Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway visited the Ho-Chunk Nation tribal office building during the last week of November, where President Marlon WhiteEagle of the Ho-Chunk Nation and representatives of the Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature served as the hosts.
During the visit, President WhiteEagle expressed words of appreciation and detailed the union between Madison and the Ho-Chunk Nation. WhiteEagle also talked about the history of which Madison shares with the people of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
After WhiteEagle’s commentary, the Ho-Chunk Nation President offered a Ho-Chunk Flag as a gift to the city of Madison.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway returned the compliment, “I acknowledge that I live, and my city exists on Ho-Chunk lands. It feels important to me to have a positive relationship with the Nation. So, I appreciate the opportunity to be here, and I appreciate the gift of the flag.
“I asked if it would be appropriate for us to have a flag to display, that we could fly over the municipal building and for display in our council chambers or have it in my office, depending on the appropriate event,” she added. “I do feel that it is important that we acknowledge we exist on Ho-Chunk land and to fly the flag in acknowledgment.
“I hope that this is another step along the way, a relationship of collaboration and cooperation and communication between the city of Madison and the Ho-Chunk Nation,” Rhodes-Conway continued. “I certainly invite anyone from the Ho-Chunk Nation who lives in the city or not to come and communicate with us and share your thoughts and ideas.”
Representative Daren Brinegar spoke briefly and presented Mayor Rhodes-Conway with red Ho-Chunk style earrings.
Together Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, President WhiteEagle, Representative Brinegar and Representative Walker posed with the exchanged flags as a beginning to a mutual partnership.
