Jon Greendeer, executive director of Ho-Chunk Nation cultural affairs, challenged the audience to learn more about the Ho-Chunk Nation. Jon spoke powerfully in the Ho-Chunk language for a time. His elders had charged him to learn the Ho-Chunk language and the traditional ways to preserve their heritage. Jon stated “Few of our members can perform some of the traditional tasks. We need instill these skills in our youth.

Jon emphasized “The Ho-Chunk Nation wants the same things as the larger community, like economic development, but do not build on our sacred mounds and burial grounds. We are making a concerted effort to proactively work the communities to advance common interests.

“I was very impressed by the Ho-Chunk Nation’s entrepreneurial spirit”, stated Julio Gutierrez, a volunteer from Colorado Springs and former U.S. Navy captain. From what I read and heard, the Ho-Chunks have been smart in engaging Federal, state, and local governments and commercial enterprises in advance to prevent conflicts or misunderstandings. This policy has worked well for them in Wisconsin, where Ho-Chunk businesses are the largest employers in at least two counties.”