Wahuura Šgaac Nąąkšąną (The Plants are Playing) by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago, 2026

Washuura Šgaac Nąąkšąną depicts the Four Lakes, Yahara River, and native plants of the wetlands and prairies of Teejop (day-JOPE). The Teejop ecosystem has sustained the Ho-Chunk Nation since time immemorial. Each plant in this image is a significant food or medicine to either the Ho-Chunk, the Oneida, or the Ojibwe. The wealth of plants included highlights how Teejop is and was a place of bounty. The floral frame references a design found on bandolier bags of the Ho-Chunk and Ojibwe. The work celebrates indigenous connections and knowledge.

Plant list including the scientific, common, and Ho-Chunk or Ojibwe names

1. Nelumbo Lutea - American lotus – Ceerap
2. Zizania Palustris - Wild rice – Manoomin
3. Asclepias Syriaca - Milkweed – Mąąhįc
4. Sanguinaria Canadensis - Bloodroot – Peexhiṧuc
5. Monarda fistula - Wild bergamot – Poaxu
6. Veronicastrum virginicum - Culver's root – Mąąkąsgii
7. Solidago speciosa - Showy goldenrod – Mąąką Reejuserec
8. Viburnum trilobum - American cranberry – Mashkiigimin
9. Acorus americanus - Sweet flag – Mąąḱą Teek
10. Iris versicolor - Northern blue flag – Mąąḱą Saagre
11. Sagittaria latifolia - Wapato – Sįįporo
12. Fragaria virginiana - Wild strawberries – Ode'imin
13. Helianthus tuberosus L. – Jerusalem artichoke – Pąąği
14. Physalis longifolia – Long leaf ground cherry – Hąąpok Hiṧjasú
15. Liatris aspera – Rough blazing star – Ceesįchoṧok
16. Verbena hastata – Blue vervain – Mąąḱą Rejųksuksik
17. Verbena stricta – Hoary vervain – Caaxirico
18. Achillea millefolium – Yarrow – Hąąksįc
19. Verbascum thapsis – Mullein – Caasgaa Nąącáwa
20. Prunella vulgaris – Heal-all – Wiiraṧarak
21. Ceanothus americanus – New jersey tea – Caa Waruc

Funded by the Hoke Family Foundation, The Madison Community Foundation, and the Madison Arts Commission

Accession No. 2026.14PA