“Regardless of who you are or your background, most people have not had the experience of dealing with large sums of money,” said Tom Chambers, principal at Black River Falls High School. “With large sums come great responsibility and, frankly, danger.”

The outcomes run the gamut, although a recent survey of past “18 money” recipients suggested it’s more common for the stories to end with hard-earned lessons and long-term regrets. The survey was sent by the tribe to all Ho-Chunk members ages 18 to 30. Ninety-three percent said they would change how they used the money.

“I was way too young and reckless to receive that kind of money,” reads one of the 466 responses. “Seemed like I had so much that it would never run out. Everyone wanted to borrow and no one paid back. Wish I was older when I got the money.”

While Ho-Chunk adults get a $12,000 annual dividend payout made in four installments, children have to wait for the money, which builds in a trust fund throughout their childhoods and is given in one lump sum after they turn 18 and earn a high school diploma. The new prosperity has been welcome relief for a tribe coming out of nearly two centuries of poverty and oppression.