for Indigenous people.” stated David
Edwards, CEO of WCHS.

Visit us at winnebagotribe.com

Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, April 26, 2025

COMMUNITY

WCHS Kids After School Wellness Program Excels

Erin McElroy, WCHS Communications Manager
Winnebago, NE – The Whirling Thunder Wellness Center continues to make a meaningful impact
in the Winnebago community by hosting an after-school program dedicated to improving the
health of local youth. This initiative, going on 14 years, supports children who meet the grant eligibility requirement of having a Body Mass Index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher, providing
them with structured physical activities, nutrition education, and a supportive environment to
develop healthy habits.
With participation numbers growing, the program has already helped hundreds of children take
positive steps toward improved fitness and overall well-being. There are currently 30 community
kids in the program. Pre and post assessments are conducted with each session, measuring body
mass index (BMI), height, weight, muscle mass, a1c, and blood pressure to ensure continued
efficiency of the program. By engaging in fun, supervised activities, children not only increase their
physical activity levels but also gain valuable knowledge about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“This program is shaping the future health of Winnebago,” said Pilar Aldrich, Wellness Program
Director at Whirling Thunder Wellness. “We are providing children with the tools and support they
need to embrace physical activity and nutrition in a way that is both fun and sustainable. It’s amazing to see the confidence and enthusiasm growing in these kids as they take charge of their health.”
To further enhance the after-school program and provide additional resources to the entire
Winnebago community, Whirling Thunder Wellness has recently acquired new state-of-the-art
workout equipment, made possible through Ho-Chunk Inc’s employee donation program “Hochunk Way” along with funds from their Native American Public Health Act (NAPHA) grant. The
wellness center was able to purchase new treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, and weighted
plates. This investment allows community members of all ages to access modern fitness tools that
support a healthier lifestyle.
The Whirling Thunder Wellness Center remains committed to fostering a culture of health and
well- being, ensuring that all members of the Winnebago community, young and old, have access to
the resources they need to stay active and healthy.

BIG VOICE RADIO
KWTN
100.9 FM
Official Radio Station of the
Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3

Wāgax hųk ra wāgax hokik’ųna
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

1st Memorial Service
for

As submitted to the WIN from Alexander
Mallory:

Rob M. Lieb - Huuc Ska Ga

This week marks the grand opening of the Louis LaRose Memorial Building at Little Priest
Tribal College. The facility honors the legacy
of my Choka, Louie LaRose—a trailblazer in
the Tribal Colleges & Universities movement,
a former chairman of the Winnebago Tribal
Council, and a lifelong advocate for education.
In that spirit, I wanted to share a story he once
told me.
It happened in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Choka Louie was there serving as a mediator
for a case. After dinner, he sat at a table in his
buffalo jacket and reached into his pocket to
find his keys. Instead, he pulled out a buffalo
knuckle bone and placed it on the table.
Rob M. Lieb - Huuc Ska Ga
1st Memorial Service
(Robert Michael Wanagira was the son of the late Evelyn Lucille Cleveland and Robert L.
Lieb.)
Your love and kindness will never be forgotten. Please join us in celebrating Rob’s life through
prayer and song.
Date & Time: Monday, May 5th, 2025, at 1:00 PM
Location: Native American Church, Winnebago, NE
In Charge (Prayer Chief): Mr. Matthew Cleveland, Jr.
The service will begin around 1:00 PM, followed by a meal.

Across from him, an old Sioux woman sat up
and asked where he got it.
He told her he found it at the buffalo pasture in
Winnebago.
“Can I look at it?” she asked.
He handed it to her, and she began to weep.

Rob was married to Charlene Avery, and together they enjoyed 16 wonderful years. Over the
years, they lived and worked on the East Coast, Midwest, and Southwest, traveling extensively
and embracing life together.

It caught him off guard—he hadn’t given her
that bone to make her cry. He didn’t understand what was happening. Eventually, though,
her tears gave way to laughter.

He left us in New Orleans, LA, and was loved deeply by our family and many others who had
the privilege of knowing him. Rob had a big heart and soul, and he was never afraid to show it.

He said, “That’s alright, you can cry. Tell me
what happened.”

A heartfelt thank you to all the kind family and relatives who supported us during such a difficult time last year. Whether through a prayer, a donation, a hug, or words of encouragement,
your love helped carry us through Our hearts were broken, and we were devastated, but your
kindness meant the world to us.

She explained that when she was a little girl,
she had a miniature Indian village. A teepee,
a small fireplace, and little buffalo bones as
animals. One day, while she was playing, her
uncles came by and stomped on it, destroying
the whole village. Without even saying a word,
she said.

If you’re able, or if you’re in the area, please join us for a prayer in honor of Mauna or come
share a meal with us as we celebrate Rob’s life.
Wainiiginupsana
With love,
Avery Lonetree, Mary, Dale and Tina Littlejohn, Joi Lieb Long,
Jenet Lieb, Alan Lieb

name or what Tribe she was from. He also told
me that was the first time he witnessed historical trauma. A leader in restoring tribal buffalo
herds, Choka Louie recognized the intergenerational trauma their eradication caused in Indian
Country.
You might wonder what that story has to do
with the opening of the Memorial Building. It’s
simple: Educational institutions matter not just
because those institutions teach, but because
those institutions create space—for truth, for
healing, for sharing the weight of pain.
In Indian Country, we are no strangers to
grief. But even in the depths of sorrow, there
is resilience. There is beauty. A quiet strength
that comes from protecting and preserving the
stories of our ancestors. I was fortunate to hear
countless stories from my Choka about the long
arc of our people’s history. And never—not
once—at the end of one of those stories did I
hear the phrase, “and then we gave up.” No, he
taught me that we march forward so that the
gap between what is and what could be grows
smaller.
It’s a remarkable thing in life to confront historical trauma and still find beauty. It mattered
that my Choka listened to that old woman and
let her speak. Beauty can be natural (the breath
of a buffalo in the wintertime) or man-made
(the simplicity of sitting at a table and listening to someone’s story). But no matter how or
where it appears, we should pause to honor it.
And celebrate the legacies of those who did.
Pinagigi, Choka. The world is better because
you walked in it.

When Louie placed that bone on the table, it
brought back all those painful feelings. But the
woman also felt something else: relief.
She tried to hand it back. “Here, here’s your
bone,” she said.
But Louie shook his head. “No,” he said. “It’s
yours. It was meant for you. You keep it.”
She accepted it, holding it like a child again
excited and alive. Louie said he was so moved
by the encounter that he forgot to ask for her

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. JFJ25-015

Winnebago

The People of the Winnebago Tribe
In the Interest of:
D.M. (Born 11/2008)

Indian News

To: MICHELLE SHERIDAN, Mother
ARTHUR MARR, Father

You are hereby notified that a hearing for an
Initial Appearance concerning the above referred minor individual(s) in case no. JFJ25015 has been scheduled and will be heard in
the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,
Nebraska on the 7th day of MAY, 2025 at the
hour of 10:00 A.M.

is owned and
published by the
Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska”.

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on May 10, 2025.

——————————————————

The Mission of the WIN is to inform and to educate
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska of issues that
affect them, and to be a vehicle in which stresses
positive and beneficial concerns and points of view.
LETTER POLICY: Signed editorials, letters and
articles appearing in the WIN are the responsibility
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the
opinion or attitude of the Winnebago Indian News
or the Winnebage Tribal Council.
The WIN encourages the submission of Letters to
the Editor; however, letters must be signed and
addressed. Letters may be edited for language
and length.

Postmaster Send Address Changes To
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, Nebraska 68071
——————————————————
The Winnebago Indian News (WIN), founded ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The reproduction of
in January 1972, is published bi-weekly for the editorial or photography content without permission
is prohibited.
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

DEADLINE for this issue will be May 6, 2025.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please send change of Advertising/News Deadline
address with old mailing label to:
12:00 Noon Monday Printing Week

Winnebago Tribal Council
Victoria Kitcheyan................Chairwoman
Periodicals Postage Paid
Isaac Smith...................... Vice Chairman
(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE
Teresa Littlegeorge.................. Secretary
Rona Stealer........................... Treasurer
winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com Winnebago Indian News Staff
Phone: 402-878-2272
Brian Chamberlain...................................Editor Coly Brown................................ Member
Tyler Snake............................. Office Manager Kenny Mallory.............................Member
“Official Newspaper of
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the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”
Lorelei DeCora...........................Member
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Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, April 26, 2025

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING MINUTES
March 20, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Isaac Smith
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Lorelei DeCora
Eugene DeCora
Kenneth Mallory
Coly Brown
Aric Armell (in 10:54 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Danelle Smith
Melanie Parker
Tyler Smith
Josh Pitre
Zeriyah James
Cecelia Earth
Deidre Redhorn
Michele Mitchell
Christina Parker
Miskoo Petite
Tyresha Romero
Darla LaPointe
Billie Kitcheyan
Janelle DeCora
Kevin Ebert
Todd Morman
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Kitcheyan called to order at 10:28 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Eugene DeCora
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Coly Brown motioned to approve the agenda. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ACTION ITEMS:
Resolution – SBA 8 (a)
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt resolution #25-129: To Exclude Parent Organization
from Facility Security Clearance Requirements
in connection with the SBA 8(a) Business
Development Program. Rona Stealer seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Tribal Election Code Revisions
(Aric in 10:54 a.m.)
(Eugene out 11:20 a.m., in 11:24 a.m.)
(Aric out 11:24 a.m., in at 11:25 a.m.)
(Teresa out 11:32 a.m., in at 11:35 a.m.)
BREAK: reconvene at 11:54 a.m.
(Kenneth is out at 12:09 p.m., in at 12:24
p.m.)
Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution
#25-130: Amendments to Winnebago Tribal
Code Title 5, Article 2, Election Code with
revisions including the Election Board being
randomly selected each year without terms.
Lorelei DeCora seconded the motion
OBJECT:
Eugene DeCora
VOTE: (5) yes, KM, LD, CB, AA, IS (2)
no, ED, RS (1) abstain, TL motion carried.
(LD out at 12:42 p.m., in at 12:44 p.m.)
UPDATES/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Federal Advocacy – Congressional updates
Congress Averts Government Shutdown
Chairwoman Testifies Before Congress
Hill Meetings Recap
Rep. Smith’s CPF Application
Boarding School Legislation
(Victoria out at 12:58 p.m., in at 1:00 p.m.)
(IS out at 1:11 p.m.)
Lorelei DeCora motioned to resubmit the
Boys & Girls club application to Rep. Smith’s
Community Project Fund ‘FY26. Coly Brown
seconded the motion.
Discussion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Discussion on a store for the community.
(Teresa out 1:20 p.m., in at 1:25 p.m.)
(Lorelei out at 1:25 p.m., in at 1:27 p.m.)
Aric Armell motioned to spend up to 10 million dollars toward a new store from the Tribe’s
Investment Portfolio and including the financial
arm of tribe. Isaac Smith seconded the motion.
OBJECT: Lorelei, Kenny
VOTE: (3) yes, CB, AA, IS (3) no, RS,
LD, TL (2) abstain, KM, ED Motion failed.
*Needs all 9 yes votes to utilize the portfolio.
Isaac Smith motioned to have HCI come up
with a plan for a new store within the next two
years. Aric Armell seconded the motion.
OBJECT: Lorelei
VOTE: (7) yes (1) no, LD
(0)
abstain Motion carried.
LUNCH:
reconvene at 1:53 p.m.
Federal Advocacy – Administrative updates
Key Indian Affairs Appointment – Scott
Davis, Principal Deputy Secretary of Indian
Affairs *recommend a virtual meeting to be
scheduled.
(Isaac out 2:08 p.m., in at 2:10 p.m.)
(Eugene out at 2:10 p.m.)
NACIE Improvement Act Implementation –
working with Senator Fischer’s office.
Califano Fund Implementation – Benjamin
Smith, Acting Director, IHS, sent a letter to
the Tribe in response to Tribal Consultation
comments.
GAO Study on P.L. 280 Public Safety &
Justice Issues
President Trump Revokes Tribal Executive
Order
(Kenneth out at 2:18 p.m., in at 2:20 p.m.)
State Advocacy
News of Don Wesley, long-time lobbyist for
the Tribe, passing away.

Lorelei DeCora motion to approve travel for
Tribal Council members that want to attend the
funeral services of Don Wesley. Aric Armell
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
(Aric out at 2:26 p.m.)
Tribal College Funding
Continuing to work with Manoj Patil on
advocacy and has a meeting coming up with
Northeast Community College.
LB 675 – Purchase, lease, sale, or exchange
of Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and
Funds land withing boundaries of Reservation.
No longer pending in state legislation
LB 7 – Clarify Tribes not subject to Foreign-Owned Real-Estate National Security Act
– Placed on final reading
(Aric in at 2:29 p.m.)
Sen. Meyer meeting – scheduled.
Tribal-State Relations Committee Bus Tour
being planned.
Eugene testified on Feb. 27th on opposition to
LB 656 regarding SNAP
Joey Adler Ruane from Lobbyist office
reported that the Tribal -State Relations
Committee identified their priority bill as LB
78 - Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking
Survivor Assistance Act.
BREAK: 2:35 p.m. reconvene at 2:46 p.m.
Tribal Enrollment Criteria Secretarial Election
Lorelei DeCora motioned to rescind resolution #22-50: To request a Secretarial Election
by the Secretary of the Interior. Coly Brown
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution
#25-131: To request a Secretarial Election
by the Secretary of the Interior to amend the
Tribal Enrollment Criteria. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
Discussion.
(Coly out at 3:22 p.m.)
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
(Coly in at 3:24 p.m.)
EPA Tribal Water Systems Tribal Consultation
A follow up meeting will be scheduled.
(Lorelei out at 3:25 p.m., in at 3:30 p.m.)
Law Enforcement – Compact discussion
(Rona out at 3:30 p.m.)
(Isaac out at 3:38 p.m., in at 3:40 p.m.)
TDHE – WHDC
Requesting updates
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive
Session at 3:46 p.m. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
(Aric, Lorelei out at 3:48 p.m.)
(Aric in at 3:49 p.m.)
(Lorelei in at 3:50 p.m.)
(Aric out at 4:04 p.m., in at 4:07 p.m.)
(Isaac out at 4:08 p.m., in at 4:09 p.m., out
at 4:11 p.m., in at 4:14 p.m.)
Aric Armell motioned to come out of Executive Session at 4:40 p.m. Coly Brown seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution
#25-132: Declaring a State of Emergency for
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska due to the blizzard and power outages. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Kenneth Mallory motioned to adjourn at 4:45
p.m. Aric Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the
meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
MID-MONTHLY TRIBAL COUNCIL
MEETING
March 21, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Isaac Smith ( in at 1:29 p.m.)
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Coly Brown
Eugene DeCora
Aric Armell
Lorelei DeCora
Kenneth Mallory (in at 1:23 p.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tyresha Romero
Kellie Snow
Trey Blackhawk
Maxine Rice
Waukan Grasty
Christina Parker
Cecelia Earth
Willy Bass
Autumn Nieman
Ireta Frazier
Janelle DeCora
Jewel Parker
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Kitcheyan called to order at 1:08 p.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Aric Armell offered
the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Aric Armell motioned to approve the agenda
with additions. Coly Brown seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINUTES:
February 17, 2025, Mid-month Tribal Council Meeting minutes
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
February 17, 2025, Mid-month Tribal Council
Meeting minutes. Coly Brown seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
February 19, 2025, General Counsel meeting
minutes
Coly Brown motioned to approve the
February 19, 2025, General Counsel meeting
minutes. Aric Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
February 24, 2025, Law Enforcement/Fire
Department/BIA Report meeting minutes
Aric Armell motioned to approve February
24, 2025, Law Enforcement/Fire Department/
BIA Report meeting minutes. Coly Brown
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
February 27, 2025, Treasurer’s Report meeting minutes
Aric Armell motioned to approve February
27, 2025, Treasurer’s Report meeting minutes.
Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
March 10, 2025, Physical Resources Report
meeting minutes
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve the
March 10, 2025, Physical Resources Report
meeting minutes. Coly Brown seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
March 12, 2025, CEO Report meeting
minutes
Aric Armell motioned to approve the March
12, 2025, CEO Report meeting minutes. Coly
Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:
Adoption of Resolution #25-121: J.W. Bagley Foundation Funding for the amount totaling
$8,475 to support EduCare’s implementation of
activities.
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature adopting of resolution #25-121: J.W.
Bagley Foundation Funding for the amount
totaling $8,475 to support EduCare’s implementation of activities. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Adoption of Resolution #25-122: FY 2025
Winnebago Career and Technical Education
Program Project.
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to ratify the
five-signature adopting resolution #25-122: FY
2025 Winnebago Career and Technical Education Program Project. Coly Brown seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Approval of tribal members (W.G.) to stay
at WinnaVegas (3/13/25 to 3/17/25) during
recuperation from the medical situation.
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature approving tribal members (W.G.) to stay
at WinnaVegas (3/13/25 to 3/17/25) during recuperation from medical situation. Coly Brown
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Approval of donation to (J.D.) – purchase of
Jacket and Chicken for meal.
Aric Armell motioned to approve the donation to (J.D.) – purchase of Jacket and Chicken
for meal. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Approval of Resolution #25-128: Angel
DeCora Museum and Research Center-Exhibit
Project Neb State Historical Society Foundation-Statewide Grants Program WTN is
requesting $3,000.00 in funding, the project
will dedicate a wall exhibit piece of the WTN’s
Base Roll of 1934.
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five-signature approving Resolution #25-128: Angel
DeCora Museum and Research Center-Exhibit
Project Neb State Historical Society Foundation-Statewide Grants Program WTN is
requesting $3,000.00 in funding, the project
will dedicate a wall exhibit piece of the WTN’s
Base Roll of 1934. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
LPTC Donation request – Manoj Patil
Aric Armell motioned to table until the next
Treasurer’s Report on March 28, 2025, to gain
further information on the request. Lorelei
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
USPS Winnebago Post Office – Lease
Approval
Aric Armell motioned to table until the next

Treasurer’s Report on March 28, 2025. Lorelei
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Kenneth in at 1:23 PM]
Boys & Girls Club request
Aric Armell motioned to approve the request
from Boys & Girls Club request to solicit from
Tribal Programs. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
Use of seal for UMNMC Indigenous Medicine Garden Bench
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve to
use the Tribal Seal for the Garden Bench. Rona
Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Isaac in at 1:29 p.m.]
Pow-Wow Committee Applicants
Aric Armell motioned to remove Ramone
Loera, Jr. and appoint James Sun III, James
Sun Jr., Jeffrey Berridge, David Russell, Kiva
Harden-Free, and Caroline Bassette to the Powwow Committee. Lorelei DeCora seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
*POW-WOW COMMITTEE CAN VOTE
ON TERMS AND OFFICERS
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
TRIBAL FLAG
Lorelei DeCora motioned to Direct General
Counsel and IRB to start the copyright process
and to claim Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Flag and Seal as Intellectual property. Isaac
Smith seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
WCHS – dialysis unit discussion
Lorelei DeCora motioned to ask the General
Counsel to draft a resolution to the IHS that we
will assume the DDU building within a year.
Aric Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive
Session at 1:51 p.m. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Rona out at 1:54 p.m.]
[Eugene out at 2:29 p.m.]
[Eugene in at 3:33 p.m.]
[Aric out 4:31 p.m.]
[Lorelei out at 4:33 p.m.]
[Aric and Lorelei in at 4:40 p.m.]
[Eugene out at 5:02 p.m.]
Aric Armell motioned to come out of the
Executive Session at 5:02 p.m. Isaac Smith
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to approve the request
from Tribal member K.B. Isaac Smith seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Eugene in at 5:04 p.m.]
Aric Armell motioned to reiterate the
intention of the Deputized Wildlife and Parks
Conservation Officers to assist the Winnebago
Police Department. Coly Brown seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn at 5:05 p.m.
Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
WINNEBAGO HOUSING AND
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
QUARTERLY UPDATE
March 27, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Teresa Littlegeorge
Coly Brown
Lorelei DeCora
Rona Stealer
Isaac Smith
Kenneth Mallory
Aric Armell
Eugene DeCora (in at 10:11 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dana Zagurski
Sylvia Wirba
Frank Smith
Kevin Ebert
Annabess Preston
Cecelia Earth
Danelle Smith
Ireta Frazier
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Smith
called to order.
OPENING PRAYER: Coly Brown offered
the opening prayer.

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5

COMMUNITY

Update on the development projects – Vets
projects, Site manager Brandon Nieman
Water pipes froze during the winter.
Electrical Units burned out during the
blizzard.
Discussion: Safety tips for households
Application process: Harold working with
Gordon at the Veterans office to get Veterans
notified.
Tribal HUD VASH, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing – to assist the Veterans in the
Housing
Will update to Tribal Council when they are
closer to opening.
ARPA funding update
21 units done and cleaned, most Demoed
Laborers last day was March 21, 2025 – two
hired full-time
Dana will get numbers to the Tribal Council
later.
Request for funding: $70,000 for laborers.
WHDC will need to submit the proposal/scope
of work.
ARPA funding was CARES funding.
Thunder Way
Renovate one that someone moved out of.
Starting to work on mold
Vacancy – tax credit application process
Lot were house burned down, is the Tribes
Lot.
[Lorelei out 9:55 a.m., in at 9:59 a.m.]
Discussion: GIS for 911 addresses.
Discussion: Tiny homes out at Thunderway.
Tribe has their own equipment, but also needs
to follow safety procedures when working with
digging into the dirt.
[Eugene in at 10:11 a.m.]
Bylaws
BREAK: 10:25 a.m., reconvene @ 10:36
a.m.
Aric Armell motioned to approve the ByLaws of the Winnebago Housing and Development Commission. Eugene DeCora seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to advertise
one vacant position for the Winnebago Housing
and Development Commission for 30 days.
Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Lorelei out at 10:56 a.m.]
Draft MOA – still being worked on
HAVW Deeds/Discussions with the Village
47-49 deeds, some of the deeds should have
been conveyed to homeowners.
Units should be the low-rent units, still sorting out the documentation.
Resolution #98-39: creation of WHDC. –
discussion
Update on Federal Indian Housing matters
The amount of funding from last year will be
the same amount as this year.
NHASDA has not been reauthorized since
2013. Could affect the funding for appropriations. Need to get NHASDA reauthorized.
Need to get legislation to support that reauthorization.
Other updates –
Federal Staffing cutbacks will slow processes down.
[Isaac out at 11:32 a.m.]
[Rona out at 11:32 a.m.]
Field offices may be closed. The Denver
office will stay open. The lease for the offices
will be given up.
[Isaac in at 11:34 a.m.]
NHASDA – add to the Congressional team
to watch the bill (Bigfire Law team)
[Lorelei out at 11:42 a.m., in at 11:46 a.m.]
[Teresa out at 11:53 a.m.]
ADJOURNMENT:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 11:55 a.m. Aric Armell seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Vice Chairman adjourned the meeting at
11:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
TREASURER’S REPORT MEETING
MINUTES
March 28, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Isaac Smith (in at 9:26 a.m.)
Rona Stealer
Teresa Littlegeorge
Lorelei DeCora
Coly Brown
Eugene DeCora
Aric Armell (in at 9:26 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Jasmine Lammers
Carl Hunger
Angel Derochie
Ray Thomas
Beth Wewel
Erin Miller
Mike Means
Tom Teesdale
Brittany Thomas
Kellen Kelsey

Lance Morgan
Kevin Ebert
Thomas Snow
Deidre Redhorn
Peggy LaRose
Diann Oban
Amy LaPointe
Kiana Lewis
Cecelia Earth
Ireta Frazier
Terri Lee Medina
Lynelle Blackhawk
Kellie Snow
Charli Earth
Susan Baker
Annabess Preston
Autumn Nieman
Anna Berridge
Manoj Patil
Billie Kitcheyan
Deliah Keahna
Sharon Redhorn-Chamberlain
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Kenneth Mallory (funeral)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Kitcheyan called to order at 9:05 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Eugene DeCora
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the
agenda as amended. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
WTN:
WTN February 2025 Financial Report – Presented by Jasmin Lammers.
Approvals
Physical Resources Budget Mod Request
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the
Physical Resources Budget Mod request in the
amount of $125,000.00. Coly Brown seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Quotes for Buffalo Well and Native Star
Freezer
Eugene DeCora motioned to table the Buffalo Well and Native Star Freezer quotes until the
Physical Resources Report. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
FY25 Physical Resources – ARPA Home
Repair Winnebago Community Development
Fund
Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt resolution
#25-133: FY25 Physical Resources – ARPA
Home Repair Winnebago Community Development Fund. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
FY 25-26 Winnebago Tribe EduCare Workforce Impact Subgrant
Rona Stealer motioned to adopt resolution
#25-134: FY 25-26 Winnebago Tribe EduCare
Workforce Impact Subgrant. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve the
WTN February 2025 Financial Report. Eugene
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Isaac and Aric in at 9:26 a.m.]
WARHORSE: Angel Derochie and Lance
Morgan
Eugene DeCora motioned to accept the February 2025 Financial Report. Lorelei DeCora
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Eugne out 9:41 a.m.]
WCHS FINANCIAL REPORT: Beth
Wewel and Erin Miller
[Eugene in at 9:42 a.m.]
[Lorelei out at 9:45 a.m., in at 9:49 a.m.]
BREAK: 9:56 a.m., reconvene at 10:10 a.m.
[Isaac out 10:10 a.m.]
GAMING COMMISSION REPORT:
Presented by Thomas Snow.
Aric Armell motioned to accept the February 2025 Financial Report. Eugene DeCora
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
WINNAVEGAS REPORT: Presented by
Mike Means and Tom Teesdale
February 2025 Financial Report
[ED out 10:37 a.m.]
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve the
February 2025 Financial Report as presented.
Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[ED in at 10:38 a.m.]
APPROVALS
Signage
Aric Armell motioned to approve the Woodbury County highway signage at the arrival
and departure points of the Winnebago Indian
Reservation ‘Entering the Winnebago Indian
Reservation’ and departing the Winnebago
Indian Reservation. Coly Brown seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
WTN and WCR MOU
Aric Armell motioned to approve the 2025
MOU between the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska (WTN) and WinnaVegas Casino Resort

(WCR) to provide licensed Water Operators
and related personnel to assist WCR in Maintaining legal compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation 40
C.F.R. & 1309c. Eugene DeCora seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Introduction of Carl Hunger, Security Supervisor.
Discussion on certification of Officers.
[Isaac in at 10:46 a.m.]
BREAK: 10:57 a.m., reconvene at 11:10
a.m.
[Isaac out at 11:10 a.m.]
WGDC-NATIVE STAR/IRON HORSE
REPORT: Presented by Sharon Redhorn-Chamberlain and Deliah Keahna.
February 2025 Financial Reports for Native
Star and Iron Horse Bar and Casino
Eugene DeCora motioned to accept the
February 2025 Financial Report for Native Star
and Iron Horse Bar and Casino. Coly Brown
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Isaac in at 11:20 a.m.]
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
LPTC Science Building Opening Ceremony
-Presented by Manoj Patil
Aric Armell motioned to donate $5,000 for
the LPTC Science Building Opening Ceremony.
Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
DISCUSSION: Regarding expenses for
Speakers and Drone.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Personal invitation for the Tribal Council to
attend the ceremony May 2, 2025.
Post Office Lease
Aric Armell motioned to approve the Chairwoman to sign the Post Office Lease. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Isaac out at 11:38 a.m. – fire call]
Lorelei motioned to approve the Buffalo
well.
Strike the motion due to being tabled until
the Physical Resources meeting.
GAO site visit request
Rona motioned to approve the request from
GAO to visit LPTC. Aric Armell seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
FEMA Trailers – Finance still working on
the gathering the information.
Discussion on inspections of the Trailers,
ownership, availability, etc.
Treasurer will follow up with the request
from Council and to work with CFO.
Eugene DeCora motioned to table until April
14, 2025, Physical Resources Report meeting.
Coly Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT:
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn the meeting
at 11:53 a.m. Eugene DeCora seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 11:53 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

Brian McMullen, Attorney NE DEE
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Rona Stealer (PTO)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Kitcheyan called to order at 9:04 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Coly Brown offered
the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Isaac Smith motioned to approve the agenda
with additions. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[KM in at 9:06 a.m.]
Emergency Management
Monthly Report – Presented by Julie Smithart
March Blizzard Report
[IS out 9:35 a.m., in 9:36 a.m]
Eugene DeCora motioned to accept the
Emergency Management Report. Kenneth
Mallory seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Land Management – Presented by Fannie
LaTray and Harvey Freemont.
Homesite Cancellation
G. Bassette
Isaac Smith motioned to adopt resolution
#25-136: Ref. Cancellation of Home Site
Lease, Greg Bassette Sr. Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
M. Whitewater
Isaac Smith motioned to adopt resolution
#25-137: Ref. Cancellation of Home Site
Lease, Monica Whitewater. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Homesite Resolution
N. Bassette
Isaac Smith motioned to adopt resolution
#25-138: Ref: Homesite Lease – Winnebago
Tribe of Nebraska – Norma Bassette. Eugene
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Business Lease
Isaac Smith motioned to adopt resolution #25-139: Cancellation Resolution, Ref:
Business Lease – United States of America,
Department of Health & Human Services, Public Health Service, Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Physical Resources Report – Presented by
Autumn Nieman.
Monthly Report
[Lorelei out at 9:53 a.m.]
[Isaac out at 9:55 a.m., in at 9:56 a.m.]
[Aric in at 10:05 a.m.]
[Teresa out 10:02 a.m., in at 10:06 a.m.]
Aric Armell motioned to accept the Physical
Resources Report. Isaac Smith seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
BREAK: 10:25 a.m., reconvene at 10:30
a.m.

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT
MEETING MINUTES
April 14, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Isaac Smith
Teresa Littlegeorge
Eugene DeCora
Lorelei DeCora
Coly Brown
Kenneth Mallory (in at 9:06 a.m.)
Aric Armell (in at 10:05 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Autumn Nieman
Fannie LaTray
Darla LaPointe
Harvey Freemont
Julie Smithart
Aseanna Overfelt
Christina Parker
Cecelia Earth
Annabess Preston
Anna Berridge
Michele Mitchell
Gerri Lyons
Kellie Snow
Jasmine Lammers
Billie Kitcheyan
Ron Nohr
Keely Purscell
Danelle Smith
Deidre Redhorn
Steve Shannon
Carol Cleveland
Lucy Bigfire
Tiffany Armell-Buchanan
Jeffery Edwards, NE DEE

DISCUSSION
EPD Brows field – American Tire Processes
& Recycling – Informational
[Eugene out at 11:00 a.m., in 11:04 a.m.]
11:00 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive
Session at 11:11 a.m. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Lorelei out at 11:56 a.m., in at 11:59 a.m.]
Aric Armell motioned come out of Executive
Session at 12:03 p.m. Isaac Smith seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
EPD Water – Tribal Primacy – Informational
Well for buffalo – Informational
Native Star HVAC Bids – Action needed
Aric Armell motioned to approve the Ace
Refrigeration quote of 17,256.26 to come out
of surplus fund. Kenneth Mallory seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Eugene DeCora motioned to go into Executive Session at 12:35 pm. Teresa Littlegeorge

Con’t. on pg. 9...

Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, April 26, 2025

Question of the Issue:

REZ TOUR - PART 2

Farmer Green Thumb, or not. Tell us all about the
garden you’d plant and what you hope to harvest
from your seasonal labors.
GARAN: Can you plant morel mushrooms? ha-ha! If I could, I would plant them.
Overall, I think my garden would have things that would make it more convenient to
harvest like wild rice, wild berries, peaches, grapes, and lemons.
BRIAN: I’ve always been a fan of a classic salsa garden. Somehow our attempts never
panned out tho. But there is nothing like fresh veggies like tomaters, cukes, radishes,
and onions. Oh! And how could I forget, I want several varieties of rhubarb, some
pickles, and limes.
TYLER: I’ve had good luck growing flowers at my mom’s place. It’s nice to watch
them grow everyday
CHRISTINA: My dream garden would be anything and everything. I would like all
kinds of fruit trees, avocado trees, the 3 sisters, watermelon, squash, strawberries,
pumpkins, peppers, onions, potatoes, tomatoes and plus all kinds of flowers. And harvest all the fruits and vvegetables.
KEVIN: *crickets*
BETHANI: *crickets*

Winnebago Tribe Delegation Attends Annual
Self-Governance Conference, Prioritizes
Law Enforcement Program
By Garan Coons
During the week of April 7th, a delegation comprising of Winnebago Tribal Council
members, Administration officials, and WTN Department Heads attended the 50th Annual
Self-Governance Conference. The event, held at the Gila River Resort & Casino in Chandler,
Arizona, brought together over 2,000 participants, including representatives from the federal
government and tribal administrators. Attendees engaged in various workshops, breakout
sessions, and interesting roundtable discussions with leaders from the U.S. Health and Human
Services, Indian Health Service (IHS), and the Department of the Interior.
Understanding Tribal Self-Governance
Tribal self-governance establishes a government-to-government relationship between
federally recognized Indian tribes and the United States. This framework allows tribes greater
control over federal funds and resources, as well as increased autonomy in managing programs and services impacting their communities. The overarching goal of self-governance is
to strengthen tribal sovereignty and reduce federal intervention in tribal affairs.
Winnebago's History with Self-Governance
The Winnebago Tribe's commitment to self-governance is evident in its recent assumption
of operations for the Twelve Clans Unity Hospital. Previously, the hospital was managed
by the Indian Health Service (IHS). The Tribal Council at the time diligently negotiated and
compacted with IHS to facilitate this successful transition.
Focusing on Law Enforcement Self-Governance
A primary objective for the Winnebago delegation's attendance at this year's conference
was to gather information on assuming operational control of the Winnebago Law Enforcement. Currently, law enforcement on the Winnebago Reservation is managed by the Bureau
of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Justice Services (OJS) within the Department of the Interior.
Overall, the conference was informative and provided a lot of information for the Winnebago delegation. In the next coming months, more announcements will be made by the Winnebago Tribal Council about pursuing assuming operational control of the Winnebago Law
Enforcement program. Find out more information: https://www.tribalselfgov.org/

By Brian Chamberlain
Photos by Christina Parker
[Winnebago Reservation] On
Thursday, April 17th, 2025, the second
round of a corner-to-corner tour of
our Winnebago Reservation took
place. Sponsored by the Winnebago
Wildlife & Parks Department and the
Winnebago Tribal Council, this tour
takes each of the participants from
the literal edges of our reservation
home to the other side and back again.
“This event is something that we
hope happens every season. It gives
us a chance to see how large and
diverse our home truly is.,” said Brian
Chamberlain who was Vice-Chairman
of the Tribal Council that initiated this
tour in 2023.
Beginning on the Iowa side of our
reservation, the Spring 2025 tour
captured the attention of the people by
showing them areas not well known to
most of our membership. This being
because of the location of the Missouri
River and the private landownership
that often prevents access to the
corners of our lands. While the “Iowa
side” of our lands do encompass the
world famous WinnaVegas Casino
Resort, the eastern corners are far
less well known. Notably, the act of
Congress that returned lands to our
people in 2024 are also now a part of
the featured tour.
Travelling along paved routes is a
luxury for any kind of tour like this,
as most of our people know we now
live in a rural area of the Great Plains.
Much of the trip requires driving along
secondary dirt roads, and even some
ungraded paths. One member of the
tour group said, “[w]e’ve all travelled
these roads many times, but most of us
never knew where the corners of the
rez were. It’s cool to see where they
actually are.”
Our reservation is largely located
on the western side of the Missouri
River. Travelling West into the town
of Emerson, Nebraska, the tour group
stopped for lunch at the Winnebago
Tribe’s Class II gaming property - Iron
Horse Bar & Casino. There they were
treated to great food and respite from
the journey before heading back to the
day’s itinerary. “Hosting our people
for this kind of event made all of us

here proud to be a part of the day’s
discoveries. The western side of the
Rez doesn’t get much attention.,” said
Sharon Redhorn-Chamberlain, CEO
of the WGDC that operates the Iron
Horse Casino.
The northwest corner of our
reservation is much closer to the
town of Wakefield, Nebraska than
most people are aware of. The marker
that was placed at that corner bears
the insignia of the United States
Department of the Interior Bureau of
Indian Affairs. “I never knew there
were actual stone markers like this.,”
another member of the tour stated
while visiting that northwest corner.
The entire journey takes several
hours. At each stop along the way
those who were present paid homage
to the locations and offered prayers.
During the initial tour, Isaac Smith,
Vice-Chairman for the Winnebago
Tribal Council today, said, “Our
people have been here since we first
set foot on the land after travelling
along the [Missouri] river. We will
be here for a long time after today.
Let’s remember that.” The western
corners are located in both accessible
and inaccessible areas. For example,
one of the corners is in the middle of
a planted cornfield just to the west of
Thurston, Nebraska, while another is
located under some pine trees near a
home to the east of that small town.
This reservation tour lasted a whole
working day. The journey is a smooth
one, but unless you know exactly
where you’re going, it’s easy to lose
your way. Road conditions can also
play a role in getting to each location,
especially the final stops that are
near the river bottom areas close the
Missouri. “Our home is a large and
diverse place – even though it really
isn’t that big in comparison to some.
The more times we share the location
of the corners with our people, the
more awareness of what our home
means to us we create.,” stated Brian
Chamberlain, during the first tour.
He continued, “And we should never
forget that we are the only tribe that
paid for our reservation with our own
money. But now the checkerboard of
ownership exists. We need to get it
back – all of it.”

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7

STORYTELLERS

33 Years Ago: Our conversation with one of the Originals
The Winnebago Indian News sat down recently with another special tribal member. One
who is among a class of folks that sees itself
declining in number, yet beholden of a literal
treasure trove of experiences. The person we’re
speaking of is Kellie Snow.
When asked to do an interview Kellie didn’t
hesitate to agree. However, our schedules
needed to meet somewhere as she is the Table
Games Manager for WinnaVegas Casino
Resort in Sloan, Iowa. Accommodating a commute of over 45 minutes, one way, does have
its challenges. Alas, we found a date and time
that could work, and we began our discussion.
Kellie was sought for this interview because of
her status and experience with our main casino,
but also because it is that time on the calendar
when the tribe marks another year for that
workhorse of an operation – WinnaVegas Casino Resort. In April 2025 they will celebrate 33
years of business.
Kellie Snow is a proud member of the
Winnebago tribe. She has served our people in
various capacities over her career, including
becoming a member of BIA Law Enforcement
as an officer of the law. With other positions
and activities throughout our community as
well, her experiences are definitely not one-sided or singular. While at WinnaVegas, her career
began in the pits of the Table Games Department but soon branched out in other areas of
the operation. Always one to take on an untried
challenge, the performance of those duties led
to some intriguing stories – many which were
shared with us as we talked.
Kellie was one of the first tribal members
who filled a supervisory role at WinnaVegas,
and she also became one of the first tribal
members to head a shift and a department.
Long known for training and promoting our
own people, WinnaVegas became a catalyst for
many tribal members over the long years of
its existence, and Kellie is certainly one of us.
Given the nickname “Keets”, as her late father,
Jim Snow, used to call her, she’s always known
where she comes from and helped ensure the
pathways forward never left our own people
behind.
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.
Kellie’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 generously shared them with us. The WIN
appreciates her ability to open-up and share
so much of her story. Ladies and Gentlemen,
please allow me to introduce our third Storyteller in these issues of the Winnebago Indian
News: Ms. Kellie Snow – in her own words.
FROM THE BEGINNING
(WIN) What are your earliest memories of
WinnaVegas from way, way back? Do you
remember the call for employees?

(KS) No, uh, I remember the… I think my
dad [James Snow] might have said something
about, you know, they’re hiring in slots. And
you know, [hiring] everything in the casino. So,
we me, Lorna, Lorna Snake, Monica Flores,
Maria, Maria Scott, shoot, we just jumped in a
car and went over. I remember, we all worked
together at WinnaBingo. We just… I walked
into the bingo hall, and it was just, I mean,
gutted. But there were [slot] machines and…
there was, they were training and taking interviews and I walked right up to the craps table.
And there was a cowboy sitting behind there.
[laughs] I call him a cowboy. He had a hat on
and boots. I said, what’s this game? And he
said, this is craps. (gestures) Bobby Dunning.
(WIN) Oh gosh.
(KS) I said, oh, I know this game. You
know, and he’s like, you know craps? And I
did because I worked at Pizza Hut in Lincoln
and every month, we had a game night. So, we
would do poker. We would do craps. We would
do, we would have a treasure hunt or scavenger
hunts. You know, just games. And craps was
one of the games we played.
We learned, I learned Come Out rules, hard
ways, and I learned the odds. And he’s like,
well, what’s odds on the six and eight? And I
said, uh, seven to six and went up all the way
down. He’s like, get over here, get over here.
And so, I stood behind the craps table, and
that’s where I got my start. I was training. And
we did that for, I think, six months, maybe
seven, because remember the injunction? So,
we couldn’t train there. So, we went into Sloan
[Iowa], into the glass shop. It was like right
across from the Pizza Post and we trained there.
And we couldn’t go when they started bringing
the trailers in. We wind up getting ready for
the tables to come, then we start going into the
trailers as they were hooking them up and putting the machines in and [then came] opening
day.
OPENING DAY
It was so [hot], it was warm that day. It was
April, but it was warm. And we had to wear
white shirts, and we wore bow ties, remember?
(gestures to neck) They had a bow tie. So, then
they said we could wear shorts, but they had,
had to be not like basketball shorts, (laughs)
because it was so hot. But we made it, we all
found some good clothes to wear. That was it.
But there was a… it was a dirt road. Then
you know, they tried to make it [gestures a
circle] you know, gravel and, but all the way
to the corner up there. It was all dirt, and there
were cars all the way up that way. (gestures)
And when people parked, they were just parked
along the dirt road. And so, we opened the
doors, and I was on the craps table. And [dealing] on the craps table, it was Lorna [Snake],
me, um I can’t think of the other ones. But I
know it was Lorna and me.
And then, it’s meant for eight people, a craps
table - the spots. We had 12 people. We were on
each side, we had, you know, four guys standing there, [gestures] and then kind of sideways.
And so, and then on the back side, we’d have
more bets. So, we were running, you know,

12 people. It was a big craps table. And it was
five-dollar bets. You could go $25 on odds.
So, it was only, they had these little pieces of
paper, and you had to punch punches, you had
to punch every [time], and they only got $400
every two hours, I think.
(W) Yeah, there was a [time limit].
(K) So, you know, wives would play, and
they’d give their [tickets to their] husbands or
husbands would give their wives, you know,
their books. But it was only five dollars. That’s
what I mean, that’s all we [had] that’s all we
ran, even on all the tables.
We were [busy] from day one. We were just
packed all the time. It was busy! It was quite
the [chuckles], it was quite the experience. And
just the staff that was there that is still there
at WinnaVegas. Myself, uh…, Ray [Thomas],
um…, Tara Sullivan. She’s one of our, one of
our bar supervisors. Um…, Paul Hobbs.
(WIN) Oh he came back?
(KS) Yeah, he came back. He did, yeah. We
were there. Might be others, but I don’t remember them. Many left. Of course, there was
Juanita. Juanita Whitebeaver was there a lot.
She recently retired. But, yeah, it was, it was
quite a [crew], you know.
WORKING IN THE PITS
Lorna Snake was that lady. She was just so
sharp, you know. She just had [it] just could
figure out those things and payouts. And that’s
when we went to higher limits you know, when
our limits went up. We didn’t have roulette. It
came later. And then when we moved in from
there, when we moved to the new facility that
renovated Bingo Hall, yeah, we finally had a
nice roulette table. You know that double sided
[table]. So, that was something that was fresh.
The people we worked with was like swing
shift. Of course, you know, they were the busiest, you know. That’s where all the action came
in. And day shift. We were pretty busy too, but
not like swing. That’s where, when your big
players came in. And, you know, to be open all
night. That’s just like unheard of now. Things
have really changed, so.
EARLY CASINO MANAGEMENT
(W) There’s some, a lot of different I guess
people were involved. The overall environment
on all sides of the political spectrum were
different. Because, like what you said, most
people either didn’t know or they forgot that
the State of Iowa imposed the betting limits.
And, you know, what we call[ed] them, the
coupon books.
And I don’t I guess I didn’t realize they were
also like punch cards. Because by the time I got
there they were a coupon book that you would
tear out and they had various increments and
stuff. And I remember people even digging in
the trash to get the remaining portions of it and
stuff like that. Because the limit was like you
said, only so much [money] for a certain period
of time. And then they were time stamped, and
people would be waiting and all that other kind
of stuff. So, it was kind of crazy.
But in the early days with that, what people
either, again, don’t remember or are they’ve
forgotten is the Winnebago Tribe was actually a
partner with WinnaVegas.
(K) Yeah!
(W) And the company that they [the Tribe]
had partnered with, which of course they got
into a lawsuit with, and eventually, ended up
winning and taking and the tribe took the whole
thing as it should have, was called GNS Slot.
Do you remember those guys?
(K) Yeah, Gilkus…, Nyg….
(W) I don’t remember what the S was.
(K) Stewart.
(W) Stewart, okay. Stewart. Because there
was Kim Gilkinson, Jerry Nygaard, and I
didn’t, I could not remember the S. I can see
him.
(K) Yeah, I can see he was he was kind of
the big burly guy. Kim was kind of, you know,
young, shorter and blonde. And then Nygaard,
he was, cause he was [at] the [Winnebago]
school... Yeah. GNS, Stewart yeah, I remember
them. Yeah.
(W) And then the company because it was
GNS Slot. And it’s kind of sounds funny, but
that was its own section of that partnership.
And so, I can’t remember who that guy was the Slot, quote unquote Slot guy. It’s been too
long.
POKER ROOM
(K) Yeah, I don’t I don’t remember the Slot
guys too, you know, too much. I know, the bar
guys, the poker guys. The poker [area] was a
whole different animal. And they, they just had
their own little spot in the back and [where]
they were I mean. It was just LIVE poker.
That’s all. You never even heard of a tournament.
And actually, just recently we brought LIVE
poker back [for] two days. Friday and Saturday
nights, one shift. And that’s what I get [now],
when you gonna do tournaments? I’m like,
you know that killed us. That killed our room,
because you can’t, you can’t sustain yourself
with, 220 a night. When you run a poker table
and you know, it’s gotta be live poker only. So,
I see that happening, maybe more tables. But
oh, that room was, that was something else.
And I think they fit at least five tables in that
back area space, yeah. And they were all filled.
(W) Usually, yes.
(K) And of course, I can still remember some
of the faces of the players, but I don’t remember many names. And then, of course, the dealers. There was uh, I remember Todd Ratigan,
Danny Spicer, um Mary Randazzo (sp). Yeah,
is that who… yeah, man. Who else?

(W) Oh, Kerensa [Ross], she started out as a
cocktail [waitress].
(K) I remember, right?
(W) And then [she] transitioned from there to
a poker dealer.
(K) Jules [LaRose]. And then he started in
cocktails as well. Yeah, they, the people still
remember those names and the players then.
As we got into the new part too. I mean, still
just the same… same thing. And I’d really
like to see that come back. I think it, it’s what
would be good for the casino, and it’s always
sustained itself.
(W) Yeah, poker had a very, very loyal following, I’ll say it that way.
EARLY PATRONAGE
(K) And again, like the people that were
usually regulars, you know. And then of course
back then also, there was no Council Bluffs.
So, you had a lot of [an] Omaha crowd. And
so those guys would come up. And we had, the
night we opened, I just stayed. I didn’t want to
leave. But my old Pizza Hut manager came up.
And him and one of the other supervisors they
jumped on the table. And cause they would
go to Vegas, and they were big, you know, big
into betting and gaming. So, yeah, it was good
to see them come up. I was like you taught me
this game. You know, he did too! They taught
me. They taught me the whole concept of it.
You know, I never knew what a craps table
looked like. But I knew what a come-out roll
is. And it was, I never would have walked up to
that table and asked if I didn’t, you know, know
about some of that gambling.
MORE EARLY MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATIONS
(W) You on day one, you were actually a
floor supervisor. From day one. Because there
were not, at that time, very many tribal members in any kind of supervisory role, or just
a handful of people. I’m not really sure who
worked in the back office back then.
(K) Of course, I knew Agnes [Blackhawk]
had worked there. She was an original employee as well, but I don’t remember where she
started. She might have done our, she might
have done our cage. She might have been the
original Cage Manager. But I’d have to ask
Juanita [Whitebeaver]. Because Juanita was in
the cage. They started in there and, you know,
like soft count.
I never got as far as the cage. But I can
imagine what else was back there. The soft
count and even surveillance. I couldn’t tell you
where surveillance was. I just didn’t [know]. I
mean, my mind is like, where am I? Where was
surveillance, you know? Just things like that.
(W) There was a trailer that had a yellow
door (gestures).
(K) There was a door and had a big eye on it
(laughs)!
(W) Because it’s like that was one of those
things. That because on the backside, there
were all those trailers which were gutted out.
And, basically daisy chained together and that
became the casino and the floor. And then,
however, they raised that ceiling in that main
entrance. Because remember the ceiling was
higher?
(K) Yeah. vaulted.
(W) Yes.
EARLY CASINO FLOOR
(K) They had the chairs [that] were just
like little bar stools. I mean, it was [chuckles] … and I don’t know, people just, …I
mean. If you went into a casino now and
they had bar stools, you’d be like, how is
he (sitting)? You know, it was the first of its
kind. So, we were talking about that. I was
like, remember? Remember the chairs were
just little bar stools?
(W) I can still see them because they
were like basically rounded black pleather
leather, whatever it was. Four chrome legs.
Yeah, I remember those. Because then I
always felt so bad for the drop crew, trying
to get that cart through [the gaming floor].
Cause of course it was coin back then. And
it’s like, oh my, talk about a chore.
And then of course, like what you said,
those days were so hectic and just beyond
busy. The tribe was, how should we say, the
casino was pulling in just money and money
and money. Because people were there!
I also remember seeing that when I first
started. Of course, it was several months old
at that point, but there were times when the
machines were three people deep. Waiting
to play while somebody was just pressing
spin… or pulling. Pulling the handle and
stuff because the machines were very different back then. Not very many, if any, kind
of actual video representation. We’re talking
true old school one arm bandits.
(K) Yeah, all the coins we had. Nickels,
quarters and dollars. Yes. And, you know
that was it.
(W) There was no bill acceptor and so everything was just (gestures) hands all black.
(K) I think we, I can’t remember if it was,
but we even tried the dollars on our, some of
the tables. The silver dollars, and then they
finally got gaming chips.
(W) Yeah. Because that came back and
forth a few times and I always hated it.
You know, because when you cut cheques,
it’s a different thing than the silver. [Silver
slot coins] would flop and say oh, it’s just
a mess, but whatever. But yeah, just one of
those kinds of things.
Our story with Kellie Snow will continue
in the next issue of the Winnebago Indian
News.

Page 8 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, April 26, 2025

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

... Cont'd from pg. 5...
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Lorelei out at 12:35 p.m., in at 12: 42 p.m.]
[Teresa out at 12:49 p.m., in at 12:52 p.m.]
[Isaac out at 12:49 p.m., in at 12:50 p.m.]
[Coly out at 12:49 p.m., in at 12:52 p.m.]
[Victoria out at 12:51 p.m., in at 12:53 p.m.]
[Aric out at 12:52 p.m., in at 12:55 p.m.]
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to come out of
Executive Session at 12:59 p.m. Isaac Smith
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn at
12:59 p.m. Aric Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the
meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
April 15, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Kenneth Mallory
Lorelei DeCora
Aric Armell
Coly Brown
Eugene DeCora
OTHERS PRESENT:
Julie Bassette
Kellie Snow
Annabess Preston
Tyresha Romero
Angela DeCora
Kevin Ebert
Carmilita LaTray
Darla LaPointe
Sarah Alvarado
Anthony Snake
Keri LaPointe
Greg Walker
Julie Bassette
Maggie Miller
Christina Parker
Tiffany Armell-Buchanan
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Isaac Smith (PTO)

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan called to order at 9:10 am
OPENING PRAYER: Coly Brown
offered the opening prayer.
AGENDA
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
agenda with additions. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINUTES
March 20, 2025 – General Counsel meeting minutes
Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve the
March 20, 2025 - General Counsel meeting
minutes. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
March 21, 2025 – Mid-monthly meeting
minutes
Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve
the March 21, 2025 - Mid-monthly meeting
minutes. Coly Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
March 27, 2025 – Winnebago Housing
and Development Quarterly update meeting
minutes.
Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve the
March 27, 2025 - Winnebago Housing and
Development Quarterly update meeting minutes. Coly Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
March 28, 2025 – Treasurer’s Report
meeting minutes
Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve the
March 28, 2025 - Treasurer’s Report meeting
minutes. Coly Brown seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
April 14, 2025 – Physical Resources Report meeting minutes
Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve the
April 14, 2025 - Physical Resources Report
meeting minutes. Coly Brown seconded the
motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:
Enrollment: Adopt resolution #25-135:
Emergency Enrollment A.R.
Rona Stealer motioned to ratify the
five-signature; Enrollment: Adopt resolution
#25-135: Emergency Enrollment A.R. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.

VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
$500.00 from T.C. Donations for the
funeral of H.H. (food supplies)
Aric Armell motioned to ratify the signature approving $500.00 from T.C. Donations
for the funeral of H.H. (food supplies). Rona
Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
EduCare Winnebago Parent Committee –
Request to match fundraising
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve
the request from the EduCare Winnebago
Parent Committee to match the fundraising
$1,411.00 for the Head Start Graduation.
Kenneth Mallory seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Donation in lieu of flowers for D.W. to the
Lux Center for Arts
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
$100.00 donation to the Lux Center for Arts
in the honorarium of Donald Wesely, longtime lobbyist for the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the
motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Boys & Girls club – request to solicit
funds
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve the
Boys and Girls Club to solicit for funds for
the movie night. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
Org Chart and Job Description approval
[Rona out at 9:30 a.m.]
Aric Armell motioned to approve the Job
Descriptions [SMART Compliance Officer,
SMART Data Entry Clerk/Office Assistant,
WPD Dispatcher FT (4), WPD Dispatcher
PT] and approve the Organizational Chart.
Kenneth Mallory seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Rona in at 9:39 a.m.]
Tribal Member request D.A.
Aric Armell motioned to approve
$2,000.00 donation for Tribal member
request (S.A.) Lorelei DeCora seconded the
motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (1)
abstain, TL
Motion carried.
[Eugene out at 9:43 a.m.]
Amber Alert – Discussion
Lorelei DeCora motioned to request the
NITC (Nebraska Inter Tribal Coalition) to
request them to present during this Friday’s
virtual meeting. Aric Armell seconded the
motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Tribal member request – M.F.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to request the
Human Services Department to cover the
remaining costs of the furnace replacement
for M.F. Aric Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive
Session at 9:50 a.m. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Eugene in at 12:08 p.m.]
[Lorelei out at 12:08 p.m., in 12:14 p.m.]
Eugene DeCora motioned to come out of
Executive Session at 1:43 p.m. Rona Stealer
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to direct Physical Resources to follow up on the tribal elder
door damage (J.B.) and to have administration follow up on having Law Enforcement
pay for the damages. Aric Armell seconded
the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to direct the
CAO to follow up on the CFS complaint that
was discussed. Eugene DeCora seconded
the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
fundraising match request for New Breed
4th grade Boys Basketball team of $490.00
to attend the Missouri River Shoot out in
Bismarck, ND on April 12, 2025. Kenneth
Mallory seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(5) yes (0) no (2)
abstain, CB, ED Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn at 1:48
p.m. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the
meeting at 1:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING MINUTES
April 16, 2025
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Kenneth Mallory
Lorelei DeCora
Coly Brown
Eugne DeCora
Aric Armell (in at 9:30 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Danelle Smith
Casey Cline
Michael Bland
Cecelia Earth
Anna Berridge
Sarah Herring
Michele Mitchell
Zeriyah James
Kiana Lewis
Deidre Redhorn
Brandon Stout
Annabess Preston
Janelle DeCora
Keely Purscell
Anthony Earth
Karen Bass
Ruby Ballenger
Marge Gilpin
Harvey Freemont
Joy Johnson
Fannie LaTray
Kellen Kelsey
Brittany Thomas
Troy Parker
Vincent Bass, Sr.
Eugene Gilpin
Darla LaPointe
John Blackhawk
Christina Parker
Tyresha Romero
Josh Pitre
Leta Gorrin
Andy Snowball
Tiffany Armell-Buchanan
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Isaac Smith (PTO)

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan called to order at 9:15 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Eugene DeCora
offered the opening prayer.
AGENDA:
Coly Brown motioned to approve the
agenda with changes and additions. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Boys & Girls Club Construction Project
NMTC Financing
[Aric in at 9:30 a.m.]
[Lorelei out at 9:50 a.m.]
Aric Armell motioned to table the
proposed resolution until the Mid-monthly
meeting. Kenneth Mallory seconded the
motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Lorelei in at 9:55 a.m.]
BREAK: 9:55 a.m., reconvene 10:00
a.m.
RECESS: at 10:00 a.m. until 11:00
a.m. for a virtual meeting with the Jajap
Telecommunications Right of Way, Reconvene at 11:07 a.m.
Tribal Enrollment Criteria Secretarial
Election
[Lorelei out at 11:22 a.m., in at 11:30
a.m.]
[Kenneth out at 11:55 a.m., in at 12:01
p.m.]
[Teresa out at 12:01 p.m., in at 12;04
p.m.]
[Eugene out at 12:16 p.m., in at 12:18
p.m.]
Aric Armell motioned to move forward
with the adopted resolution #25-131 and
the sample ballot as presented. Eugene
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (1) no, CB
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Lorelei out at 1:05 p.m., in at 1:08
p.m.]
Eugene DeCora motioned to engage
with the Enrollment Department and Administration to host a community forum
for the Secretarial Election item. Aric
Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
RECESS: at 1:15 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.,
reconvene at 1:50 p.m.
[Coly out at 1:30 p.m. – PTO]
Residential Land Leasing Policy Revisions
[Teresa out at 1:52 p.m.]
[Rona in at 1:55 p.m.]
[Teresa in at 2:01 p.m.]
Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt resolution #25-140: Approving Amendments
to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Residential Land Leasing Policy. Kenneth
Mallory seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Jajap Telecommunications Right of Way
Aric Armell motioned to table the Jajap

Telecommunication resolutions and the
drafting of a third resolution until the
Mid-monthly meeting. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
In-house Attorney Contract
Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution #25-141: Approval of the In-house
Attorney Contract.
Eugene DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Head Start – National Indian Head Start
Directors Association
Rona Stealer motioned to format the
Impact of ACF Restructuring letter to
Secetary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Lorelei
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
FY 2025 Community Project Funding
Application – Rep. Adrian Smith
Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt
resolution #25-142: Congressman Adrian
Smith (NE-03) FY 2026 Community Project Funding – USDA Rural Development,
Community Facilities Grant Proposal:
Winnebago Boys & Girls Club Community Facilities Project. Aric Armell seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Lorelei out at 2:27 p.m., in at 2:32
p.m.]
Utility Committee
Aric Armell motioned to reappoint the
existing Utility Board. Eugene DeCora
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Eugene out at 2:41 p.m., in at 2:45
p.m.]
UPDATES/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Federal Advocacy – Congressional
Updates
Congressional Earmark Applications
Boarding School Legislation
Hearing on ISDEAA
[Lorelei out at 2:48 p.m., in at 2:56
p.m.]
Federal Advocacy – Administrative
updates
HHS Secretary Visits Indian Country
Deputy Interior Secretary Nomination
Advances
[Rona out at 3:15 p.m.]
State Advocacy
Tribal College Funding Advocacy
Sen. Meyer Visit Follow-up
Tribal-State Relations Committee Bus
Tour Workgroup
2025 Legislative Bill Tracking
EPA Tribal Water Systems Consultation
- update
[Rona in at 3:30 p.m.]
Tax Commission – Tribal Vehicle Registrations
Aric Armell motioned to support the
Tax Commission to move forward with
the research on Tribal Vehicle Registrations. Eugene DeCora seconded the
motion.
OBJECT: Kenneth Mallory
VOTE:
(3) yes, TL, ED, AA
(3) no, RS, KM, LD
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman breaks tie and votes yes.
Final VOTE: (4) yes
(3) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
TDHE – WHDC - update
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive Session at 3:42 p.m. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Lorelei out at 4:07 p.m., in at 4:11
p.m.]
Aric Armell motioned to come out of
Executive Session at 4:34 p.m. Eugene
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to continue legal
support for Vice Chairman Isaac Smith regarding the Village of Winnebago. Rona
Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn at
4:35 p.m. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded
the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the
meeting at 4:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 9

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Awinnebago%3Ac53aade62bc9de70. Public record. Not legal advice.