A Forgotten Relevance of Tribal Nationhood

 

Betwixt the Sovereigns

A Forgotten Relevance of Tribal Nationhood to Academia

Wednesday, December 4

3:30 p.m. UWL Union

Many people may think the term “sovereign” is an antiquated term that only matters outside of the U.S. or in a hit TV show or history book, but you may not realize that there is an everyday and local relevance to sovereignty. The sovereignty of Indigenous Nations far predates the U.S., and it’s only because of the dispossession of Indigenous Land that the U.S. has been able to prosper. 

Ray Allen, a former Tribal Council member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, brings Tribal Sovereignty to the forefront of his writings and research. Allen will touch on the histories of the Land and provide an overview of how academic institutions have and continue to harm and take from the work of Indigenous peoples. 

He will offer recommendations to put the brakes on these ongoing colonial/extractive practices that operate in Academic teaching and research institutions, and he will offer examples from his own research and that of other Indigenous thinkers that supports the regeneration of Indigenous knowledge production. Simultaneously, Allen will discuss ways for individuals and departments to support the work, education, and research of Indigenous citizens and their respective Nations.

Learn more: https://www.uwlax.edu/calendar/?e=31471

School District candidate workshop

From La Crosse School District:

Board of Education hosts prospective member workshop

The School District of La Crosse invites community members to learn about serving on the Board of Education at an informational meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. This event will be held at the Hogan Administrative Center, Room 209, located at 807 East Avenue South in La Crosse.

If you’re passionate about making a difference for students, families, and teachers, this is your chance to explore how you can serve your community in a meaningful way. The Board of Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our schools, and we encourage all residents interested in running for a seat to attend.

Please RSVP to the superintendent’s office by emailing lsteiger@lacrossesd.org or calling 608.789.7659.

The upcoming election on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, will include three seats on the Board of Education, each with a three-year term. The seats currently held by Juan Jimenez, Katie Berkedal, and Merideth Garcia are up for election.

To appear on the ballot, candidates must submit the following forms by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025:

• Campaign Registration Statement

• Declaration of Candidacy
• Nomination Papers

These forms must be filed with the School District Clerk at 807 East Avenue South, La Crosse. The first day to circulate nomination papers is December 1, 2024.

For more information about the role and responsibilities of a school board member, please refer to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Guide for Candidates.

Serving on the Board of Education is a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of La Crosse students and families. Step forward, bring your voice, and help guide the future of our schools.

ERA NOW

 

Publication of the ERA would enshrine the following 24 words in the U.S. Constitution: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

The ERA Coalition and Fund for Women’s Equality (ERA Coalition Forward), a diverse coalition of nearly 300 partner organizations across the country, representing 80 million people, is calling on President Biden to publish the Equal Rights Amendment now to give it official constitutional status as the 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

#ERANow calls on outgoing President Biden to publish the Equal Rights Amendment. Once published, the U.S. Constitution will explicitly prohibit sex discrimination, which includes discrimination based on sexuality and gender identity. This would finally put women and queer people in the Constitution, and protect abortion, gender-affirming care, and more. A constitutional amendment is something Donald Trump can't overturn.

An amendment to the Constitution needs passage by two-thirds of Congress and ratification from 38 states. The ERA has met those requirements. Now, we need President Biden to be bold and publish the ERA in his last months in office. The stakes are higher than ever.

Help the effort by

• Signing up for action alerts
• Contacting the Congress and President Biden
• Learning about #ShutItDown for #ERANow 
• Finding out about other actions

Learn more at https://publisheranow.org/ and at https://eracoalition.org/era100/

 

Democracy's Next Act

On December 4, join the Anti-Corruption, Democracy, and Security (ACDS) project at Brookings for an event to mark its first anniversary featuring a conversation between leading international experts who will discuss how to bolster democratic resilience, prevent democracies from backsliding, address increased political polarization, examine foreign threats, and restore people’s confidence in government around the world.  
Viewers can submit questions for speakers by emailing events@brookings.edu or via X (Twitter) at @BrookingsGov by using #GlobalDemocracy. 

REGISTER AT https://www.brookings.edu/events/democracys-next-act-how-to-build-resilience-around-the-world/

Speakers: 

• Ruth Ben-Ghiat Professor of History and Italian Studies - New York University
• Asha Rangappa Assistant Dean of Admissions and Senior Lecturer - Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University
• Norm Eisen Moderator, Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Center for Effective Public Management

Where do we go from here?

Thursday, November 21 at 6 p.m. Central

Join Naomi Klein, Chenjerai Kumanyika, Astra Taylor, and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor for a post-election assessment and urgent conversation about how to chart a path forward.

How does the Left—in the US and internationally—squarely face the myriad challenges that confront us and find ways to build effective movements for the world we need?

***Register through Ticket Tailor to receive a link to the live-streamed video on the day of the event. This event will also be recorded and captioning will be provided.***

Transgender Day of Remembrance

 

November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), an annual observance  that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

From 2 to 6 p.m., The Center 7 Rivers LGBTQ  Connnection will host a gathering of those who wish to recognize Trans Day of Remembrance at the Radisson Center, 300 2nd Street S. to honor of all our transgender sisters, brothers, friends, and siblings who have lost their lives to transphobic violence.

There will be transgender friendly resources available from 2 to 5 p.m., along with a panel of speakers. From 5 to 6 p.m. there will be a vigil to commemorate the lives lost in the past year.

Learn more at https://www.7riverslgbtq.org/calendar/trans-day-of-remembrance-1 

 

11/21: ADU Open House

From City of La Crosse:

11-21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Nature Place, Myrick Park

A few months ago the City of La Crosse put out a public call for design ideas for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the city that prioritize accessibility, affordability and sustainability; This Thursday will be the event that showcases several of the top designs from that competition. It's a unique chance for anyone to see specific design ideas and how they might be useful to their own homes and neighborhoods, now or in the future. It's also a chance for anyone who might be unsure or even concerned about ADUs to learn more about them. The event will include individual presentations as well as time for one-on-one discussions and question-answer with designers and the City. 

See below for the link to the event registration page. As a designer I'll be participating in the event, and my hope is that there will be significant public turnout and interest.

Here is the link to the event page:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-la-crosse-adu-design-competition-award-ceremony-tickets-1069006540339

Matt Bryan, River Architects
La Crosse AARP/AIA ADU Design Challenge

 

Awareness

 

Citizens Climate Lobby

From Citizens Climate Lobby:

We will soon have a President and Congress that are definitely not in favor of necessary climate change action. However, that will not stop CCL from doing the bipartisan work we always do with focus and determination to move climate change legislation forward.

Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m.

In Person (401 West Ave. S.) or Online

Learn more at https://mailchi.mp/7cf670761026/next-la-crosse-ccl-meeting-march-22nd-630pm-via-zoom-5847356?e=e5c1b68a76

In the meantime,

1. Write to President Biden to thank him for the major climate action in the Inflation Reduction Act and urge his administration to do everything they can to support climate action between now and the next president taking office.
2. Register for CCL's Fall Virtual Conference, December 7th. Join us at our fall virtual conference for an insider’s look at what Congress is expected to tackle on climate change. We’ll cover the key opportunities during the lame duck session at the end of this Congress, as well as exciting possibilities emerging for 2025. CCL stands ready for action as a trusted and essential partner in Congress.
3. Write Congress. Write to your Representative and Senators to remind them that climate is a priority issue for people who voted in the election and to urge them to work together to prioritize climate legislation in the final weeks of this Congress. 

Indivisible

From Indivisible:

We launched the new Indivisible Guide last night: Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink.

We had 50k people who picked themselves off the floor after an election that ripped our hearts out and registered for the launch call last night with me, Leah, and Sen. Warren. It was awesome. You can watch the recording here if you missed it. 

The bottom line is this: Trump wants us to believe he’s all-powerful. He’s not. The original Indivisible Guide focused entirely on Congress. That’s only part of the fight against Trump 2.0. The new guide aims to be as practical as the original, but we widen the scope to include what you can do in cities and states where you have leverage. If we all play our part, we can harness backlash to the horror that’s coming. We can limit harm and break the back of MAGA in the elections to come. We can survive to fight another day.

In a recent interview, the historian of authoritarianism and author of On Tyranny, Timothy Snyder, noted about the moment we’re in: “They want you to be alone. Nobody is going to fix this alone. That’s not how this works.” There’s a role for all of us -- some will play defense, some play offense -- but it all comes down to getting organized in our local groups. Individually, we’re alone and powerless; together, we have power.

So I’m going to ask you to do 3 things:

1. Read it. 
2. Share it.
3. For those already in a local group, let us know you want new members. For those not in a group, let us know, and we’ll help you find one near you or start one.

Read more here.

Building Peace and Justice

 

Monday, November 18 at 2:15 p.m.

Building Peace and Justice in Palestine/Israel

3130 UWL Student Union

Osama Iliwat and Rotem Levin discuss the reality on the ground and a path toward collective safety and liberation

The devastating escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine has left many feeling powerless, angry, and hopeless. But Rotem and Osama believe in a different reality and in the possibility of a shared future of security, equality, and justice for all people.

Hear their perspectives, vision, and experiences having worked and collaborated with different peace organizations such as the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated organization Combatants for Peace. They will share their personal stories of transformation, lessons of joint work, and the vastly different realities they face in the same land.

“We are for humanity. No one will be free if the others live under occupation. No one will be safe unless everyone is safe.”

https://www.saltoftheearthorg.com/

Project Proven

From LWV:

On Wednesday at noon, the League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area will host a "lunch and learn" program featuring Colin Walsh, Project Proven Manager at Western Technical College (WTC) and La Crosse County Board representative Dillon Mader, an instructor at WTC with Project Proven and Learner Support and Transition.

While the deadline to reserve lunch has passed, you may attend in person (no lunch) at The Waterfront, 128 Front Street S. (north entrance) or online to hear about this important initiative. Learn more and register here: https://lwvlacrosse.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=484247&item_id=2410299

Project Proven is a program serving the La Crosse area that assists people who have been incarcerated to transition from prison or jail to community life. Project Proven is a service of Western Technical College and serves hundreds of people each year. Their goal is to reduce recidivism by assisting justice-involved people to transition to the community through career and educational opportunities. 

Public input - area transportation

 

The La Crosse Area Planning Committee (LAPC) is currently in the process of updating the long-range metropolitan transportation plan,
and we want to hear from you!

Your voice matters - let's shape it together!

Join us for an open house on Wednesday, November 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the La Crosse County Administrative Building, 212 6th St. N., Room 1107.

Can't make it to the open house? No problem! Share your thoughts by taking our survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/LAPC_MTP

Need flyers or postcards to share with your community? Interested in hosting a focus group? Just let us know!

Reach out to Erin Duffer at eduffer@lacrossecounty.org or 608-785-5597.

Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab tshwj xeeb lossis txhais ua lwm hom lus kom pom LAPC cov phiaj xwm lossis phiaj xwm, thov hu rau Erin Duffer ntawm 608-785-5597.

Si necesita adaptaciones especiales o traducción a otro idioma para ver los planes o programas de LAPC, comuníquese con Erin Duffer al 608-785-5597

+++

As required by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and its predecessors, the La Crosse Area Planning Committee (LAPC) as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the La Crosse, WI – La Crescent, MN urbanized area must review and update a long-range, metropolitan transportation plan (MTP) every five years. This ensures that the plan is valid and consistent with current and forecasted transportation and land use conditions and trends and that the forecast period extends to at least a 20-year planning horizon.

The scope of the metropolitan transportation planning process includes:

• Considering 10 planning factors
• Utilizing a performance-based approach
• Coordinating with the statewide transportation planning process
• Consistency with the development of applicable regional intelligent transportation systems architectures, and
• Ensuring the coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan is coordinated and consistent with the MPO planning process. 

 Learn more at https://www.lacrossecounty.org/metropolitan-planning-organization/planning-and-programming/metropolitan-transportation-plan
 

Immigration Summit Nov. 21

From FSPA:

Due to increased interest in its inaugural event this past July, the Coulee Region Immigration Task Force will repeat the Coulee Region Immigration Summit: Speaking the Language of Opportunity and Possibility.

The Franciscan Spirituality Center is a proud co-sponsor of this FREE event. 

5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2024

Cappella Performing Arts Center, 721 King St., La Crosse, WI 54601

Catered by locally owned, downtown restaurant Tacomex. All are welcome! 

The Coulee Region Immigration Summit will spotlight the ways that people who migrate enrich our community. Together, we’ll engage in an immersive learning session that focuses on the power of language that is filled with dignity and hope. A panel will share a variety of different personal perspectives. We will leave the summit with skills for constructive conversations inspired to accompany and advocate for people who migrate.  

REGISTER HERE.

Leader Ethics Monday

From Leader Ethics:

Monday, November 11 at noon

Black River Beach Neighborhood Center

At this in-person* event, we are conducting an early review of the high-profile November 5th 2024 election, looking though the lens of ethical leadership. There is a lot of information to factor and in some cases there may be some vote-count challenges in process. Don't miss this timely conversation and analysis.

Go HERE to register.

*A recording of this event will be made available.

November 11 - Honor Cia Siab

MEDIA ALERT

The City of La Crosse is proud to announce that the Cia Siab Inc.'s Kho Tsev Project has been celebrated on the national stage. The City program received a HUD Certificate of Recognition for its outstanding contributions to the community. This recognition celebrates the project's vital role in improving the lives of local residents, especially those in underserved populations, through the provision of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

 

In recognition of these significant contributions, the City of La Crosse will host an awards ceremony: 

When: Monday, November 11th at 3:00 PM

Where: La Crosse City Hall Council Chambers

 

The ceremony will honor the Cia Siab, Inc. and its leadership for their ongoing work to support La Crosse’s Hmong population and underserved communities. The event will be open to the public, and local leaders, residents, and partners are encouraged to attend as we celebrate this achievement.

 

The Kho Tsev Project, which serves La Crosse's Hmong population, has provided critical home repair assistance and resources to homeowners in need. With a focus on bilingual home repair classes, tool provision, and advocacy for home renovation, the program ensures that individuals and families can safely and comfortably maintain their homes. In addition, the initiative assists residents in navigating the complexities of the home renovation process, making it accessible for those who might otherwise face language barriers or lack the financial resources to make necessary repairs.

 

"This recognition from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is a testament to the hard work and dedication Cia Siab team," said Community Development Manager Mara Keyes. "We are very grateful for these partners who make a real difference in the lives of families in La Crosse. We are proud to support their work and will explore opportunities for continued collaboration."

 

Through CDBG funding, the City of La Crosse has been able to partner with Cia Siab, Inc. and offer resources that enable the program to thrive. The City of La Crosse remains committed to empowering its diverse population.

Community Gardens

Since 2020, volunteers have planted and maintained three community victory gardens in south La Crosse. These were first established by the city when COVID-19 made indoor gatherings dangerous and exacerbated food insecurity. The gardens were meant to complement existing gardens including Kane Street, GROW school gardens, the Y's food forest, and more.

Five years later, the La Crosse Community Victory Gardens are still going strong and still producing fresh, healthy produce for anyone who wants to pick a meal. There is no work requirement to pick some veggies from these gardens.

On Monday, November 11 from noon to 2 p.m. there will be a volunteer garden cleanup at the City Hall garden (on the EAST side of the building) to plant garlic for next year and clean up the growing beds. Everyone is welcome. There may still be broccoli and greens available here, too.

The Aptiv garden, 3000 South Ave., is the largest. Hosted by Aptiv, the victory garden expanded their existing growing area and expanded the opportunities for neighbors, staff, and Aptiv clients to access food, exercise, and community. Currently, you can pick broccoli, chard, and kale from that garden. Volunteers meet weekly at 9 a.m. (8 in summer) to weed, plant, and harvest. Excess produce goes to WAFER.

The Hogan Garden, between 19th & East Ave. on Mississippi, may be at an end depending upon what happens with School District plans. It has been put to bed for this year. A dedicated group of neighborhood gardeners may seek a replacement site for future years.

This all-volunteer movement of community gardeners welcomes new volunteers to plan, plant, maintain, and harvest. No experience is needed. If you are interested, email Ministerofbeans @ Gmail or text or call 6083152693.

Maintaining and expanding opportunities for community support for life's necessities will be increasingly important in the coming years. Growing gardens to feed our neighbors is a  revolutionary act. 

Artist reception

From the Pump House:

The artist reception will feature traditional Native American Tribal dances with singing and drumming by Winnebago Sons.



Evening Timeline:

5:00-6:00 p.m. - Meet the artists and mingle in the gallery with complimentary snacks provided.

6:00-7:00 p.m. - Theater Performances by the Winnebago Sons and Ho-Chunk singers and Dancers.

People of the Woodland Tribes

A visual arts exhibition featuring the work of indigenous artists, curated by tribal member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Robert Blackdeer. Featured artists include George Greendeer, Josiah Thunder, Levi Black deer, Verna Blackdeer and Robert Blackdeer. Their work ranges across multiple mediums, such as beadwork, drum making, deer skin hide and jewelry, as well as across both traditional and contemporary themes and practices.

More details on FB.

11/10 Fundraiser at Popcorn

A benefit/fundraiser for unsheltered and veterans from noon to midnight at the Popcorn Tavern, 318 14th St S.

As we enter the winter months, the people who need help the most are the most vulnerable populations in La Crosse, our unsheltered neighbors.

This is a benefit concert to help the unsheltered and our veterans through raising awareness of and benefiting the following local non-profit organizations:

• WINN (What I Need Now)
• WAFER
• La Crosse Area Veteran Mentor Program (LAVMP)

More details at https://happeningnext.com/event/12-hour-hopey-hour-at-the-popcorn-tavern-eid3a0bv8fxdm

Habitat Double Feature

 

Join Habitat for Humanity on Sunday, November 10 for a free double feature at The Rivoli Theater. Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region, you’ll hear about efforts happening locally and ways to get involved. 

This is a FREE event with any donations benefiting the ReNew the Block project. 

There will be a raffle in between the showings with great prizes thanks to local partners like Larson’s General, Smith’s Bike Shop, and more!

2:30 PM – Kiss the Ground is an inspiring and groundbreaking film that reveals the first viable solution to our climate crisis. This movie is positioned to catalyze a movement to accomplish the impossible – to solve humanity’s greatest challenge, to balance the climate and secure our species future. By regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle. Watch the trailer

5:00 PM – Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to Kiss the Ground, which fuses journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement to unveil a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late. Watch the trailer.

Tickets are free. Please register for which show(s) you will be attending and the number of people in your party.