First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour

Isabelle Bubnick joined the First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour program as a tour provider in 2025. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, she is earning an undergraduate degree in Physics, Astronomy-Physics, and Russian. Although not Indigenous herself, she was inspired to join the team after participating in a tour through a previous job. She aims to create opportunities for non-Indigenous guests to deepen their relationship with Teejop and broaden their understanding of Wisconsin’s First Nations. Isabelle is especially interested in the history of the land, Indigenous artwork on UW’s campus, and the scientific contributions of Indigenous peoples. Joining the team has enabled her to continually expand her appreciation for Teejop and reshape her relationship with land — an experience she hopes to share with all tour participants.

Kane Funmaker, a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation from Wisconsin Dells, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of his people. Currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Human Ecology, Kane integrates academic inquiry with community-centered storytelling and education. As the Program Assistant for the FNCLT Program,  Kane combines his passion for cultural preservation with his commitment to education and outreach. Beginning as a student tour guide in the summer of 2022, Kane was inspired to follow in the footsteps of his family, esteemed storytellers of traditional Ho-Chunk narratives and culture. Through this work, he has deepened his understanding of the Indigenous history of Madison, Wisconsin—ancestral Ho-Chunk land—and strives to share this history with a wider audience.

Sarah Lundquist joined the First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour program in 2023. In her role as tour coordinator, Sarah supports tour providers in offering immersive, place-based educational experiences for all participants. Her background in language science and passion for linguistic justice and cultural advocacy are central to her work and the tours that she gives. For Sarah, the tour offers meaningful opportunities to honor and share the rich history and stories of Teejop, connecting participants to the land and its heritage in profound ways.

Mariah Olson is a student tour guide with First Nations Cultural Landscape Tours, a role she began in 2024. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science with a certificate in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. While not Indigenous herself, Mariah is deeply committed to fostering understanding, learning and appreciation for the First Nations’ connections to this land. Working with FNCLT and giving tours on both land and lake, she developed a passion for storytelling and environmental education. Mariah excels in exploring the land’s history, the diverse biomes, and the ways its use and form have evolved over time. She views her work with FNCLT as an opportunity to learn, build relationships, and contribute to meaningful conversations about the intersection of culture, history, conservationism, and the environment.

Sarah Splinter has been supporting the development of the First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour program since October 2022. She serves as the Assistant Director of Student Engagement in Campus and Visitor Relations, a close campus partner and supporter of the FNCLT program. Sarah provides consultation on tour operations and best practices for the student guide experience. Being a part of growing the FNCLT program has been one of Sarah’s most meaningful and rewarding experiences.

Abbey Woldt is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation from Cross Plains, Wisconsin. She is currently majoring in Health Promotion Health Equity with a certificate in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. Since becoming a student tour provider the summer of 2023, Abbey has learned a lot from her experience as a tour provider, such as the history of Madison and the First Nations of Wisconsin. She is inspired to continue learning so she can continue to grow and to support discussions in her tours and beyond. Working for the First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour has helped her feel more connected to Teejop and the community.

Julien Francour is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Majoring as an undergrad in both Graphic Design and Education Policy Studies with a certificate in American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Julien is interested in learning more ways to decolonize American education as well as studying Indigenous pedagogies. Coming from a family of Oneida educators, Julien has always been interested in educating people about Indigenous American history, values, and cultural ways––regardless if those people are Indigenous or not. Julien joined FNCLT in 2024 and has since expanded their knowledge on what it means to be an educator; it isn’t just about teaching, but it’s also about building reflections as well as social connections with people from all kinds of different backgrounds. Because Julien believes decolonizing education is an ongoing process, he hopes to continue his education with FNCLT regarding learning the Ho-Chunk’s history and presence on UW-Madison––as well as continuing to share the knowledge they’ve learned with others who, too, want to learn more about the Indigenous presence at the university.

Annie Jones is an enrolled member of the Menominee Nation and has been providing tours since 2022. Annie is a Professor with the Department of Extension and is housed with her affiliate, the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology. She is an Organization Development Specialist who especially enjoys working with Tribal Nations and using Indigenous methodologies in planning and evaluation. Through sharing stories about Indigenous ways of knowing, her tours enrich participants’ thinking about the places and spaces in what we now think of as Wisconsin. Native Americans were the first researchers in this very special place!

Dragan Mikulin is a PhD student in a joint program in Linguistics and Geography, researching language and community-making. Dragan has a passion for storytelling and place-based learning, and joined FNCLT in 2025. A non-Indigenous member of the FNCLT team, Dragan has valued the opportunity to share the histories and stories of Teejop in ways that honor the leadership, knowledge, and ongoing presence of the First Nations of Wisconsin. Dragan strives to create tours that are engaging, welcoming, and reflective, inviting participants to connect with the land and its history while sharing their own experiences and insights. Guided by Indigenous scholarship, community voices, and participant dialogue, Dragan is committed to continual learning and to fostering a shared understanding of the relationships and responsibilities that tie us to this place.

Omar Poler, an enrolled member of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, has had the honor to lead First Nations Cultural Landscape Tours since 2017. For him, they have been opportunities to learn, collect and tell stories, reflect on our collective responsibilities, and consider how UW-Madison can have positive long-term relationships with the First Nations of Wisconsin. Omar serves as Indigenous Education Coordinator in the Office of the Provost and is the FNCLT Program’s lead advisor. He books tours throughout the year based on his availability.

Miranda Washinawatok is a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology. Her journey in anthropology is deeply inspired by the strength and resilience of her tribe. As an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, she is committed to sharing the wisdom and leadership that has been passed down through generations. Miranda is eager to share her knowledge about the archaeology of Wisconsin, particularly the geologic formation processes that have sculpted the natural environment, which Indigenous North Americans then transformed into reflecting the relationships that people have long held to the area. Inspired by the opportunity to tell stories about the landscape from an Indigenous perspective, Miranda is passionate about helping others learn something new while preserving cultural heritage through teaching.