thanks for your time. >> Thank you. I really
appreciate it. >> Ceremony and policy. At
the 22nd annual state of the tribes address at the
State Capitol this week, the address was marked as a
chance to hear about accomplishments and
challenges of tribal nations and encourage
collaboration with the state "Here& Now". And ICT
reporter Erica Ayisi was there.
>> We. Minocqua Khaba. Good morning everyone. I share
with you my Anishinaabe name woman who leaves
tracks where she walks. >> Chairwoman Nicole Boyd
of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Indians, highlighted achievements and challenges
of the state's 11 federally recognized Native American
tribes. Focusing on tribal sovereignty and government
to government partnerships. >> We are not here simply
to take. Our ancestors knew this. They fought for this,
and they left us the teachings of reciprocity.
>> Boyd asked to work together with the state in
preserving water rights on tribal lands, referencing
concerns about the Enbridge oil pipeline through the
bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Reservation. >> Why is it wrong to
expect that the feasibility of projects of this
magnitude be ecologically sound and ensure the water
will be protected? >> She also asked for more
tribal input with the proposed bill to change the
name of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to
National Park, which is close to the Red Cliff
reservation. >> Were we wrong to request
that there be meaningful due diligence as part of
the decision making promise. >> Relating to Governor
Tony Evers recent treaty rights and the protection
of wild rice? Executive order. Boyd asked that
Manoomin, or the wild rice, be elevated to the state.
Official. >> Green wild rice has seen
a significant decline over the last many years, and
promoting it will allow us a platform to continue our
efforts to restore and protect this vitally
important resource. >> On economic development,
Boyd touted positive gains, noting the collaboration
with the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay with Oneida
Nation. >> This event brought in an
astronomical $105 million to the state of Wisconsin.
>> She asked for legislation for online
sports betting wagered through Wisconsin's tribes
to be approved. >> The state will see
increased revenue through the state gaming compacts,
and consumers will have the legal protection needed to
ensure they receive fair play.
>> In health care. Boyd mentioned an increase in
wellness and treatment centers on reservations,
and that drug overdose deaths are down. But to
assist in opioid recovery and chronic pain, calls for
bipartisan support for medical marijuana in the
state. >> For centuries,
indigenous people have used this plant medicine for
various medical and ceremonial purposes.
>> Boyd also says the state Task Force to Address
missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and
Relatives needs improved policies. That includes
helping survivors heal. >> We must invest the
resources needed to prevent violent crimes against
women and children. >> As to education, Boyd
would like to see the UW-Madison tribal tuition
program expanded. >> Including the College of
Menominee Nation and Lac Courte Oreilles. Ojibwe
University would also provide tribal members an
opportunity to attend college close to home that
strongly supports their identities.
>> Sagen Lily Quale of the Red Cliff Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa Indians says Boyd's call to make
rice the official state grain has deeper cultural
connections as a living relative for the tribal
community. >> To be able to rely on
that relative as not only, you know, medicine that
connects us to place in space, but also connects us
to ancestry and tradition is really beautiful.
>> Paul Smith of the Oneida Nation says Boyd's message
to protect waterways on and around tribal lands could
bring more visitors to northern Wisconsin.
>> The national shoreline that she wants to protect
with the frog Bay National Park, with protections on
Lake Superior and the protections around the the
waters through bad River, it's all those things are
connected to tourism. >> Bryan Wilson RFK, Jr.
also of the Oneida Nation, says Boyd's message on
tribal economic contributions to the state
resonates with his 100% indigenous owned small
business. >> And we're adding to our
employees and with health benefits and retirement
programs. >> Boyd closed the state of
the tribe's address with a message of resiliency for
Wisconsin's tribal members and partnership among state
and tribal leaders. >> This is the place our
ancestors fought for and are buried within, and we
will continue to exercise our treaty rights in
perpetuity. >> In Madison. I'm Eric