Ho-Chunk Nation to open major new gaming facility in Wisconsin

The Ho-Chunk Nation is preparing for a significant milestone in Wisconsin with the upcoming opening of its largest gaming facility to date. Located in Beloit, the Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit facility is scheduled to open on October 23, marking a major investment in the community's economic infrastructure. According to reporting by ICT, the new development will house more than 1,300 slot machines and is expected to create 1,500 new jobs in the region. Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer spoke with ICT at the site of the new casino, which represents a phased expansion for the tribe. While the gaming floor will be the first to welcome guests this month, further developments are already underway. A 300-room hotel and a new conference center are currently slated to open in the northern autumn of next year. The project underscores a period of growth for the Ho-Chunk Nation, balancing commercial development with community reinvestment. The tribe’s expansion in Beloit is one of several recent highlights for Indigenous communities across the United States. In South Dakota, the Black Hills Powwow recently saw record-breaking attendance in Rapid City, selling out the venue for the first time in the event's history. That gathering featured over 3,000 dancers and included a special men’s traditional dance-off to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle at Little Bighorn. Beyond business and cultural celebrations, Indigenous ecological knowledge is also being shared through new mediums. A collaboration between traditional knowledge holders and scientists has resulted in the children’s book 'Ishkode: A Story of Fire'. The work teaches the traditional Anishinaabe practice of controlled burns, demonstrating how fire management has been used for generations to support forest health and the growth of traditional food sources like blueberries.