Ho-Chunk Nation Flag Raised at City-County Building

October 10, 2024
County Board Chair Patrick Miles, (608) 886-9167
County Board

Ho-Chunk Nation representatives and local officials held a flag raising event at the City-County Building this evening.  At the event, local officials and Ho-Chunk representatives spoke about the significance of the flag flying at the City-County Building, and then raised the flag to permanently fly at the City-County Building.  

Regarding the flag raising, Rep. Sarah Lemieux-White Eagle Ho-Chunk Nation, District 3 Representative, said “the raising of our Nation’s flag here at the Dane County Building is a reminder that our presence endures and our legacy continues to flourish. As we approach Native American Heritage Month, this is just one of many meaningful moments that strengthen our connection and shared commitment to unity and understanding for the future,” 

According to Supervisor Rick Rose (District 16), “the path to healing for our communities is long, but with the first official Indigenous Peoples Day holiday taking place next week and this permanent Ho-Chunk flag raising, we have at least begun to unravel a long history of marginalization and injustice. This flag raising is a symbol for the diversity and rich cultural history that the Ho-Chunk people bring to Dane County, and our enduring strength when we stand together.”

County Executive Jamie Kuhn remarked, “we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the contributions and resilience of the Indigenous peoples who have taken care of the environment, the lands, and communities throughout history, and respect the Tribal Nations sovereignty.”

“Raising the flag is an acknowledgment of the Ho-Chunk people’s ancestral and present-day connection to this land,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “This is a way to honor that history, and to continue to strengthen the ties between the City, the County, and the Nation.” 

“Flying the Ho-Chunk flag permanently in front of the City-County Building is a testament to the County’s progress towards recognizing and appreciating the enduring presence and contributions of the Ho-Chunk people. It’s an honor to raise their nation’s flag with the U.S. flag. We strive to foster greater inclusion, build stronger bridges between our communities, and celebrate our shared path forward,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles (District 34). 

A resolution was approved by the Dane County Board of Supervisors in March 2024, which provided for a dedicated site for flying the Ho-Chunk flag at the City-County Building.  Following approval of the resolution, the City-County Liaison committee, a committee comprised of both City of Madison and Dane County representatives, approved building rules to enable the flying of the flag.