Celebrate Native Nations with Teejop & Beyond Programs at Madison Public Library beginning October 12
MADISON, WI – The Teejop & Beyond: Celebrating Native Nations program begins at Madison Public Library on Monday, October 12 (Indigenous Peoples' Day). The program is hosted in partnership with Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison and highlights both traditional and contemporary practices, stories, and community relationships.
In 2026, several presenters representing different Native tribes will lead programs throughout October and November with a focus on Native art, making, storytelling, and handicrafts. Program participants will get the chance to learn about and try hands-on crafts like beading and basket-weaving, as well as sampling Indigenous cuisine and hear both traditional and personal stories.
The Teejop & Beyond initiative only grows stronger as each year passes and it's something that staff and patrons look forward to. Not only is it incredibly rewarding working with Indigenous historians through their crafts, it's also a crucial way to connect to Wisconsin's collective past, present, and future.
Jamie Stanaway, Community Engagement Librarian coordinating the program.
Kimberly Crowley
Thunder clan of the Ho-Chunk Nation
Kimberly Crowley is a member of the Thunder clan of the Ho Chunk Nation. She is the 3rd daughter of Sidney Hall Sr. and Christine Hall. She grew up in Wittenberg, Wisconsin with her 10 siblings and now resides in Baraboo, Wisconsin with her family, where she spends her time making and teaching black ash basket classes. She has been making baskets for over 44 years, and just within the last 5 years, she has been teaching black ash basket making, an art that is slowly dying out. She has 2 granddaughters that are her apprentices-in training, They both assist her during basket classes, and both have baskets along with Kimberly herself at several museums around Wisconsin. Basket weaving is one of the longest practiced Ho-Chunk artistic forms, and both women and men continue to make baskets professionally today.
Sherman Funmaker
Bear Clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation
Sherman Funmaker was born in Black River Falls as a Bear Clan member and raised in Wisconsin. He is one of 11 children of Adam and Doris Stacy Funmaker. He is a graduate of UW-Baraboo with an English Degree, and he also attended the University of New Mexico in 2007. He has been writing since 2006 and his first book, Bear Tracks: Memories of a Ho-Chunk Elder, was published by the Wisconsin State Historical Society in February 2026.
“I hope to encourage participants to write their own story. We all have stories to tell, and we want to hear them."
Jennifer J. Jordan
Enrolled member of the Oneida Nation
Jennifer J. Jordan, PhD is an award-winning artist who has been beading for over 30 years. Jennifer's beading journey began when she was 18 and needed to bead her traditional regalia for the Miss Oneida Pageant. Under the tutelage of her dad Jim and her late great aunt Josephine Oudenhoven, Jennifer began to learn more about beading and beadwork. During her college years, Jennifer worked for Ho-Chunk business owners Mick and Lucy Kjar and worked summers traveling the country at the Kjar's bead stand learning more about beads, beadwork, and the business of buying and selling beads. Over the years, Jennifer has learned more beading techniques such as flat stitch, peyote stitch, and she has expanded her knowledge of Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork under the tutelage of Oneida elder and award-winning artist Ms. Betty Willems. In addition to beadwork, Jennifer is working to expand her knowledge of Haudenosaunee art by learning more about moose and caribou hair tufting and teaching others this art form.
Teejop & Beyond attendees have enjoyed the chance to connect with presenters, as well as other community members during past events:
“This was fabulous. I felt connected to Wisconsin heritage and to our Indigenous peoples."
“A unique experience and opportunity to learn a traditional craft from Indigenous culture. Meeting with community in a valuable third space."
Library visitors can also pick up a specially designed Teejop & Beyond bookmark created by Indigenous freelance graphic designer and digital illustrator, Charlotte Easterling. Easterling is inspired by nature and stories from her culture, using bold and whimsical shapes and colors to convey these ideas. Bookmarks will be available at all Madison Public Library locations beginning Monday, October 12 and while supplies last.
Teejop & Beyond Events:
- Paper Basketmaking with Kimberly Crowley* - Oct 14, 5:30-7:30pm | Goodman South Madison Library
- Storytelling and Writing Workshop with Sherman Funmaker* - Oct 17, 1-2:30pm | Imagination Center Library
- Reading and Author Talk with Sherman Funmaker - Oct 28, 7-8:30pm |Sequoya Library
- Sampling Indigenous Foods with Kimberly Crowley - Oct 29, 5:30-7:30pm | Lakeview Library
Sampling Indigenous Foods with Kimberly Crowley - Oct 31, 1-3pm | Meadowridge Library
Paper Basketmaking with Kimberly Crowley* - Nov 7, 10am - 12pm | Sequoya Library
Storytelling and Writing Workshop with Sherman Funmaker* - Nov 12, 1-2:30pm | Alicia Ashman Library
Reading and Author Talk with Sherman Funmaker - Nov 21, 1-3pm | Meadowridge Library
- Oneida Beaded Brooch Workshop with Jennifer J. Jordan* – Dec 4, 6-8pm | Pinney Library
Oneida Beaded Brooch Workshop with Jennifer J. Jordan* – Dec 5, 10am - 12pm | Alicia Ashman Library
Programs marked with an (*) require registration.
Most events require registration, and registration doesn't open until two weeks prior to the event date listed. Learn more about the Teejop & Beyond series, access an accompanying book list, and sign up for programs online at madpl.org/teejopandbeyond.
About Madison Public Library
With more than 1.4 million annual visitors across ten library locations each year, Madison Public Library's tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for 150 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org and @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.