By Mary Davisson

Nov. 11, 2015

During Veterans Day, Roberta’s Art Gallery will continue its tradition of celebrating the soldiers who have made their sacrifice for the United States.

This year the highlight is upon the warriors of the Ho-Chunk Nation, a Native American tribe who are native to Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota in an exhibit titled Road of the Warrior: Life of the Ho-Chunk Miltary Service. The Ho-Chunk have a long and varied history of fighting for the United States, including the Civil War.

“It shows all of the different wars and war-time periods that the Ho-Chunk Nation actually participated in,” said Annie Kalihofer, exhbit lead of Roberta’s Art Gallery. “Even though it seems like Americans have pushed out Native Americans out of their home, they still fight for the U.S. They still fight with us, and for us.”

The history between the Native Americans and the United States is spotty at best. During the American Revolution, the Ho-Chunk fought and remained loyal to the British. Duirng World War I, however, Ho-Chunk warriors sacrificed their lives to complete a mission which was ultimately victorious. This trend continued through World War II, Vietnam and until present day.

Other than the grim realities of war the gallery will introduce other objects of cultural intrigue introduced by Roberta’s Art Gallery.

“We’re actually getting a Ho-Chunk flag and I’m excited to see that because I haven’t actually seen one before,” Kalihofer said.

The exhibit will not only be housed at Roberta’s Art Gallery, but also will be displayed in various locations across campus. Wherever students travel on campus, there will be an opportunity to see these cultural
artworks.

“As an international student, I like to interact with different cultures and I read about the history of the Native Americans,” student Ezekiel Solomon said.

The Wisconsin Dells Singers are scheduled to perform six songs during the reception on Nov. 11. The Wisconsin Dells Singers are a Native American group consisting of members from Ho-Chunk Nation and Bear Clan. The singers perform traditional songs of ceremony that are open to both natives and non-natives alike.

“I would be interested to watch their music,” Solomon said. “I just want to see what will happen, enjoy their music, enjoy their culture and to interact with diversity in
that way.”

With the combination of artifacts and authentic ceremonial music, Roberta’s Art Gallery offers an experience of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s military influence. The images within the gallery focus on the sacrifices of those individuals who have fought during the U.S. related wars.

The Road of the Warrior: Life of the Ho-Chunk Military Service exhibit opens in Roberta’s Art Gallery Nov. 9 and will close Nov. 20. There will be a reception at 1 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 11 with special performance by the Wisconsin Dells Singers and light refreshments.