The Monona Indigenous Roots Dinner is a community celebration honoring the living culture of the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Indigenous peoples, featuring chef Lightning The Earth New Rider, traditional performances, and the unveiling of the first statue in the 4 Directions Statue Project.

Saturday, November 15, 3-7p at Aldo Leopold Nature Center – tickets are $100 and can be purchased here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monona Indigenous Roots Dinner to Celebrate Ho-Chunk Culture and Community Partnerships

Monona, WI — Oct 7, 2025 — This November, the City of Monona will honor the living heritage of the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Indigenous peoples through a powerful evening of culture, connection, and community.

The Monona Indigenous Roots Dinner will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 3:00–7:00 PM at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. The event is a fundraiser for Ho-Chunk cultural initiatives, organized by Discover Monona and Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and presented through the generous sponsorship of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Honoring the Four Directions

The evening will begin outdoors with the unveiling of a new statue honoring the Ho-Chunk people — past, present, and future. This east-facing statue will be the first in The Four Directions Project, a multi-year effort to install four statues in different area locations to symbolize balance, connection, and the enduring presence of Indigenous voices in the region.

A Celebration Through Food, Song, and Story

Following the unveiling, guests will gather inside the Nature Center for a multicourse meal prepared by Chef Lightning The Earth New Rider, whose heritage includes Ho-Chunk, Oneida, Pawnee, Otoe, and Arikara ancestry. The dinner will feature remarks and blessings from local government leaders, Ho-Chunk Nation officials, and respected elders.

Musical performances by the Little Thunder Drum Group, led by Jayden Collins, will fill the space with the sound of traditional drumming, singing, and dancing — creating a deeply immersive and moving cultural experience.

Supporting Cultural Revitalization

Proceeds from the dinner and accompanying silent auction will directly support future Ho-Chunk cultural programming and language and cultural revitalization initiatives.

“This event is more than a dinner,” said Laura Hofsteen, Tourism Coordinator. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together in celebration, respect, and gratitude — and to invest in the cultural vitality that makes our region so special.”

Event Details

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 3:00–7:00 PM
Location: Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona, WI
Tickets & Information: https://discovermonona.com/monona-indigenous-roots-dinner/

Proceeds benefit Ho-Chunk cultural initiatives and The Four Directions Project.

Monona is celebrating Indigenous culture this November with the Monona Indigenous Roots Dinner, presented by Ho-Chunk Nation.

The event takes place Saturday, November 15th at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center and will feature traditional drumming, dance, and handmade regalia. Guests will also enjoy a meal prepared with traditional ingredients by Chef Lightning The Earth New Rider.

The evening will mark the placement of the first statue in the Four Directions Project—a permanent tribute to Indigenous voices and traditions. Proceeds will support cultural initiatives like Ho-Chunk language revitalization classes and communty programming.

Tickets are $100, and seating is limited. More information is available at discovermonona.com/monona-indigenous-roots-dinner/.

Laura Hofsteen – Tourism Coordinator

Monona East Side Business Alliance & Discover Monona

laura@mononaeastside.com

608-205-8699

1) Stunning visuals of drumming, dance, and regalia

2) Indigenous chef Lightning The Earth New Rider sharing traditional cuisine

3) Placement of the first statue of the Four Directions Project

4) Event leaders and Indigenous community members available for interviews