The Ho-Chunk
Who Are The Ho-Chunk People Of Wisconsin?
The Ho-Chunk are one of the two First Nations of Wisconsin, and were once the dominating tribe in their territory. But after the arrival of Europeans, their tribe nearly went extinct.
As skilled warriors who regularly held war rituals, and appealed to spirits for protection—their enemies admittedly felt fear.
The Ho-Chunk were targeted by many, from rival tribes to colonists and hate groups, and spent centuries fighting for their land and their culture.
But even after decades of forceful removals, the Ho-Chunk got good at saying no—and the American government met their match.
From their traditional lifestyle to their fight for their land, this is the incredible story of the Native American Ho-Chunk tribe.
What Language Do They Speak?
Th Ho-Chunk speak a Siouan language, which they believe was given to them by their creator, Mą’ųna ("Earthmaker").
Their native name is Ho-Chunk, which translates to “sacred voice,” or “People of the Big Voice,” and means “mother tongue”—as in they originated the Siouan language family.
But their native name isn’t what many Americans know them by.
What Other Names Do They Go By?
The Ho-Chunk are also known as Hocąk, or Hoocągra. But long ago, neighboring tribes gave them the name Ouinepegi, which government agents later heard as Winnebago. This was then their official name until 1993, when the Ho-Chunk took back their native name.
And their name wasn’t the only thing they took back.
Where Do They Live?
Today, the Ho-Chunk people are enrolled in two federally recognized tribes, the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The land parcels in Wisconsin are actually lands they once owned, but had to buy back.
Historically, their territory included parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri.
However, after wars with neighboring tribes, and later the United States, the Ho-Chunk were brutally forced off their lands, and were moved around by government officials who couldn’t decide where to put them.
Oral history suggests some of the tribe may have been forcibly relocated up to 13 times by the federal government—and their population suffered as a result.
How Big Is Their Tribe?
Today, between their two federally recognized tribes, the Ho-Chunk population is believed to be around 12,000—which is actually still far less than before.
The Ho-Chunk were the dominant tribe in their territory in the 16th century, with a population estimated at over 20,000.
However, over time, they saw significant changes in population, with their lowest numbering a mere 500 individuals back in the 17th century.
The severe population loss was believed to be due to weather, disease, war, and competition for resources from migrating Algonquin tribes.
