The University of Wisconsin–Madison occupies ancestral Ho-Chunk land in a special place called Teejop that has been loved for thousands of years.
For more than twenty years, the First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour has led group walks to share stories of the Indigeneity––past and present––of Teejop and to engage with land, water, buildings, historical markers, and archeological sites from another perspective.
Join us to discuss historic and contemporary relationships with First Nations and, together, let’s reflect on our generational responsibilities along the beautiful shores of Tee Wąąkšikhomįk.
Request a Tour
Make a Request Today: FNCLT Tour Request Form
Tours are available March 1–November 30. UW-Madison groups are prioritized, but requests from community groups including K-12 classes are also encouraged. The FNCLT Program strives to meet as many requests as possible, but may not be able to accommodate all depending on staffing. Requests are reviewed and approved bi-weekly. Tours are provided free of charge thanks to the Office of the Provost and Campus and Visitor Relations. We will follow-up in 7-10 business days to update you on the status of your request.
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Accessibility
The tour route incorporates various terrain such as stairs and inclines in elevation. Participants should be prepared to walk or otherwise travel up to two miles. If any accommodations are needed to ensure that all guests are able to participate in the tour, please reach out to fnclt_uwmad@wisc.edu at least two weeks before your tour date.
Photography Policy
Photographs and/or recording of any type of the tour require approval in advance of the tour date. This policy is out of respect to our tour providers and to promote active listening and engagement throughout the tour. Requests for photographs and/or recording of any type of the tour will not be granted on the day of the tour.
Day-Of Tour Checklist
- Tours proceed rain or shine, but in case of inclement weather conditions, tour coordinators should connect with FNCLT Program staff to reschedule. The tour does not have a virtual option.
- Find your guide at the Memorial Union (800 Langdon St.) in the front foyer next to the Information Desk, which is on the southwest side of the building.
- Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to find your guide and begin the tour on time.
- Come prepared to move across hilly terrain, including some stairs. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are highly recommended!
- Check the weather forecast before heading to campus and wear appropriate clothing for spending 2 hours outside.
- The tour guides will not have any voice amplification. If you use an assistive device for hearing, make sure it is in working order.
- Photos and videos are not allowed during the tour without prior approval and consent. Plan on silencing your phone and putting it where it won’t distract you or others.
Testimonials
“One of the best tours I have ever been on. Thank you for your help in making this happen for our office!”
– Wendy Benkert (Office of Strategic Consulting)
“I really appreciated your thoughtful inclusion of languages for us and the tour itself was truly eye-opening. We are so grateful.”
– Dianna Murphy (Language Institute)
“I think there is something particularly powerful about learning by being present in a space. Our teaching fellow remarked that she wished she had taken this tour as a first year.”
– Aleia Ingulli Mccord (African Studies Program)
“We greatly appreciate your thoughtful preparation and presentation and learned much about this important history from you. We intend to plan additional tour opportunities so that more of our colleagues and tutors can learn about First Nations history and our campus.”
– Susan Nossal (Physics Department)
Meet the Team
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.
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.
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 participant’s 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!
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.
Reserve Tour Providers
Silas Cleveland
Julien Francour