Ho-chunk Nation welcomed him. At that time Ho-Chunk territory extended from Green Bay westward along the Fox River through Lake Winnebago to the Wisconsin River to the Mississippi River and south to the Rock River in Illinois. The Tribe was called the Winnebago until recently. Today they are the Ho-Chunk Nation, which means "People of the Big Voice."

For many years, the Ho-Chunk Nation was a good neighbor and a partner with many of the people who came to our lands. That changed in the 1820's, however, when they were forced to move from their lands to Northeastern Iowa and South Central Minnesota, and finally in 1863 to a reservation in South Dakota. Because they missed the clear waters, the rolling hillsides, and the forests, the Ho-Chunk people walked back to Wisconsin.

Today, the Ho-Chunk Nation does not have lands reserved in Wisconsin. All Wisconsin tribal lands are those the Ho-Chunk Nation once owned and have since repurchased.
The 4,990 members of the Ho-Chunk Nation hold title to 2,000 acres of land, which they love and wish to preserve along with the Ho-Chunk culture.

Ho-Chunk gaming gives the Nation a great opportunity to resolve problems and create opportunities in education and business development that are good for everyone in Wisconsin.

The most spectacular display of Ho-Chunk heritage is the Pow-wow. This gathering of tribes is held around Labor Day as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Since World War II, a Pow-wow is held on Memorial Day as well. Besides contributing to our noble traditions, the Ho-Chunk also contribute substantially to the economy of the area through a very successful gaming operation. For more information, call 1 (800) 255-9466.

Ho-Chunk Nation
P.O. Box  667
Black River Falls WI  54615

Tel.    715/284-9343
Fax    715/284-9805

http://www.ho-chunknation.com/

Courtesy of Great Lakes Intertribal Council.