Chapter-1-REVISED-7-12-2011

HOCAK KIJIRE NAGU COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION MAY 2011 1 www.strolloarchitects.com 718 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 Tel: (407) 423-5355 Chapter 1. Section 1.1: Introduction; Background of the Comprehensive Master Plan Process The Ho-Chunk Nation, with lands located in central and western Wisconsin, contracted with Strollo Architects to conduct a program and facility Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) for a healing center project designed to meet the clinical and cultural needs of Ho-Chunk members suffering from trauma, substance abuse and mental health disorders. Strollo Architects staff worked with Ho-Chunk representatives in establishing a “Local Planning Team (LPT).” The LPT included key stakeholders from various Ho-Chunk entities, as well as subject matter experts on the various elements of proposed Healing Programs. Because programs were the emphasis in establishing the need and design, the LPT later developed the “Program Review Committee” to specifically address program related areas of concern for the project. The Ho-Chunk Nation formed the LPT with support provided exclusively from Ho-Chunk Nation Government funds. There were no grant funds or other contributions provided to the Nation to support this early effort. This is a clear demonstration of the commitment and support for the project that does exist. The ultimate planning responsibility for all decisions related to the project rests with the LPT, with funding and policy decisions to be affirmed or denied by the Legislature. The Legislature will rely heavily on the skill set and recommendations from the LPT, and ultimately approve or deny the findings and recommendations that are outlined in this CMP. The Legislature and LPT are fully committed to the development of a CMP that will address the needs of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Every effort has been made to engage key community members from the Ho-Chunk Nation in this effort. Any project with multiple points of input risks exclusion or discounting of one or more points of view if provisions are not made for a clear and open flow of information to all interested parties. In this process, all on site meetings were scheduled well in advance, agendas for the meetings were established and circulated by the Ho-Chunk Project Managers, phone calls and emails were sent to remind and encourage participation. Preparation for meetings included the creation of PowerPoint presentations that were printed and distributed at each meeting. Each meeting had a record of the discussion and information shared and these were later printed and circulated as well. The Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, “Hocak Worak,” was present and shared stories of the project with readers. The Legislature had representatives providing a consistent presence on the LPT. All community members were free to attend meetings or review meeting material at any point in the process. The project was fast paced. During this nine-month project, Strollo Architects had worked extensively with the Local Planning Team (LPT) which had comprised itself of more than 45 Ho-Chunk members. Project Managers Terry Greendeer and Carol Rockman, Project Team Leaders Roberta Decorah and Jean Ann Day, and support staff Michelle Ramberg and Nancy Watenphul were integral to success. There were over 2000 staff hours of combined meeting time invested on this project. Many attended every meeting. The LPT led the development of this document and the Ho-Chunk Legislature will have the opportunity to review, comment, and amend the plan prior to publishing to ensure that the information accurately reflects the future vision of the Ho-Chunk Nation, as it relates to this Kijire Nagu project. The Legislature was introduced to the process and the concept on July 6th , 2010 and approved further support for the continued concept development during a legislative meeting on May 6th , 2011. During the planning process, community members were engaged in the project in determining relevant issues, needs, concerns and problem areas to be addressed. These same individuals provided the guidance and direction that fashioned the program and facility options offered in this

Chapter-1-REVISED-7-12-2011

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