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June 29, 2026

Canoes Connect Madison’s Indigenous History To the Present

City Cast Madison

Canoes Connect Madison’s Indigenous History To the Present

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Last week, the Ho-Chunk Nation gifted Dane County Parks a hand-carved dugout canoe. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Bill Quackenbush crafted the vessel himself from a cottonwood tree that was removed from McDaniel Park for construction of the Lower Yahara River Trail. On today’s show, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos talks about the significance of this gift with host Bianca Martin, who also details her adventures at this year’s Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival. And later in the show, we revisit Bianca’s interview with Wisconsin maritime archeologist Tamara Thomsen, who was part of the team that discovered more than a dozen ancient dugout canoes in the depths of Lake Mendota. 

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