The needed rain held off long enough and the "Ho Chunk Family Tree" dedication ceremony was a great success. Many thanks to all the Thoreau parents, staff, children, and community whose efforts made for a very special day. A delicious lunch featuring traditional Ho Chunk foods was served up by a host of Thoreau volunteers. Ho Chunk tribal member Michelle Decorah fried the Waisgap Taxere (fry bread) assisted by Harry's sister, Alberta Starns. The menu also featured Wasa, a traditional meat and corn stew. Ho Chunk Buffalo Clan member Douglas Long emceed the ceremony with music provided by Andrew Thundercloud and son Joel of the Thundercloud Drum group. Please enjoy this gallery of photos taken at the Ho Chunk Family Tree Dedication.


Of course the day wouldn't have been possible without the help from the staff from the Madison School District Maintenance and Buildings Division who so carefully picked up and delivered the statue to Thoreau that morning.



Thoreau Kindergarten and first grade classes made this quilt to commemorate the statue's dedication and study of  Ho Chunk culture.


Another class made these dolls and figures from cat tails.


This class cut out appliquéd leaves and sewed them on to fabric.


The many volunteers helped make the lunch lines move fast and efficiently.


Art Shegonee and Janice Rice enjoy the lunch.