Join us for a Ho-Chunk Nation Sacred Earth (Maa Wákąčąk) Tour
Along with floating and camping on the Wisconsin River.
Email: [email protected] if interested.
Description: In the 1900’s the land that the Ho-Chunk Nation call Maa Wákąčąk (pronounced Mah WAH-kun-chunk), or the Sacred
Land, became the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, the largest ammunition facility owned and used by the US military in the world.
It was decommissioned, torn down, and land divided up and returned to local entities. Approximately 1,500 acres of that land was
returned to the Ho-Chunk Nation. Learn more here: https://wiscontext.org/new-wisconsin-prairie-takes-shape-badger-ammo
Before, during, and after the time Badger Ammo was operational, this land has been considered one of the most sacred places to
the Ho-Chunk people, located in close proximity to Tee Wákąčąk, or Sacred Lake (popularly known as Devil’s Lake). The Nation
has done extensive restoration work on the land, bringing back native plants, animals, and insects, with more plans in the works.
On this field trip, we will learn more about conservation projects underway, explore the large restored areas, and enjoy the sights
and sounds of summer at Maa Wákąčąk.
Schedule
Friday, September 8th
8:30 am – Meet near the Badger History Group Museum
7560 US-12, North Freedom, WI 53951
9:00 am – Tour starts
12:00 pm – Presentation by a Ho-Chunk Nation surveyor
1:00 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm – Visit an old bearing tree and PLSS corner
3:00 pm – Nature hike atPine Hollow Glen
4:30 pm – Set up camp
6:00 pm – Dinner and drinks
Saturday, September 9th
9:00 am – Breakfast at a local restaurant
10:30 am – Prepare for the float
11:00 am – Start the float. Floating vessels and location
depend on weather – Tube, Canoe, or Kayak. Starting point
and length of trip depends on vessel type.
12:30pm – Lunch – sandwiches, snacks, and drinks
3:00-5:00 pm – Float ends depending on vessel and wind
direction and location.
6:00 pm – Dinner and drinks