(Oneida Reservation) – The Oneida Nation is excited to share two upcoming sporting events to kickstart and support the next steps in strengthening and renewing the relationship between the Oneida Nation and the University of Wisconsin Green Bay (UWGB).
Over the past year, Nation and UWGB officials have been collaborating on ideas that flourished into tangible efforts to demonstrate the long-standing respect and recognition that each entity has for the other. Settling on recognizing the contributions of the Oneida Nation in Northeast Wisconsin, UWGB will honor the Nation during Native American Heritage month by sporting a new basketball jersey, as well as hosting a men’s basketball exchange game with Haskell Indian Nations University, a college out of Kansas whose mission is to serve Indigenous students from across the United States.
The new jersey, designed by Jossalyn Metoxen, an Oneida Nation citizen attending UWGB, will be unveiled on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the game between the Phoenix men and the Jayhawks. On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Phoenix will host Haskell University’s Fighting Indians at the Kress Center with tip-off set for 1:00 p.m. During this game, UWGB and the Oneida Nation will provide an in-depth look at the meaning behind the new jersey design.
Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Tasi Hill stated “The Nation’s relationship with UWGB has been one of mutual respect. The University has consistently taken measures to ensure Indigenous culture and programming are taken seriously and incorporated into academic programming, offering an EdD in First Nations Education since 2018. In the 2024 academic year, Oneida supported 922 students pursuing higher education endeavors and over eighty of those students attended the University in varying programs. The Nation contributes a direct economic output in education of about $32m; having strong relationships with educational institutions such as UWGB benefits Oneida citizens as individuals, the Nation and NE Wisconsin overall.”
“We are honored to celebrate our enduring relationship with Oneida Nation in this way,” said Chancellor Michael Alexander. “This partnership is rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to honoring Indigenous ways. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month together is more than symbolic—it’s a commitment to student success, cultural understanding and community connection. We are proud to walk alongside the Oneida Nation in building educational opportunities that uplift our region and empower future generations.”
During past efforts, such as summer programs for youth in STEM/STEAM have helped to create the curiosity necessary to support a solid educational foundation in youth. Long-term plans on other programming efforts between the Oneida Nation and UWGB are under development; with a good mind, a good heart and a strong fire, the Oneida Nation looks forward to what concepts will come to fruition in the future.
