Wisconsin’s Dugout Canoe Conundrum – What Lays Below The Surface
Bill Quackenbush
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Ho-Chunk Nation
August 25, 2025
6:30 p.m.
The Octagon Barn, E4350 Horseshoe Road, Spring Green
In 2019 a native american dugout canoe was discovered by divers in Lake Mendota that when later recovered in 2020, brought to the surface with it questions that many found difficult to answer or even comprehend in relation to Wisconsin’s history. Questions such as how “ancient” it was scientifically dated to be, who actually made such a vessel, and how did it survive the many years submerged under water only to be discovered now. These and many other questions are now being asked as additional dugouts continue to be discovered along the shoreline of what is known to the Ho-Chunk People as Tee Waksik Hominakaja - Lake Where He Lays.”
Join us know as Bill “Naawacekgize” Quackenbush, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation, shares his perspectives on the collaboration and partnership work that is currently taking place between the Wisconsin State Historical Society and regional tribes in their pursuit to answer the lingering questions the discovery of the Lake Mendota dugouts have created over the past three years.
About Bill:
In 1999, Bill began a career in the Ho-Chunk Nation Heritage Preservation Department as a Land Specialist focusing on Realty, Land into Trust Applications and Cultural & Natural Resource Management. In 2004, the Cultural Resources Division requested for Bill to be transferred to their Division to become the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Ho-Chunk Nation, who was at that time creating their HCN THPO program to address tribal preservation needs. Bill has served as the HCN’s THPO from 2006 to present. In 2006, Bill became the HCN Heritage Preservation Department - Cultural Resources Division Manager.
Bill’s current responsibilities are:
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) – 2005 to present
Cultural Resources Division Manager (CRD) – 2006 to present
NAGPRA Designee Alternate – 2005 to present
Ground Penetrating Radar Operator (GPR) – Certified 2002 to present
Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Historian – 2004 to present
Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Monitor – Certified 2012 to present
Ho-Chunk Nation Fire Investigator – Certified 2008 to present
Bill currently holds a seat on the following State, Federal or National Boards/Committees:
Wisconsin Inter-Tribal Repatriations Committee (WITRC) – President
Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) – Environmental Seat
Bill has served on the following Boards/Committees/Services:
National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) - Board Member
Sauk County USDA/FSA Committee – Tribal Minority Advisor (Maximum term)
Millston Fire & Rescue – Assistant Fire Chief (Retired)
Mississippi Valley Archaeological Center (MVAC) – Tribal Advisor
Fox / Wisconsin Heritage Parkway – Board Member
Bill receives preservation and cultural support, guidance and/or advice through:
Ho-Chunk Nation Heritage Preservation Board – comprised of 1 HPD Executive Director and 5 Board members, with proficient traditional cultural knowledge in their own fields. Mission Statement: “To protect and preserve the HooCak culture and heritage as living forces in the lives of the HooCak Wajic. To nurture our Nation’s culture – to strengthen it as a living source of identity and pride for our People.”
Ho-Chunk Nation Traditional Court - comprised of 12 Traditional Tribal members and alternates representing each of the 12 Clans who are proficient as cultural advisors.