Hi John,

Thanksgiving celebrations have changed dramatically from a day of eating to a month of celebrations during Native American Heritage Month.

As a child growing up on the Menominee Reservation, Thanksgiving meant a bustling, over-crowded house filled with brothers, sisters, and children. All while Mom, Edith Waukau, and my sisters worked in the kitchen on last-minute preparations of dishes that Mom had been working on for the past five days.

Dad, Hilary “Sparky” Waukau, would have a pipe ceremony and say a blessing before dinner. Then we ate in shifts: the men, followed by kids, then the women. Afterwards, the women cleaned while the men either watched or played football. Dad would ceremoniously put on Christmas music.

Now, many Indigenous people no longer celebrate the “traditional Thanksgiving” from the days of Christopher Columus. November has turned into a month-long celebration of our traditions and culture. In fact, most Indians say every day is a day to celebrate Native American Indians, our traditions, and people.

Mom and Dad are gone, but I am blessed to have an abundance of Indigenous celebrations to participate in and volunteer with throughout November.

For example, the Indian Council of the Elderly (ICE) in Milwaukee will hold a feast honoring the contributions of our elders, who remain active in our communities on Monday, Nov. 25.

“We come together to share food, gifts, and companionship,” said ICE Program Director Terri Piszczor. It is also a time to thank all those who, throughout the year, have supported, valued, respected, and assisted in making a difference in the lives of those we serve – our elders.”


Here are a few statewide tribal celebrations during Native American Heritage Month:

On Saturday, Nov. 23 from noon to 3 p.m., the Southeast Oneida Social Services will host a Native American Heritage Celebration featuring a presentation on language revitalization with games, prizes, and a traditional meal. For more information go to [link removed]

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Shawano High School will host a pow wow. Doors open at 11 a.m., grand entry is at noon, and the pow wow lasts until 3 p.m. Entry is free and open to all. Attendees are invited to bring non-perishable food for families in need.

On Tuesday, Nov. 26, the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center will host a Community Harvest Feast where at least 300 dinners will be served by volunteers and board members. The event will run from 3 to 6 p.m. on the second floor of 930 West Historic Mitchell St. There is no need to RSVP.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Red Cliff Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa will host a Noojisgiving Feast from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information call 715-779-3508.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Ho-Chunk Nation will hold a Happy Ho-Chunk Day with bingo at 1 p.m. There will be a 5 p.m. meal and a 6 p.m. social dance. For more information, contact Rosalind Cleveland at (715) 284-9343 ext. 11104. Vendors and booths, please contact [email protected].

On Nov. 27 and 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., join the Canoe-Making Class with First Nation Instructor Gene Delcourt. For ages 12 and up, parent/guardian participation is requested. This will be held at the Tee Jop HORICA, 4724 Tradewinds Parkway, Madison. For forms and registration go to the Madison Native Community Facebook [[link removed]].

Sincerely,
Anne Egan-Waukau
Urban Native Vote Organizer and Communications Manager
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Conservation Voices

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