2024 TRIBAL ELECTION CANDIDATES

Teresa Littlegeorge

My name is Teresa (Thomas) Littlegeorge. I was born in Winnebago, Nebraska on the Winnebago Reservation. I am an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a member of the Wolf clan; my name is nacge pi ru’a wiga meaning “Good Heart lifts us up”.

I want to take this time to Thank everyone for their support allowing me to fill the remaining seat. It has been truly an honor to represent the Tribe during these last 10 months. I was privileged to have witnessed the historic event of the return of the land to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, that many of our previous council members, and Elders have fought so diligently for its return.

Everyone has their ideas on what the Tribe’s funding can be used for, I would like to continue to work on the financial investing in our Winnebago community. Whether it be renovating buildings for our growing workforce, building new housing developments for our growing community, or developing more recreational areas like a splash pad, or outdoor water recreation area. Maybe an arcade, pool/dart hall, bowling alley, movie theater, just to throw those ideas out there. But I also don’t like to “count my chickens before they hatch” sort of say. Finding the funding is the issue that weighs heavily on the shoulders of the Tribal Council and many of our tribal departments.

I have always enjoyed working with the public, our students, parents, grandparents, and community members. I was raised to take pride in the work I do and to be persistent about completing my duties. I like to take the time to gather all the information I can on a topic before deciding what can be done. So, if I’m too quiet, it’s because I’m thinking before, I speak.

The promise I can make to anyone is that I will continue to do my best to represent the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Thank you all very much, and many blessings of strength to carry on, and move us all forward in a good way.

Teresa Littlegeorge

Keely Purscell

Dear Tribal Members,

        I am asking for your vote on October 8th for the Winnebago Tribal Council.

        My name is Keely Bassette Purscell. My HoChunk name is Ni hiro hap pi wiga. I am the daughter of the late Sharon Rose Bassette and granddaughter of the late Howard and Pamelia (Earth) Bassette. I am a member of the Water spirit Clan.

        I am writing to you today with a vision for our community that is rooted in care, support, and progress. As we head toward the future, I believe there are several key areas where we can make meaningful differences and improvements for all tribal members:

        1.      I support a per cap for tribal members.

        2.      I support descendancy for enrollment in our tribe: Enrollment is a complex and sensitive issue for many of our families. We must find a way to honor our cultural identity and values, while ensuring that our tribal membership remains inclusive and meaningful.

        3.      I support Supportive Housing: It is crucial that we have supportive housing available for those who may benefit from a group home setting, ensuring that all our community members are cared for in a respectful and dignified manner.

        4. I support Dual Language Classrooms: Students and staff are proving that our HoChunk Language and Culture can help all HoChunk children. By increasing funding and providing teacher support for dual language classrooms, we can continue to share our rich culture with all our children.

        5.      I support a transparent tribal council: Transparency is vital in fostering trust and unity within our tribe.

        6.      I support a tribal member-only addition to our website: Some tribal matters and tribal business are intended for tribal members only and are not meant to be seen or discussed in front of the general public.

        Our culture and history have laid the foundation for who I am. I would be honored to have your vote and to represent you on the Winnebago Tribal Council.

     Respectfully,
      Keely M. Purscell

Isaac Smith

Winnebago vote Yes or No.

Rona Stealer

Hanac Hinikaragiwina

Four years ago, a colleague and mentor approached me and asked if I would run for Tribal Council. I denied the thought of leading my people during my time of mourning. In 2020 I was ready to share my knowledge with my people and positively contribute to the community.

I have served my people for 4 years on tribal council. Every subject, challenge, and endeavor was approached with a disciplined mindset, and tough choices were made, but they were made with confidence in my people. Research always helps to make an educated decision.

My knowledge and education have come far and wide; from the south in New Mexico, to the North in Alaska, to the East in Virginia, and to the west. I have trusted my education through my travels to lead me in my role as Treasurer. A major part of my role is fiscal responsibility. I did not do this alone, I had a whole department of responsible colleagues to help along the way. For four years we committed to accurate budgeting. In those 4 years, the tribe has claimed clean unmodified financial audits, tribal-wide and governmental-wide. Staying up-to-date on new and upcoming treasury changes in rules and regulatory policies is a challenge I accept and will continue.

I am grateful for the opportunities we have come across throughout Native Country. I have made many connections through the Reservation Economic Summit (RES), Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) that have benefited the tribe in one way or another. Networking across the country has brought me to a place where I confidently and proudly introduce myself and represent my tribe standing up and advocating for the tribe's needs at the state and federal levels.

Lastly, I am beyond blessed to have been on the team that fought long and hard for our 1600 acres of land back by continuing the work of previous councils and assisting in lobbying in the halls of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Many footprints were traveled in the capitol meeting and speaking with the House and Senate representatives.

It’s been one the most memorable experiences and priceless knowledge gained in those steps at the capitol along with Louie, wanigire.

Pinagigiwi, and thank you for reading. Wonigixete.

I kindly ask for your continued support in the upcoming General Election, on October 8, 2024. Please vote to:

Re-elect Rona Stealer for Tribal Council