75th anniversary grant comes to life
November 4, 2026
In 2018, the sixth grant announced as part of Madison Community Foundation’s 75th anniversary Year of Giving celebration was for the First Nations Heritage Tour – a collaborative community history project celebrating the 12,000-year history of Teejop (pronounced day-JOPE), the four lakes region now known as Madison.
“When we embarked on our 75th anniversary journey, we wanted to make a difference for the many organizations and communities that steward the unique natural and cultural treasures that make Madison so special,” said Bob Sorge, President and CEO. “Dane County is the center of the effigy mound building culture in the world – it is an extraordinary privilege to live among these ancient sculptures.”
As planning began, it became clear that this project would require time to ensure that it honored the history in a way that the Ho-Chunk people felt was right. Teejop-area Ho-Chunk community members met for several years to carefully consider the locations and values included in this project.
The result is a series of public art installations, created by seven indigenous artists and located at five culturally important sites around the city of Madison. They will be on display until November 1, 2026.
The selected artists include Gene Delcourt, Lightning the Earth New Rider, Chloris Lowe, Dakota Mace, Melanie Tallmadge Sainz, Christopher Sweet, and June Whitehorse.
“After many years of preparation, we’re excited to finally share this learning opportunity with the Madison community,” said Omar Poler, Indigenous Education Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and enrolled member of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community. “We encourage everyone to visit the places, reflect on the project’s themes, and appreciate the wonderful art. Together, let’s consider our shared responsibilities to this beautiful place: Teejop.”
To learn more about the project and artists, and to read a full description of each installation and its significance, visit teejop.org.
Temporary Public Art Details
Site #1: Capitol Square
100-200 Blocks of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Teejop Community History Theme: Resistance & Removals
“Our ancestors defied repeated removals and endured unimaginable hardships to ensure that we are still living in our homeland.”
Chloris Lowe (Hoocąk), We Still Dance (Hegųregi Paašiwi)
Site #2: Tenney Park
Teejop Community History Theme: Values
“Our values of love and respect are interwoven in every aspect of our culture.”
Christopher Sweet, (Hoocąk | White Earth Ojibwe), Sisters Interwoven
Site #3: Olbrich & Hudson Parks
Teejop Community History Theme: Mounds
“Teejop was once home to a flourishing community that created thousands of mounds, and we are the caretakers of those that remain.”
Site #4: Merrill Springs
Teejop Community History Theme: Water
“Like our ancestors, we cherish and respect the springs, lakes, and rivers as living beings.”
Gene Delcourt (Abenaki, French and Filipino), Dugout at Merrill Spring
Site #5: UW Arboretum
Teejop Community History Theme: Land
“This land is sacred. Its energy and abundance have sustained Wąąkšikra from time immemorial. It sings to our community and transforms all who listen.”
Melanie Tallmadge Sainz (Hoocąk) and Lightning the Earth New Rider (Hoocąk), Hazac Mąą
Dakota Mace (Diné), Tsé’ Bahane’ (installation delayed until 8/15)
