As members of the Winnebago community, we are deeply concerned about the decision to honor Chris Grezlik with a dance special at the 157th Annual Pow-wow Celebration. We believe that this decision is inappropriate and disrespectful to survivors of sexual assault.

Chris Grezlik has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple elementary aged girls, an estimated number of 56 in total. These allegations happened in May 2019. After being exposed, Chris Grezlik committed suicide. His alleged victims were then never acknowledged or heard. The entire incident was brushed under the rug and the girls never got justice or support from the community. The girls suffered from members of all ages calling them liars and blamed them for his death. They were never given the chance to tell their story to a jury and get justice to help the healing process. In light of the serious accusations, we cannot in good conscience honor Mr. Grezlik at our community's most important cultural event. The mental health and safety of these young girls is at stake. Helping the girls heal from this should have been the top priority, then and now. 

We understand that Mr. Grezlik has been a prominent figure in the Winnebago community for many years, but we believe that his alleged actions make him unworthy of such an honor. By honoring him in a dance special, we send a message that sexual assault is not taken seriously in our community and that survivors' voices do not matter. Our children, our future, do not matter. 

We urge the organizers of the Pow-wow Committee and the Winnebago Tribal Council to reconsider their decision and remove the Chris Grezlik dance special from the program. Instead, let us use this opportunity to celebrate those who have contributed positively to our community without tarnishing our traditions with controversy.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

The Concerned Members of the Winnebago Community