Lance Tallmadge Receives 2026 SCIL Leadership Award

Every year the SCIL Board solicits internal nominations for the SCIL Leadership Award for individuals or organizations who exemplify leadership in the county. This Leadership Award was designed to celebrate and recognize all the leaders that help make Sauk County a great place to live, work and play. The recipient of the 2026 SCIL Leadership Award is Lance Tallmadge.

Lance, a tribally enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, known by his Ho-Chunk name White Bear, was born and raised right in Wisconsin Dells. His life and work reflect a deep and enduring commitment to preserving, sharing, and celebrating Ho-Chunk culture and history.

Early on, Lance helped bring that culture to a broader audience by co-producing three videos in the early 1990s that aired on Wisconsin Public Television, highlighting Ho-Chunk traditions and stories. His passion for cultural tourism carried forward through many years as the emcee of the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial—and later as the leader responsible for managing that important cultural experience for nearly a decade.

Lance also dedicated 18 years to education as the Wisconsin Dells Native American Student Services Coordinator, where he supported Native students and their families with care, advocacy, and heart. He continued his service in new ways at the Ho-Chunk Nation’s House of Wellness as a Fitness Supervisor, always emphasizing the importance of well-being in all its forms.

There is a Native teaching that reminds us, “A good leader listens more than they speak, and learns from the people they serve.” Lance has lived that truth—leading not from the front alone, but alongside others, with humility and respect.

And as Shawnee leader Tecumseh once said, “A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong.” Lance’s work has always been about strengthening the bundle—lifting up community, honoring culture, and ensuring that knowledge is shared across generations.

For more than 20 years, Lance has generously shared Ho-Chunk culture with SCIL participants, enriching this program in ways that are lasting and profound. Lance, your leadership, your voice, and your willingness to share culture and wisdom have left an indelible mark on countless individuals. We are deeply grateful—and incredibly lucky—to celebrate you today.

Written By: Julia Randles