Episode Summary

In this special Community Voices episode of The BAGO Mic, students from Winnebago Public Schools interview respected community elder Sarah Snake about wisdom, leadership, culture, and the importance of community. Ms. Snake shares stories about moving to Winnebago in 1964 and explains how much the community has changed over the years while still holding onto important traditions and values.

Ms. Snake reflects on growing up during a time when homes did not have indoor plumbing, roads were unpaved, and many opportunities available today did not yet exist in Winnebago. She discusses attending St. Augustine’s Indian Mission when it was still a boarding school and explains how education, listening to elders, and community responsibility shaped her life and leadership.

The conversation explores Ho-Chunk traditions, clans, parenting, tribal leadership, housing, healthcare, education, and preserving cultural teachings for future generations. Ms. Snake also speaks about serving on the tribal council, advocating for home ownership opportunities, supporting Native education, and helping preserve traditional Ho-Chunk corn projects and teachings.

This episode highlights the importance of intergenerational learning and honoring elders within Native communities. Ms. Snake encourages young people to stay connected to who they are, take pride in being Ho-Chunk, work hard in school, respect others, and continue carrying cultural traditions into the future.

Show Notes

• Sarah Snake shares stories about growing up in Winnebago
• Discussion about Ho-Chunk traditions and community teachings
• Leadership, education, and community responsibility
• Preserving culture for future generations
• Advice and encouragement for young people

Key Takeaways

• Respect yourself, your culture, and your community.
• Elders help preserve important cultural teachings.
• Education can help strengthen communities.
• Young people can positively impact the future.