Gov. Evers, WisDOT Celebrate Unveiling of New Ho-Chunk Nation Dual-Language Highway Signs

HO-CHUNK NATION — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman, today celebrated the newest set of dual-language highway signs unveiled for placement on state highways as part of WisDOT’s Dual-Language Sign Program. The new signs identify Ho-Chunk Nation communities and the Mississippi River in both the Ho-Chunk and English languages.

“Today, we honor our ancestors and celebrate our enduring presence on this land. These dual-language signs are more than markers along the highway—they are a restoration of our Ho-Chunk identity, our language, and our responsibility to future generations,” said President Greendeer. “By placing our Ho-Chunk names back onto the landscape, we ensure that our story continues to be seen, spoken, and remembered throughout Wisconsin and along the Mississippi River. This is a proud moment for the Ho-Chunk Nation, and we look forward to sharing it with all of our communities.”

“Every dual-language sign we install is a shared decision, built through collaboration, consultation, and mutual respect,” said Gov. Evers. “Wisconsin is strongest when we recognize and respect the people and Nations who have shaped this land for generations, and these signs represent an important step in strengthening our government-to-government partnerships for decades to come while recognizing the incredible resilience and perseverance of Native nations to preserve their Indigenous languages, cultures, and homes.”

The sign unveiling took place at the Ho-Chunk House of Wellness in Baraboo and expands on a statewide dual-language sign initiative launched by WisDOT in 2021. Through WisDOT’s sign program, the department collaborates with Native Nations in Wisconsin to install road signs on Tribal lands in both English and Indigenous languages.

The Ho-Chunk Nation is the ninth Tribe in Wisconsin to install dual-language signs, along with the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, and the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

“We are honored to join the Ho-Chunk Nation in celebration of these dual-language signs and share the pride in their rich language and heritage,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “Our dual-language sign program is more than a transportation initiative—it’s a commitment to Tribal sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and visibility. When travelers see the Ho-Chunk language on these new highway signs, they are reminded that the Ho-Chunk Nation’s resilience and thriving presence will continue to inspire and shape generations to come.”

The new dual-language signs feature the Ho-Chunk Nation seal next to the names of five Tribal communities across four counties, as well as identify the Mississippi River in Crawford County. Today’s ceremony unveiled signs for “Mąą Wakącąk” meaning “Sacred Earth,” and “Zaagi ciinąk” meaning “Sauk Village.” The English translation of the highway sign is located beneath the Indigenous language.

Today’s event builds upon the Evers Administration’s ongoing work with the Ho-Chunk Nation, as earlier this year, Gov. Evers and WisDOT Secretary Boardman joined the Tribe to celebrate the designation of Interstate 90 between La Crosse and Tomah as the “Ho-Chunk World War II Code Talkers Memorial Highway.” Commemorative markers recognizing the individual Ho-Chunk Nation Code Talkers are placed at the La Crosse and Sparta safety rest areas.

WisDOT’s dual-language sign program also builds on the Evers Administration’s efforts to support Tribal Sovereignty and Indigenous language and cultural preservation. In July, Gov. Evers signed the 2025-27 Biennial Budget, in which he used his broad constitutional veto authority to ensure that all 11 federally recognized Tribes will receive $1 million each year for the next two years to help support Tribal programs and language revitalization efforts.

Wisconsin is home to 12 Native Nations, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Forest County Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, and Brothertown Indian Nation.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.