Join us at the Ho-Chunk Clan Circle Dedication on May 4

A rendering of the Northwest corner of the exterior of Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center. In the rendering to the left of the building is an art circle featuring large iron images of the 12 Ho-Chunk Clans.

We invite you to join us on campus, outside the new Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, for a dedication of the Ho-Chunk Clan Circle — a space created in partnership with Ho-Chunk artist Ken Lewis and other advisors representing the 12 clans of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Since the Ho-Chunk people first began arriving in the region at least 12,000 years ago, they perfected the skills and technologies that have become the activities we recognize today as archery, canoeing, and snowshoeing, as well as team sports such as lacrosse. The Ho-Chunk Clan Circle is adjacent to UW-Madison’s newest recreational facility, created as a reflection and educational space to honor this relationship and history.

We are honored to welcome members of the Ho-Chunk Nation to campus for this event. Appetizers and refreshments provided by Wild Bearies, which specializes in Indigenous and ancestral cuisine, will follow the program.

Date: Thursday, May 4, 2023
Program: 1 – 2 pm
Location: Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, 1976 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706 (northwest corner outside the building)

Parking: Guest parking is available at Linden Drive Garage (Lot 67) at 2002 Linden Drive. Shuttles to and from the lower level of the parking deck to the event site will be available.

Rain location will be inside Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, Courts 1 & 2

Rendering of the Ho-Chunk Clan Circle close up. It shows several students walking in the sculptures and looking at the figures.
The Ho-Chunk Clan Circle features 12 figures which represent the clans of the Ho-Chunk Nation. These are divided into two moieties: the upper clans (Thunder, Hawk/Warrior, Eagle, and Pigeon) and the lower clans (Bear, Buffalo, Deer, Wolf, Elk, Fish, Water Spirit, and Snake).

PROGRAM OF EVENTS

WELCOME

Carla Vigue, Director of Tribal Relations, University of Wisconsin–Madison

REMARKS

Traditional Chief Clayton Winneshiek, Ho-Chunk Nation
Bill Quackenbush, Ho-Chunk Clan Circle Design Team
President Marlon WhiteEagle, Ho-Chunk Nation
Jennifer L. Mnookin, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Madison

SONGS

Wisconsin Dells Singers

UW–Madison occupies ancestral Ho-Chunk land, a place the Ho-Chunk call Teejop (Dejope, or Four Lakes). In an 1832 treaty, the Ho-Chunk Nation was forced to cede this territory. The Our Shared Future heritage marker at UW–Madison recognizes this history.