Ho-Chunk Nation and approximately 60 Otoe-Missouria relatives from Oklahoma celebrated a homecoming during the Labor Day Pow-wow in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. The tribes were once banded together in the Great Lakes region of the United States and are related in custom and culture. They were separated in the mid-19th century.

The homecoming itinerary started Thursday, August 30, 2018 with the relatives arriving at Ho-Chunk Gaming - Black River Falls and concluded Monday, September 3, 2018. There was a meet and greet at the Ho-Chunk Nation Executive Offices on Friday morning. The relatives were given a tour of the building by Executive Director of Administration, John Steindorf.

Otoe-Missouria Veteran relatives, Eugene Bigsoldier, United States Army and Trevor Romero, United States Army, assisted in the weekly ceremony of taking down the flags in front of the Executive Building on Friday, August 31, 2018. The Navy song was rendered in honor of the late Senator John McCain.

Relatives shared a meal at the Blackdeer homestead. Rock Pipestem crafted a drum and that drum was gifted to the Ho-Chunk Nation with respect and love.

A Moccasin Game was played and specials were held during the Labor Day powwow. The family of Aihanna, a young Otoe-Missouria lady, honored the Ho-Chunk Nation by bringing her into the dance arena. Wilson Pipestem conducted the ceremony gifting a young stallion to the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Otoe-Missouria relatives were informed of the All-Indian Softball Tournament held at the Ho-Chunk Baseball fields and of the Ho-Chunk Nation Veteran’s Affairs’ 5K/3K fundraiser fun run.

Three of the Otoe-Missouria relatives shared their homecoming experiences and this is what they expressed:

Heather Payne, Otoe-Missouria Public Information Officer
As the Public Information Officer for the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, I was asked to be the host for our Ho-Chunk representatives when they visited during our Winter Encampment in January. As Representative Larry Walker says, I was very professional in the beginning. However, after several hours we were laughing and joking around like old friends. It was a fast, but genuine connection that we all felt.

Our family has been in mourning for the past 5 years. Our oldest daughter Aihanna prepared each year to be brought into the Otoe-Missouria arena, but each year was spent crying instead of celebrating. Last September, my husband lost his beloved Uncle Joe. Uncle Joe Dent was the heart of our family. Before he passed, he told us that if we stayed in mourning too long, that our children would lose interest in dancing. When our daughter asked if she could be brought in at Ho-Chunk instead of Otoe since it would be September and closer to her Grandpa Joe’s memorial, we really had to think on it. We decided that we would reach out to our Ho-Chunk relatives and ask if we could bring her into the arena at Ho-Chunk. When we arrived she said she felt at home. She was nervous to dance in front of everyone, but she said she could feel the love of her Ho-Chunk and Otoe-Missouria relatives supporting her when she danced. She danced her little heart out! We want to thank everyone who helped make this ceremony possible for our little girl.

On a personal note, the love and kindness shown by the Ho-Chunk people was so moving. Everyone was so generous. Most people talk a good game, but struggle with the follow though. You all were beyond wonderful as hosts. You truly did honor your ancestors and their teachings. It was a good reminder for us. We need to live more like that in our lives.

Eric Payne, Otoe-Missouria tribal member
What I noticed was that the Ho-Chunk still observe so many of their traditions and customs. They still dress in their traditional clothes. We have photos of our people wearing those clothes, but the Ho-Chunk wear them for their everyday. We were very lucky to bring Aihanna up there. Extremely lucky.

The one thing I noticed about their belief system is that while we were up there, we never heard an ill word about anyone. And as I said before, we probably couldn’t get home before people were talking badly about us! I didn’t hear the Ho-Chunks talking badly about each other. That’s living your customs, right there. When the Ho-Chunk, Winnebago, Otoe and Missouria all camped together, everyone else was probably happy to see us go. We were probably the group that couldn’t get along with anybody! We can’t get along with each other now! That stuck with me. I’ve been thinking on that a lot. Being there with the Ho-Chunk on our homeland made me want to be a better person. Their hospitality was unprecedented. Unlike anything I’ve ever seen at any tribe.

We were very lucky to bring Aihanna (his oldest daughter) up there. Extremely lucky. We got to participate in something that people don’t understand the significance of anymore. Having the leader of our Eagle Clan perform that ceremony for the great, great, great granddaughter of the last principal chief of our tribe was highly significant. As Chief Winneshiek said, that wasn’t something that had been done in a long time at a Ho-Chunk arena. It felt good to be there, to be having that ceremony performed. I’m really grateful we could do it.

The dressing of the drum was great to see too. That exchange. It was good to see our people come together like that and to hear those songs. I can’t wait to go back and strengthen those long term connections. I look forward to seeing Larry (Representative Walker) again. There was a relationship with Larry and Lanette that was established when we were up there. I explained it to them when it was happening. In our belief system, we are now family.

Donnie Childs, Otoe-Missouria Encampment Chairman
I expected a quick trip, some handshakes and kind words shared between our tribes, never imagined anything like I experienced, the physical and emotional feeling is truly beyond words. I truly felt a sense of peace and comfort when we arrived. That feeling continued to grow with each event we attended, each relative we met. The beautiful history and culture is so inspiring. Then a sadness came over me as we were leaving town, it was almost like leaving your safe haven. I will share the experience with all that will listen and push for more to go back home next year.

My most cherished memory is my parents being speechless with the beauty of the country side, the people and all of the hospitality we received. From the valet attendant to the last person at the gas station that wished us safe travel. The people were so loving and caring to us, they truly made us feel like we were home. Words almost can't explain it. I will take away the joy of being one of the few people that one day will be able to say I was part of the reunification of our people.

I will return with more of my immediate family and more relatives of our Otoe Missouria people, everyone needs to experience the peaceful and healing feeling you receive from that place.

This was a journey that began last August when the suggestion was first made, and it will continue from this point on. I don’t know where all this will lead but I know that MY heart and soul have a deeper understanding of where we come from as Otoe Missouria people. My mind is good knowing I truly have walked in the footsteps of our ancestors and that I will cherish every minute of this journey the rest of my life. I cannot express how humble and gracious I am to the Ho-Chunk Nation for all of their hospitality, and I am equally thankful to my Otoe-Missouria council for their generous contribution to allow this to happen. We live in a cynical world today, but for those brief moments I saw the best in both our tribes.