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Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey, signed the act that formally established UW-Madison. John Lathrop became the first chancellor.
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In order to build University (Bascom) Hall, builders leveled a large Native American effigy mound at the top of the hill. Note: This occured in Spring of 1859. May 1st is an estimate.
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The state legislature designated UW-Madison as Wisconsin’s land-grant institution. The land allotted was located entirely in Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Marathon, Oconto, Polk and Shawano counties. The allocation undermined treaties with Native Americans.
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William Milton Baines, a Sioux from Fort Sisseton, South Dakota, was the first Native American admitted to the University. He became known as the "famous Indian football player." Note: This occured in Fall 1903. September 1st is an estimate.
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Native American students formed a student group called the Wisconsin Indian Student Movement. The name was later switched to the Coalition of Red Nations and lastly renamed Wunk Sheek, which means “human being” in the Ho-Chunk language. Students established the organization to address concerns about the University’s service to Wisconsin American Indian communities. Note: This occured in 1969. September 1st is an estimate.
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The University established the Native American Studies Program in the same year that UW System president, John Weaver, pushed to expand the University's role in public service and revitalize the Wisconsin Idea. Note: This occured in Fall 1972. September 1st is an estimate.
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At the Pipe of Peace ceremony, officers of the graduating senior class attached their class ribbons to a pipe and passed it on to officers of the junior class to symbolize the end of conflict between classes. The officers dressed in Native American headdresses and blankets. The ceremony occured annually until 1940. Note: This began in Spring 1981. May 25th is an estimate.
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The University established the office of American Indian Student Academic Services to assist American Indian and Alaskan Native students in their transitions to the university. Note: This occured in Fall 1993. September 1st is an estimate.
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More than twenty years after the Native American Studies program began, the University made American Indian Studies a certificate degree. Note: This occured in 1995. September 1st is an estimate.
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The University awarded a Wisconsin Experience grant to the University’s chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. The grant was used to recruit prospective American Indian and Alaskan Native students.
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The American Indian Student & Cultural Center (AISCC) houses Native student organizations, academic services and cultural events.
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The new lakeshore residence hall was named Dejope to honor the Ho-Chunk's heritage. Dejope is the Ho-Chunk word for "Four Lakes," which is used to describe the Madison area. There are plaques and artwork throughout the building honoring Wisconsin's Native American history.
