Ho-Chunk Nation Flag-Raising on Bascom Hill

Ho-Chunk Nation Flag Raising on Bascom Hill: Honor, Respect, and Sacrifice

For the first time in the history of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, on November 5, 2021, the Ho-Chunk Nation’s flag rose above Bascom Hall in heart of campus. This program was part of an ongoing commitment to moving from ignorance to awareness as we build Our Shared Future with the Ho-Chunk Nation and the other First Nations in Wisconsin.

Speakers and Honored Guests

Traditional Chief Clayton Winneshiek, Ho-Chunk Nation

Vice President Karena Thundercloud, Ho-Chunk Nation

Chancellor Rebecca Blank, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Sanford WhiteEagle Legion Post 556

Elliot Funmaker, Sr. and the Wisconsin Dells Singers

Aaron Bird Bear, Director of Tribal Relations, Office of University Relations & Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Event Details

Friday, November 5, 2021
10:00 am – 10:45am
Bascom Hill in front of Bascom Hall.

The event is open to the public. There will be limited seating for invited guests; others are welcome to view the ceremony from public spaces on Bascom Hill.

Ho-Chunk Nation requests that certain ceremonial elements of the program not be photographed or filmed, such as prayers and honor songs. More instructions will be offered during the program. The public also is welcome to observe the lowering of the flags at 4 p.m. Brief comments will be offered at both

Media Coverage

UW-Madison to fly Ho-Chunk flag on campus for first time in university’s history. The Capital Times, November 2, 2021.

Flag of Ho-Chunk Nation to fly atop Bascom Hall for first time in university’s history. UW–Madison News, November 1, 2021.

In historic first, flag of Ho-Chunk Nation raised atop Bascom Hall. UW–Madison News, November 5, 2021.

Flag of Ho-Chunk Nation flies on Bascom Hill for first time in UW history. Badger Herald, November 5, 2021.

PHOTOS: The flag of the Ho-Chunk Nation briefly flies over Bascom Hall. Capital Times, November 5, 2021.

UW-Madison raises Ho-Chunk Nation flag at Bascom Hall. WMTV Channel 15, November 5, 2021.

Ho-Chunk Nation flag raised over Bascom Hall. Channel3000, November 5, 2021.

Ho-Chunk flag raised for first time at UW-Madison. WKOW Channel 27, November 5, 2021.

UW-Madison flies Ho-Chunk flag atop Bascom Hall while grappling with its ‘land-grab’ history. Wisconsin State Journal, November 7, 2021.

UW-Madison flies Ho-Chunk Nation flag atop Bascom Hall. Associated Press, November 8, 2021.

News from around our 50 states. USA Today, November 8, 2021.

UW-Madison Hosts Flag-Raising Ceremony for Ho-Chunk Nation. WORT, November 8, 2021.