#United States #Winnebago #Ho-Chunk #Winnebago Tribe #Economic Progress

Ho-Chunk, Inc.'s 30-Year Journey of Economic Advancement

Ho-Chunk, Inc., the corporation owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, is proudly celebrating three decades of impactful economic growth and development. Founded in 1994, this initiative was born out of a commitment to uplift the lives of tribal members by generating employment opportunities and diversifying their economy. Today, Ho-Chunk, Inc. is a testament to the power of community-driven entrepreneurship, with a diverse portfolio that includes federal contracting, gaming, real estate, and construction.

With approximately 2,000 employees and an impressive annual economic impact of $286 million recently, Ho-Chunk, Inc. has become a beacon of success for the rural Winnebago Reservation. The vision of tribal leaders has begun to materialize through this venture, leading to a growing middle class in a region often overlooked by economic development initiatives.

The celebration of the 30th anniversary included a traditional round dance that symbolized unity and progress within the community. Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc., emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, "The Winnebago Tribe has significantly improved its members' lives in a generation, and is taking control of its future." Morgan, who is also a member of the Winnebago Tribe, underscored the ongoing journey toward complete economic autonomy, acknowledging that while substantial progress has been made, more work lies ahead.

Central to Ho-Chunk, Inc.'s success is its strategic involvement in federal contracting through the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program. This focus has positioned the company as a key regional employer and economic driver in the tri-state area encompassing Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.

Aaron LaPointe, CEO of Ho-Chunk Capital and an enrolled Tribal member, articulates a shared optimism within the community, saying, "I have great hope and aspiration for our people, and this generation. By working together across the community, we are self-determining our future as a people and redefining what is possible."

A recent study highlighted the noticeable improvements in the quality of life on the reservation. Since its inception, Ho-Chunk, Inc. has reinvested over $44 million in dividends to support tribal priorities, leading to a 78% increase in the per-capita incomes of tribal members. Such transformation has doubled the number of middle-class households in the area, surpassing national growth rates and reflecting a remarkable socio-economic shift within less than a generation.

Despite the positive changes, challenges remain. The percentage of Native Americans living in poverty, although reduced from nearly half to one-third since 1990, still exceeds rates seen in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and across the United States. Nonetheless, the successes and ongoing efforts of Ho-Chunk, Inc. have been recognized beyond the local context; their approach has garnered attention at institutions like the Harvard Kennedy School, serving as a model for other tribes seeking to achieve economic self-sufficiency and social advancement.

In summary, Ho-Chunk, Inc. stands as a powerful example of how tribal nations can harness their resources and aspirations to create lasting positive change. Its 30-year journey underscores the importance of community, dedicated leadership, and the tireless pursuit of a better future for succeeding generations of the Winnebago Tribe.