“Who is your mother?” A Hocąk Story of Connection

A common question asked by an elder who doesn’t recognize you when you introduce yourself is: “Who’s your mother?” My answer—“Lenore LaMere Sweet”—usually brings a nod of recognition, and the rest of the story becomes unnecessary, because in our small Nation of fewer than 8,000 enrolled tribal members, the majority of Hocąk (Ho-Chunk) people are connected in some way.