THE PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS.
>> THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WILL BE OFFERED BY ELLA GOODWIN,
SENIOR MISS RED CLIFF ROYALTY. [APPLAUSE]
>> [SPEAKS IN NATIVE TONGUE]. >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE
FLAG AND TO THE UNITED STATE OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR
WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
[APPLAUSE] >> YOU MAY BE SEATED.
THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS IS THE CALL OF THE ROLL.
THE CLERK WILL OPEN THE ROLL.
AND NOW, MEMBERS HAVE RECORDED THEIR PRESENCE, THERE ARE 95
MEMBERS PRESENT. >> I ASK FOR A LEAVE OF ABSENCE
FROM THE GENTLEMAN FROM THE 30TH.
CONSENT THAT THE ABSENCE FROM THE 30TH BE GRANTED.
>> I ASK FOR A TEMPORARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THE
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE 17TH AND I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT FOR A
LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR THE GENTLEMAN FROM THE 12TH AND THE
REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE 94TH. >> LADY FROM THE 74TH ASKED THAT
A LEAVE OF ABSENCE BE GRANTED FOR THE REST OF THE DAY FOR THE
12 AND THE REPRESENT FROM THE 94TH.
>> WE ARE JOINED BY THE GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE STATE SENATE.
LET'S GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
[APPLAUSE] TODAY'S STATE OF THE TRIBES
ADDRESS WILL BE GIVEN BY NICOLE BOYD, CHAIRWOMAN, RED CLIFF BAND
OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA TRIBE. WELCOME.
[APPLAUSE]
>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY. LET'S GET STARTED.
BOOZHOOGAKINAA AWEYA, BIMIKAWEKWE INDIZHINIKAAZ, MAANG
NINDOODEM, MISKWAABEKAANG NINDOONZHIBAA.
GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. I SHARE WITH YOU MY ANISHINAABE
NAME “WOMAN WHO LEAVES TRACKS WHERE SHE WALKS,” THAT I AM OF
THE LOON CLAN, AND MY HOME “THE PLACE WHERE THE RED ROCK CLIFFS
MY ENGLISH NAME IS NICOLE BOYD, AND I AM HONORED TO SERVE AS THE
TRIBAL CHAIRWOMAN OF THE RED CLIFF BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR
CHIPPEWA INDIANS, ABOUT A 6-HOUR DRIVE FROM THIS GREAT CAPITOL IN
WISCONSIN ON THE BEAUTIFUL SHORES OF GITCHIGAMI AND THE
APOSTLE ISLANDS IN THE CEDED TERRITORY OF THE OJIBWE NATIONS
AND THE HOME OF THE ICONIC FROG BAY TRIBAL NATIONAL PARK.
[APPLAUSE] MY FAMILY AND MANY FROM RED
CLIFF HAVE ALSO TRAVELED ALL THIS WAY TO WITNESS THE ADDRESS
TODAY. MY MOM, MY AUNTIES, HUSBAND AND
CHILDREN, CO-WORKERS, YOUTH, ELDERS, TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBERS,
HEREDITARY CHIEF BUFFALO, AND MY SWEET GRANDDAUGHTER MAEVE ARE
ALL WATCHING IN THE BALCONY. [APPLAUSE]
AND DON'T WORRY. [APPLAUSE]
THEY'VE BEEN ADVISED TO BEHAVE. THEY ARE VERY EXCITED TO SEE ME
STANDING HERE. TODAY YOU WILL LEARN OF MY
BELIEFS AND VALUES, AND WHY I THINK EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO
WISCONSIN GREAT. I INTEND TO REFLECT ON THE WORK
OUR TRIBAL NATIONS ACCOMPLISHED IN 2025 AND TO SET A COURSE FOR
THE MILESTONES WE WILL CELEBRATE IN THE FUTURE.
WE ARE READY TO WORK HARD, AND WE EXPECT THAT SAME DEDICATION
FROM OUR STATE PARTNERS. [APPLAUSE]
WITH THAT, IT IS MY GREAT PLEASURE TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO
THE 2026 WISCONSIN STATE OF THE TRIBES ADDRESS ON BEHALF OF THE
ELEVEN FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBAL NATIONS IN THE GREAT
STATE OF WISCONSIN AND THE LAC VIEW DESERT BAND OF MICHIGAN.
THANK YOU, SPEAKER VOS, ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER NEUBAUER, SENATE
MAJORITY LEADER LEMAHIEU, SENATE MINORITY LEADER HESSELBEIN AND
LEGISLATURE FOR WELCOMING US TO THE CAPITOL TO DELIVER THIS
YEAR'S STATE OF THE TRIBES AND OF COURSE, THANK YOU TO
GOVERNOR EVERS, THE MEMBERS OF YOUR CABINET, AND EVERY OTHER
WISCONSIN ELECTED OFFICIAL WHO ADDRESS.
I TRULY APPRECIATE THE HONOR TO BE BEFORE ALL OF YOU
TODAY. I ALSO WANT TO BRIEFLY THANK THE
PLANNERS INVOLVED -- OUR DEWE'IGAN, THE DRUM, OUR
OGICHIDAA -- THE WARRIORS AND VETERANS WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR OUR
FREEDOMS AND BROUGHT IN OUR YOUR BEAUTIFUL INVOCATION.
I'M SO PROUD OF THIS WOMAN, HER INCREDIBLE SPIRITUAL AND
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY, AND HER PATIENCE FOR OUR CHILDREN AS ONE
OF OUR IMMERSION TEACHERS IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL.
[APPLAUSE] MISS ELLA GOODWIN, MISS
MISKWAABIKAANG POW WOW ROYALTY, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY,
ELLA. WATCH ELLA DANCE, YOU WILL BE IN
AWE WITH HER GRACE AND GROOVE. PAVING THE WAY.
AND STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE WORK TO GET US
WHERE WE ARE TODAY. AND FINALLY, IT IS MY ESTEEMED
HONOR TO INTRODUCE OUR TRIBAL HAVE ENTRUSTED ME TO GIVE THIS
SPEECH. LEADERS, PLEASE RISE TO BE
RECOGNIZED WHEN I CALL YOUR NAME.
ONEIDA NATION OF WISCONSIN, CHAIRMAN TEHASSI HILL.
[APPLAUSE] SOKAOGON CHIPPEWA COMMUNITY MOLE
LAKE BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR VANZILE SR.
[APPLAUSE] FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI
CHAIRMAN, BROOKS BOYD SR. [APPLAUSE]
ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN CHAIRMAN, CONRAD
ST. JOHN. LAC COURTE OREILLES CHIPPEWA
BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR INDIANS CHAIRMAN, GARY LIL GUY CLAUSE.
[APPLAUSE] WAASWAAGONIING LAC DU FLAMBEAU
BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA PRESIDENT, JOHN JOHNSON SR.
[APPLAUSE] MENO
MENOMINEE INDIAN TRIBE OF WISCONSIN CHAIRMAN, JOEY
AWONHOPAY. HO CHUNK NATION VICE PRESIDENT,
LAMBERT CLEVELAND JR. AND OF COURSE, MY SISTERS IN
LEADERSHIP -- STOCKBRIDGE MUNSEE BAND OF
MOHICAN INDIANS PRESIDENT, SHANNON HOLSEY.
[APPLAUSE] AND BAD RIVER BAND OF LAKE
SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA CHAIRWOMAN, [APPLAUSE]
AND LASTLY, OUR RELATIVES FROM ACROSS THE STATE BORDER LAC VIEW
CHIPPEWA CHAIRMAN JAMES WILLIAMS JR.
[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE
TODAY, CHAIRMAN. IT'S A GREAT HONOR TO HAVE YOU
WITH US. I ALSO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE A FEW
TRIBAL LEADERS AMONG THE MANY WHO LEFT US TO JOIN OUR
ANCESTORS IN 2025. THIS INCLUDES
ERNIE STEVEN JR. OF THE ONEIDA NATION.
[APPLAUSE] NATION.
[APPLAUSE] AND A GREAT
OJIBWE LEADER AND CARRIER OF OUR LANGUAGE AND TEACHINGS.
LEE OBIZAAN STAPLES. WE PROMISE TO CARRY FORWARD THE
PASSION AND DEDICATION THEY SHARED WITH ALL OF US.
TRUST RESPONSIBILITY. YOU MAY HEAR THIS TERM AND THINK
OF THE 250-YEAR-OLD LEGAL RELATIONSHIP
THAT TRIBES HAVE WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, OR THE
TREATIES THAT CEDED MILLIONS OF ACRES OF OUR LAND IN THIS
REGION, OR THE MANY COURT DECISIONS REAFFIRMING TRIBAL
SOVEREIGNTY. BUT FOR THE ORIGINAL INHABITANTS
OF THESE LANDS -— THE ANISHINAABE -— TRUST
MEANING. GREATER PURPOSE -- TO CARE FOR
THIS PLACE, THE PEOPLE, AND ALL BEINGS, TO ENSURE NOW AND FOR
MANY GENERATIONS TO COME. WE ARE NOT HERE SIMPLY TO TAKE.
OUR ANCESTORS KNEW THIS. THEY FOUGHT FOR THIS, AND LEFT
US THE TEACHINGS OF RECIPROCITY. THE PROPHECY THAT LED THE OJIBWE
TO THIS VERY LAND THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO IS ROOTED IN THE
TEACHINGS THAT WE PROVIDE AND PROTECT.
-- OUR MANOOMIN -- IS THE REASON WE ARE HERE IN THESE HOMELANDS.
[APPLAUSE] MY FIRST MESSAGE TODAY IS THAT
WEALTH IS NOT DEFINED SOLELY BY MONETARY VALUES AND MATERIAL
ITEMS. AS MY ELDER MARVIN DEFOE OFTEN
REMINDS US, “WE'RE THE RICHEST PEOPLE ON THIS EARTH BECAUSE WE
HAVE EVERYTHING NEED TO SURVIVE FROM THE ANISHINAABE WALMART.”
[LAUGHTER.] [CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
SINCE THERE IS STILL SNOW ON THE GROUND, I WILL SHARE A VERY
SOME OF YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW THIS STORY, BUT OTHERS MAY NOT.
I DON'T CLAIM TO BE A STORYTELLER, BUT I FEEL THE
DISCUSSION. THE LEGEND SAYS THAT THE
ANISHINAABE ONCE HAD AN ABUNDANCE OF SWEET SYRUP THAT
SUGAR MAPLES IN THE FOREST -- A GIFT FROM THE CREATOR TO NOURISH
THE PEOPLE SO THEY COULD DO BUT ONE DAY, THE CREATOR CAME TO
CHECK ON THE ANISHINAABE AND FOUND THEY HAD OVERINDULGED ON
THE YUMMY MAPLE SYRUP AND THEY WERE SLEEPING LAZILY UNDER THE
MAPLE TREES NOT TAKING CARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES.
SO TO TEACH THEM A LESSON, THE CREATOR DECIDED TO WATER DOWN
TAKE THEM INCREDIBLE AMOUNTS OF WORK TO GET THE FINAL PRODUCT OF
-- PRODUCT. TO THIS DAY, THE GATHERING OF
“ANISHINAABE WALMART” IS A LENGTHY LESSON-LEARNING PROCESS.
WHILE IT HAS BEEN REFINED TO REDUCE THE TIME IT TAKES, THE
ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE PASSED ON FROM THIS ANISHINAABE LEGENDS
REMAIN. SOME YEARS WE HAVE BOUNTIFUL
HARVESTS, AND OTHERS WE DO NOT. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A RESULT OF
MANY FACTORS, INCLUDING HOW WELL WE ARE TAKING CARE OF THE
RESOURCE AND OUR WE HAVE ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE
ABOUT ALL OUR ABUNDANT RESOURCES IN THE “ANISHINAABE WALMART.”
YET WHEN WE WANT TO SHARE OUR VIEWS ON WHY WE WILL PROTECT OUR
WATER, AIR, LAND, AND BEINGS AT ALL COSTS, WE CONTINUE TO BE
CONSIDERED RADICAL OR LESS THAN OUR EQUAL COUNTERPARTS.
WE COULD SHOW ALL THE EVIDENCE OR RESEARCH IN THE WORLD AND
STILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE WRONG.
MEANINGFUL DILIGENCE IS MORE THAN SIMPLY CHECKING A
CONSULTATION BOX. IT IS TAKING THE TIME TO TRULY
UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF SOMETHING IN THE PAST, NOW, AND
IN THE FUTURE. THAT IS THE LEGAL, FISCAL, AND
MORAL OBLIGATION WE ALL MUST TAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, CHANGING THE
TITLE OF A NATIONAL LAKESHORE TO A NATIONAL PARK.
WERE WE WRONG TO REQUEST THAT THERE BE MEANINGFUL DUE
DILIGENCE AS PART OF THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS?
OR WHEN A MAJOR OIL LINE IS REQUIRED TO RELOCATE FROM BEING
NEAR THE LARGEST AND MOST PRISTINE AQUIFER IN THE REGION
-- THE BAD RIVER SLOUGHS -- WHY IS IT WRONG TO EXPECT THAT THE
FEASIBILITY OF PROJECTS OF THIS AND ENSURE THE WATER WILL BE
PROT PROTECTED?
WE NEED WATER. WELL, I NEED WATER, ACTUALLY.
AS A MOTHER, AN ANISHINAABE WOMAN, I BEG YOU TO JOIN US IN
PROTECTING THE VERY RESOURCE THAT BROUGHT YOU, ME, OUR
CHILDREN, OUR GRANDCHILDREN, AND FUTURE GENERATIONS INTO THIS
WORLD. SURVIVE.
LEAVE BEHIND WHEN YOU TELL PEOPLE, “I PROTECTED THE WATER”"
YOUR GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN WILL NOT BE RIGHTING WRONGS IF
YOU CHOOSE THIS PATH. IF YOU HAVEN'T YET, I URGE YOU
TO VIEW THE DOCUMENTARY FILM, I GUARANTEE YOU WILL BETTER
UNDERSTAND WHY WATER IS LIFE IS NOT A SLOGAN.
IT IS WHY WE EXIST. I KNOW WE WILL NOT AGREE ON ALL
THINGS, BUT I HOPE WE CAN AGREE THAT OUR WATERS ARE ONE OF OUR
MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCES, AND WE MUST DO ALL THAT WE CAN TO
PROTECT IT. [APPLAUSE]
GOVERNOR EVERS EXECUTIVE ORDER, 277 RELATING TO TREATY RIGHTS
AND THE PROTECTION OF WILD RICE
IS AN EXAMPLE OF HONORING TRIBAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND THE
PARTNERSHIP TOWARD A COMMON GOAL.
LOOKING AHEAD, WE HOPE THIS CAN GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT
RELATIONSHIP. TRIBAL NATIONS REQUEST THAT YOU
CONSIDER NAMING MANOOMIN, THE WILD RICE, AS THE OFFICIAL STATE
[APPLAUSE] THIS NATURAL RESOURCE HOLDS
IMMENSE CULTURAL VALUE AND IS A VITAL COMPONENT TO WISCONSIN'S
WETLANDS. 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
WISCONSIN WOULD NOT BE UNIQUE IN DOING THIS.
MINNESOTA HAS RECOGNIZED MANOOMIN AS THE STATE GRAIN
SINCE 1997, AND MICHIGAN SINCE 2023.
I'M HOPEFUL THAT THIS IS SOMETHING WE CAN ALL GET BEHIND
DURING THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
[APPLAUSE] I COULD NOT STAND BEFORE YOU
TODAY WITHOUT ALSO REMINDING YOU ABOUT THE POSITIVE ECONOMIC
IMPACT WISCONSIN'S TRIBES HAVE ON THIS STATE.
THOUSANDS OF WISCONSINITES ARE EMPLOYED BY THE TRIBES THROUGH
OUR GAMING, GOVERNMENT, AND OTHER TRIBAL ENTERPRISES.
THESE JOBS FUEL LOCAL ECONOMIES AND PROVIDE STABLE EMPLOYMENT
FOR PEOPLE IN KEY AREAS OF THE STATE, ESPECIALLY IN NORTHERN
WISCONSIN. IN MANY COUNTIES, TRIBAL NATIONS
ARE THEIR LARGEST EMPLOYERS. THOUSANDS OF HEALTHCARE
PROFESSIONALS -- -- EDUCATORS, AND TRADESPEOPLE
ARE PROUDLY EMPLOYED BY TRIBAL NATIONS.
POSITIVE IMPACT WE HAVE ON THIS WE ALSO HELP BRING IN MILLIONS
IN REVENUE THROUGH VARIOUS CULTURAL AND TRIBAL EVENTS OF
ALL SCALES. FROM OUR ANNUAL POW WOWS TO THE
GIANT SUCCESS OF THE 2025 NFL DRAFT HELD IN GREEN BAY IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ONEIDA NATION.
[APPLAUSE] THIS EVENT BROUGHT IN AN
ASTRONOMICAL $105 MILLION WHAT AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT
TO KNOW WE CAN MANAGE A SUCCESSFUL EVENT OF THAT
MAGNITUDE. WISCONSIN TRIBES ARE CONTINUING
TO DIVERSIFY. AND MANY HAVE THEIR OWN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT BOARDS. I'M HAPPY TO SAY THAT IN 2025,
ACCESS TO CAPITAL IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY FOR TRIBAL
MEMBERS, RESULT IN MANY NEW SMALL BUSINESSES AND OTHERS HAVE
MORE RESOURCES TO GROW THEIR BUSINESSES.
[APPLAUSE] AND WHILE WISCONSIN'S TRIBES ARE
DIVERSIFYING, GAMING REVENUE REMAINS THE MAIN REVENUE SOURCE
GAMING OPERATIONS HELPS ENSURE THAT MOTHERS AND BABIES HAVE
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND HEALTHY FOOD, ENSURES THAT OUR ELDERS
CAN RECEIVE CARE, THAT OUR FAMILIES CAN HAVE A HOUSING,
US. STATE OF WISCONSIN WITH
SIGNIFICANT REVENUE THROUGH OUR COMPACTS.
IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, THE STATE OF WISCONSIN RECEIVED MORE
THAN $60 MILLION IN REVENUE SHARING PAYMENTS.
AND THOSE MONIES ARE DOING A LOT IN THIS STATE.
LET'S CONTINUE TO DO EVEN BETTER THINGS TOGETHER.
THAT IS WHY I ASK YOU TO APPROVE THE LEGISLATION CURRENTLY BEFORE
YOU THAT WILL BRING WISCONSIN TRIBES ONE STEP CLOSER TO
OFFERING MOBILE SPORTS BETTING IN WISCONSIN.
[APPLAUSE] IT IS ESTIMATED THAT WISCONSIN
RESIDENTS SPEND HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EVERY YEAR
ON UNLAWFUL AND UNREGULATED SPORTS BETTING PLATFORMS.
THE ENTITIES OFFERING THESE ARE OUTSIDE WISCONSIN AND IN SOME
CASES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES. THIS MEANS THE STATE SEES
NO FINANCIAL BENEFIT FROM THEIR USED BY WISCONSIN RESIDENTS.
PLUS, CONSUMERS HAVE LITTLE TO OTHER CONSUMER HARM.
BY ALLOWING A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR MOBILE SPORTS WAGERING
STATE WILL SEE INCREASED REVENUE THROUGH THE STATE GAMING
COMPACTS AND CONSUMERS WILL HAVE THE LEGAL PROTECTION NEEDED TO
ENSURE THAT THEY RECEIVE FAIR PLAY.
LET'S GET THIS WORK DONE SO WE CAN PROVIDE SOMETHING THAT WILL
TRULY BENEFIT WISCONSIN. [APPLAUSE]
IF THERE'S ONE THING WE KNOW HEALTHCARE.
TRIBAL NATIONS OWN AND OPERATE 11 FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH
CENTERS IN WISCONSIN PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL, DENTAL,
CARE FOR TRIBAL AND NONTRIBAL BENEFICIARIES.
THROUGH OUR RECOVERY AND HARM DECREASES IN DRUG OVERDOSE
WE ACHIEVED THIS BY MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE -—
BRINGING AWARENESS TO THE PATH OF RECOVERY.
[APPLAUSE] HEALTHCARE CAN BE A THANKLESS
ROLE. I WANT TO THANK EVERY HEALTHCARE
HERO IN THIS STATE FOR KEEPING CHI-MIIGWECH.
[APPLAUSE] WE'D ALSO LIKE TO THANK GOVERNOR
EVERS AND THE LEGISLATURE FOR ALLOWING TRIBAL FEDERALLY
QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS TO ADOPT THE ALL-INCLUSIVE RATE FOR
THE SUCCESSFUL RECEIPT OF THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION
PROGRAM. [APPLAUSE]
THESE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS ALLOW OUR TRIBAL HEALTH CENTERS TO
SIGNIFICANTLY EXPAND AND GROW FOR TRIBAL MEMBERS AND NONTRIBAL
BENEFICIARIES. I'M ALSO HAPPY TO REPORT THAT IN
2025, THE GREAT LAKES INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL, IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, BROKE GROUND ON THE
NEW 36-BED ADOLESCENT RECOVERY WELLNESS CENTER IN BOWLER.
[APPLAUSE] THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN NEARLY 20
AMAZING TO SEE IT FINALLY BECOME A REALITY.
THIS FACILITY WILL PROVIDE IN-PATIENT SUBSTANCE USE AND
CO-OCCURRING DISORDER TREATMENT PAIRED WITH ACADEMIA AND
SPIRITUAL WELLNESS FOR TRIBAL AND NON-TRIBAL YOUTH AGES 13 TO
17 AND FILL A LONG-TIME GAP IN SERVICES.
THANK YOU TO THE STATE OF WISCONSIN FOR THE TIME AND
ENERGY YOU ARE COMMITTING TO THIS UNIQUE FACILITY THAT WE
KNOW WILL BENEFIT US ALL. [APPLAUSE]
I'D ALSO LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT SOME MAJOR PROJECTS THAT A FEW OF THE
THIS INCLUDES THE NEW 64,400 HEALTH FACILITY.
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] I TOURED THIS FACILITY WHEN I
ATTENDED THE GRAND OPENING OF UNIVERSITY.
[APPLAUSE] BOTH OF WHICH ARE GOING TO BE AN
ENORMOUS RESOURCE TO THE REGION. THE BAD RIVER TRIBE OPENED THEIR
WELLNESS CENTER WITH AWESOME NEW AQUATICS AND FITNESS SPACES.
AND THE MOLE LAKE COMMUNITY IS UNDERGOING A $20 MILLION
ADDITION TO THEIR HEALTHCARE [APPLAUSE]
THESE INVESTMENTS WILL BE GENERATIONS TO COME.
WHILE WE CELEBRATE THIS AMAZING GROWTH, WE MUST ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE
THERE REMAINS AN ONGOING CRISIS THERE IS A SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH
CRISIS, WHICH IS RESULTING IN AN INCREASE IN SUICIDES AND THE
UNNECESSARY LOSS OF LIFE. IMPACTING US ALL.
WE ALL KNOW PEOPLE SUFFERING AND GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A LOVED
ONE, AND WE CAN ALL DO BETTER TO PRIORITY LISTS.
CONTRIBUTES TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AND HAS SEVERELY NEGATIVE
IMPACTS IN THIS STATE AND IN OUR TRIBAL COMMUNITIES.
THE REALITY IS THAT CHILDREN ARE SHOT UP, AND IT'S HEARTBREAKING
THAT FAMILIES SUFFER BECAUSE SOMEONE IN THEIR FAMILY WAS A
VICTIM OF GUN VIOLENCE. WE MUST IMPROVE STATE POLICIES
ON SAFE GUN OWNERSHIP AND ACCESS.
TO MAKE THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS EVEN MORE REAL, WE'RE ALSO
SEEING UNPRECEDENTED NUMBERS OF YOUTH AND ADULTS
EXPERIENCING EXTREME ADDICTION TO VAPING MANMADE MATERIALS INTO
THEIR LUNGS. THIS IS A MULTIBILLION DOLLAR
INDUSTRY OF VAPE PENS THAT STORES AND ONLINE.
MANAGING THE IMPACTS OF THIS ADDICTION.
THEY'RE EXPERIENCING PERMANENT HEALTH DAMAGE.
WE CANNOT CONTINUE DOWN THIS PATH, AND WE MUST WORK TOGETHER
TO ADDRESS THIS TOPIC. [APPLAUSE]
ANOTHER HEALTHCARE TOPIC THAT IS VERY PERSONAL TO ME IS
CANCER-RELATED DEATHS. SINCE FALL 2024, I HAVE
PERSONALLY LOST TWO UNCLES, MY FATHER, MY
FATHER-IN-LAW AND MANY COMMUNITY CANCER.
WHILE HORRID, IT DID CATAPULTE MY OWN PERSONAL HEALTH JOURNEY
AND A DESIRE TO SET AN EXAMPLE THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE OUR HEALTH
GOALS. I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO TRULY
UNDERSTAND WHAT MAKES THEM THE CANCERS, PREVENT THEM WHEN
POSSIBLE, AND PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT AND CARE
FOR ALL SUFFERING. [APPLAUSE]
THE PRODUCTION AND PROCUREMENT
OF LOCALLY HARVESTED FOOD IS A WHILE WISCONSIN IS KNOWN FOR OUR
PRODUCTION, TRIBES ALSO PRODUCE IMMENSE AMOUNTS OF MAPLE SYRUP,
WILD RICE, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, NUTS, BISON, AND
FRESHWATER FISH FROM TRIBAL FISHERIES.
LAST YEAR, THE RED CLIFF FISH COMPANY PROCESSED OVER 250,000
POUNDS OF FISH. THIS WAS SUPPLIED TO VARIOUS
WHOLESALE MARKETS IN THE MIDWEST.
IT ALSO PROVIDED MORE THAN 10,000 POUNDS TO THE WISCONSIN
ELDER FOOD BOX PROGRAM. [APPLAUSE]
5,000 POUNDS WAS ALSO IN THE USDA LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. TRIBES OVERALL MADE INCREDIBLE
INVESTMENTS IN FOOD SOVEREIGNTY IN 2025.
WE HAVE ALSO INCREASED OUR ABILITY TO PROCURE FROM LOCAL
VENDORS, AND COMBINED, WE'RE MAKING SURE THAT IT'S A REALITY
FOR THE EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD. AND WISCONSIN'S TRIBES ARE ON
THE MENOMONEE NATION HAS GENEROUSLY BEEN COORDINATING THE
GREAT LAKES INTERTRIBAL FOOD COALITION FOR MANY YEARS, AND TO
ENSURE THE CONTINUED SUCCESS INCLUDING FOOD JUSTICES,
GLITC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, A RESOLUTION WAS PASSED
TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND SECTION 17, OR STATE NON-STOCK
CORPORATION. THEIR BOARD WILL INCLUDE A
REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH OF THE NATIONS AND WILL HELP TO SECURE
A STRONGER LEGAL STRUCTURE. THE PHRASE “FOOD IS MEDICINE” IS
MORE THAN AN INITIATIVE. IT IS A WAY OF LIFE FOR NATIVE
PEOPLE. WE KNOW THAT HEALTHY FOOD HAS
HEALTH-HEALING PROPERTIES FOR A VARIETY OF ISSUES.
THE WISCONSIN MEDICAID FOOD IS MEDICINE PROGRAM OFFERS ELIGIBLE
PARTICIPANTS THE USE OF MEDICAID FUNDS TO COVER MEDICALLY
TAILORED MEALS FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES, CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE, OR HIGH PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM CONDITIONS.
ELIGIBILITY FOR THIS PROGRAM WISCONSIN ADMINISTERS THE
IMPLEMENTED THROUGH AN IN LIEU OF SERVICES AGREEMENT WITHOUT A
1115 WAIVER. WE HAVE SOME WORK TO DO AND ASK
THAT THIS TOPIC BE PRIORITIZED BY OUR STATE LAWMAKERS AND
STAFF. TRIBES ARE COMMITTED TO
BRINGING VALUABLE TIME AND HEALTHCARE, AND POLICY CHANGES
NEEDED. [APPLAUSE]
NEXT, I WANT TO BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO THE UNIQUE REALITY
OF LIVING NORTH OF HIGHWAY 29. [APPLAUSE]
SOME TOPICS THAT DESERVE ALL OF OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS.
IN 2013, THERE WERE FOUR RESIDENT NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION
AGENTS OUT OF THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE'S EAU
CLAIRE FIELD THAT FOCUSES FROM SPOONER NORTH.
IN 2022 THERE WERE THREE. BY THE END OF 2024 THERE WAS
ONE. IN 2025 THERE ARE ZERO. YES
ZERO, NARCOTICS INVESTIGATIVE AS A RESULT, WE KNOW THIS HAS
CAUSED INCREDIBLE DELAYS IN INVESTIGATIONS, RESULTING IN
MANY UNNECESSARY DEATHS. INVESTIGATIVE WORK IS MORE THAN
THE TYPICAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY CAN PROVIDE.
IT IS AN AREA OF EXPERTISE THAT FEW POSSESS, AND PRETENDING THAT
THE NORTHERN PART OF THE STATE DOESN'T HAVE THIS NEED IS
HARMFUL AND DEADLY. WE MUST ADDRESS THIS
TO HEAR THE HORROR STORIES OF ONES DUE TO OUR NEGLIGENCE AND
LACK OF RESOURCES. [APPLAUSE]
IN ADDITION TO THE LACK OF INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES,
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES ALSO REMAIN A
WE RELY SOLELY ON SMALL VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENTS FACING A
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES. I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE A STRONG
RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR BAYFIELD REPRESENTATIVE, WHO ALSO
TRAVELED ALL THIS WAY TO BE IN SUPPORT TODAY.
[APPLAUSE] TOGETHER, WE SHARE A PLAT
REMEMBER TO DISCUSS THESE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES THAT AFFECT US
ALL. WE ARE CONSTANTLY INNOVATING TO
MEET THE DEMANDING NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO OUR
RURAL COMMUNITIES. AN EXAMPLE OF THIS WAS THE
ADDITION OF AN EMS COORDINATOR TO THE COUNTY BUDGET WHO
SUPPORTS NINE AMBULANCE SERVICES GROWING OUR LOCAL ABILITIES.
OUR STATE PARTNERS TO UNDERSTAND THE URGENCY AND SUPPORT NEEDED
FOR US TO MAKE ANY PROGRESS. [APPLAUSE]
WE NEED YOUR PARTNERSHIP. ONE THING WE ARE PROUD OF IS
THAT TRIBAL NATIONS ARE BLESSED TO HAVE A GOVERNOR HEROIC ENOUGH
TO ACKNOWLEDGE MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND
RELATIVES. [CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
HOWEVER -- THE NEW OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION,
COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES ARE NOT ENOUGH.
WE MUST IMPROVE OUR POLICIES. WE MUST INVEST IN THE RESOURCES
NEEDED TO PREVENT VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
[APPLAUSE] PROTECT AGAINST DANGEROUS
INDIVIDUALS, AND HELP SURVIVORS HEAL BEFORE THIS ISSUES COMPOUND
WORSE. [APPLAUSE]
IN OUR CULTURE, WOMEN ARE SACRED BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE
WHO CAN BRING LIFE INTO THIS WORLD.
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] THEY ARE THE MATRIARCH OF
HOUSEHOLDS AND COMMUNITIES AND THEY HAVE THE DEEPEST CONNECTION
BETWEEN THE SPIRIT WORLD AND THE EARTH.
ANISHINAABE WOMEN DO NOT ONLY WEAR RIBBON SKIRTS BECAUSE THEY
ARE A DISTINCT FASHION PIECE TO THE EYE.
WE WEAR THEM BECAUSE THEY ALSO SIGNIFY A WOMAN'S IDENTITY AND
THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES. ODEIMIN -- THE HEART BERRY -- ON
MY SKIRT AND ACCESSORIES BECAUSE IT REPRESENTS THE MOON MY
GRANDDAUGHTER JOINED US EARTHSIDE IN 2025 TO CARRY OUR
GENERATIONS FORWARD. [APPLAUSE]
AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, IT'S A CONSTANT EFFORT TO PRESERVE OUR
IDENTITIES AND LANGUAGES WITHIN A LARGELY WHITE DOMINANT
SOCIETY. YOU WILL OFTEN HEAR OUR PEOPLE
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] THE FEDERAL BOARDING SCHOOL
INITIATIVE, LED BY FORMER DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR SECRETARY
DEB HAALAND, BROUGHT TO LIGHT THIS UNWELCOMED TRUTH AND
QUANTIFIED THE IMPACT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, OFFERED THE
FIRST-EVER APOLOGY FROM THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENT FOR THE
HARM CAUSED, AND PRESENTED A LEGISLATIVE PATH FORWARD TOWARD
RECONCILIATION AND HEALING. THE STATE OF WISCONSIN'S HISTORY
INCLUDES MANY NOTABLE ACTIONS THAT ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE,
DISPLACE, AND ANNIHILATE THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF THESE
LANDS. AS WE PROCESS GENERATIONS OF
GRIEF TOGETHER, TRIBES ARE MAKING STRIDES TO WORK TOWARD
HEALING. WE'RE REPATRIATING LANDS,
INVESTING IN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAMMING, AND
CREATING ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES FOR CULTURE AND LANGUAGE
[APPLAUSE] MOST TRIBAL NATIONS ARE ACTIVELY
INTEGRATING THEIR LANGUAGE AND TEACHINGS INTO EVERY LEVEL OF
BUSINESS AND EDUCATION. WAADOOKODAADING, LOCATED ON THE
LEADER IN FULL-IMMERSION EDUCATION SINCE 2000, GROWING
KEEPERS OF OUR TRADITIONS. AND IN 2025, LCO UNIVERSITY
ACHIEVED ACCREDITATION TO OFFER A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN
ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION.
THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO PREPARE
EDUCATORS FOR INDIGENOUS, RURAL, AND OJIBWE IMMERSION SETTINGS,
AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE MANY AMAZING TEACHERS IT WILL
PRODUCE. [APPLAUSE]
WE'D LIKE TO THANK THE MANY STATE AGENCIES WORKING WITH US
FOR SUPPORTING LANGUAGE AND CULTURE REVITALIZATION EFFORTS,
INCLUDING THE WISCONSIN DOT FOR THE DUAL LANGUAGE SIGNS THAT ARE
NOW COVERING ALL 11 NATIONS' WORLD WAR II CODE TALKERS
MEMORIAL HIGHWAY.” [CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
WE ARE FURTHER PLEASED TO HEAR THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION WHO DEVELOPED AND FINALIZED THE
“TRIBAL BASICS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES” TRAINING, WHICH IS
NOW LIVE AND WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES IN 2026.
[APPLAUSE] I WANT TO BRIEFLY ACKNOWLEDGE
THE IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS TRIBAL NATIONS HAVE MADE IN 2025
RELATED TO BROADBAND AND TELECOMMUNICATION EXPANSION;
WATER, SEWER AND GAS UPGRADES; ROAD AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS;
HUNDREDS OF ADDITIONAL HOUSING AND HOME IMPROVEMENTS; WELLNESS,
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES; MICRO-GRIDS AND
ENERGY RESILIENCE; IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR JUSTICE AND EDUCATION
CENTERS. THESE PROJECTS CONTRIBUTED
HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INVESTED INTO THE ECONOMY AND
LIVES OF TRIBAL AND NON-TRIBAL BENEFICIARIES IN OUR STATE AND
WILL BENEFIT ALL FOR DECADES TO COME.
WE'RE PROUD OF OUR STAFF AND COMMUNITIES FOR THEIR DEDICATION
TO THESE NEEDS, AND WE PLAN TO WORK EVEN HARDER IN 2026 FOR ALL
OF WISCONSIN. [APPLAUSE]
WHEN IT COMES TO TRIBAL HEALTHCARE, TRIBAL NATIONS
DESIRE IMPROVED ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS & HEMP DERIVED
THC IN WISCONSIN. ACTING NOW TO IMPROVE THE ACCESS
IS AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY. WISCONSINITES ARE BEYOND
ADVOCACY GROUPS LIKE THE INDIGENOUS CANNABIS INDUSTRY
ABUNDANT EVIDENCE THAT WISCONSIN IS READY TO LEGALIZE.
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] WE BELIEVE THERE IS AN
OPPORTUNITY FOR BIPARTISAN SUPPORT AND SUCCESS IF WE FOCUS
THERE ARE 40 OTHER STATES WHO HAVE LEGALIZED, INCLUDING OUR
IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS IN MICHIGAN AND MINNESOTA.
THE LAC VIEW DESERT BAND OPENED THE WILD GLOW CANNABIS COMPANY
IN WATERSMEET, MICHIGAN, IN 2024, JOINING MICHIGAN'S $3
BILLION CANNABIS INDUSTRY AND FULLY EXECUTING A STATE COMPACT
THEY SPECIALIZE IN A WIDE VARIETY OF QUALITY PRODUCTS AT
THEIR BEAUTIFUL TRIBALLY OWNED DISPENSARY, AND WE'RE INCREDIBLY
PROUD OF THEIR HARD WORK THEY'VE PUT INTO THEIR BUSINESS MODEL
AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO ENSURE PATRONS ARE PRACTICING
SAFELY. SINCE THEIR OPENING THEY HAVE
AND WITH HEALTH PRACTICES. WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOUR SUCCESS,
CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS, AND LOOK FORWARD --
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] WE LOOK FORWARD TO BEING IN THE
INDUSTRY SOON WITH YOU. THE BENEFITS OF MEDICAL CANNABIS
TO TREAT CHRONIC PAIN, SEIZURE DISORDERS, PTSD, AND THOSE IS
OPIOID RECOVERY ARE PROFOUND, FOR CENTURIES, INDIGENOUS
PEOPLES HAVE USED THIS PLANT MEDICINE FOR VARIOUS MEDICAL AND
CEREMONIAL PURPOSES. IT'S PROVEN MORE EFFECTIVE IN
AILMENTS THAN STANDARD PHARMACEUTICALS ALONE.
IT CAN BE A REGULATED INDUSTRY FOR THIS STATE WITH MEASURABLE
BENEFITS, AND IT IS HARD TO NOT PRIORITIZE WHEN IT IS CLEARLY
SUPPORTED BY MORE THAN 60% OF [APPLAUSE]
WE BELIEVE THERE IS A WAY FOR OF WISCONSIN TO FIND A RESOLVE.
FINALLY, I BELIEVE WITH EVERY OUNCE OF MY SOUL THAT EDUCATION
IS CRUCIAL FOR PERSONAL GROWTH, WELLNESS, AND TRANSFORMING OUR
SOCIETY. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE EQUAL
ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION. AND KIDS SHOULD HAVE FREE SCHOOL
LUNCH. [APPLAUSE]
THIS MAY SOUND CLICHÉ IF YOU ARE SOMEONE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO KNOW
EDUCATION IS AN ACHIEVABLE PATHWAY.
OR HAVE NEVER STRUGGLED TO KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE HUNGRY AT
SCHOOL. BUT FOR MOST TRIBAL COMMUNITIES,
WE REMAIN SEVERELY DISADVANTAGED.
AND WE ARE ALSO DISPROPORTIONATELY REPRESENTED
INVEST IN AND PRIORITIZE EDUCATION.
HAVING AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE AND HEALTHY, THRIVING STUDENTS WILL
BENEFIT EVERYONE. IN LINE WITH THIS MESSAGE,
TRIBAL NATIONS STRONGLY REQUEST THE EXPANSION OF THE WISCONSIN
TRIBAL EDUCATION PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE UW SYSTEM
TO OUR WISCONSIN TRIBAL COLLEGES.
[APPLAUSE] THE UW MADISON INITIATIVE IS A
GREAT START, BUT IT NEEDS TO BE NORTHER HALF OF THE STATE.
-- NORTHERN HALF OF THE STATE. [APPLAUSE]
INCLUDING THE COLLEGES OF MENOMINEE NATION AND LAC COURTE
OREILLES OJIBWE UNIVERSITY WOULD GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO
TO COLLEGE CLOSER TO HOME AND MAY BE MORE IN LINE WITH THEIR
READINESS VERSUS A UW UNIVERSITY.
THE NATIVE AMERICAN STATE OF AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT INDICATED
ACCOUNT FOR 1.7% OF WISCONSIN COLLEGE STUDENTS.
WHILE UW MADISON GENERATES $1.268 BILLION ANNUALLY IN
TUITION FEES, THE ANNUAL AMOUNT ESTIMATED TO EXPAND THE
WISCONSIN TRIBAL EDUCATION PROMISE PROGRAM IS $12 MILLION.
WE CAN AND MUST DO THIS! [APPLAUSE]
TO CONCLUDE, 2025 CAN BE DESCRIBED IN ACRONYMS
AS THE YEAR OF DOGE, ICE, DEI, AND RIF.
WHILE THE NEW FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTED THEIR AGENDA,
TESTING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF A WE HAVE BEEN RESILIENTLY WORKING
TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF OUR CONSTITUENTS,
SHIELDING THEM FROM ATTACKS ON HUMAN DECENCY AND THE DISRUPTION
OF EVERYTHING THEY KNOW AS NOT EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM MAY
AGREE THAT WE ARE IN VERY UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, BUT
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, SADLY, WE CONSEQUENTLY, WE ARE THE MOST
RESILIENT HUMAN BEINGS YOU WILL EVERY ENCOUNTER.
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE
COURAGE, SWIFTNESS, AND DILIGENCE OF TRIBAL LEADERS AND
ADVOCACY GROUPS WHEN FEDERAL DECISIONS THREATENED TO
NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR NATIONS WHEN THE LIVES OF TRIBAL MEMBERS
OR SOVEREIGNTY WERE THREATETHRE WE ACTED.
WHEN CONSIDERATIONS WERE MADE TO SERVICE WORKERS, WE ACTED.
WHEN THREATS WERE MADE TO DEFUND HEAD START, WE ACTED.
WHEN HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF WISCONSINITES WERE AT RISK OF
THIS SPIRIT OF ACTION EXTENDS TO WISCONSIN'S ATTORNEY GENERAL
BANDED TOGETHER. [APPLAUSE]
DESPITE OUR DIFFERENCES, WE WORKED TO FULFILL OUR
MORAL OBLIGATION -- ENSURING OUR THIS IS THE KIND OF UNITY THAT
CREATES CHANGE. TOGETHER.
TRIBAL MEMBERS RESIDE IN NEARLY EVERY COMMUNITY IN THIS STATE,
RELYING ON US TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP ON THEIR BEHALF.
AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE MORE IN COMMON THAN WE KNOW.
WISCONSIN IS OUR HOME, AND IT PROVIDES FOR OUR SPIRITUAL AND
PHYSICAL WELL-BEING. THIS IS THE PLACE THAT OUR
ANCESTORS FOUGHT FOR AND ARE BURIED WITHIN, AND WE WILL
CONTINUE TO EXERCISE OUR TREATY RIGHTS IN PERPETUITY.
THE MOTIVATION TO PROTECT OUR SOME, BUT AS WE FACE THE
UPCOMING CHALLENGES RELATED TO INJUSTICES, I URGE US TO BE
VIGILANT AND NOT SURRENDER OUR VALUES.
BEING A WISCONSINITE ON THE HOMELANDS OF THE ANISHINAABE
PEOPLE WILL HELP GUIDE US ALL IN OUR DECISION-MAKING AND MOVE THE
PRIORITIES FORWARD IN A GOOD WAY.
[APPLAUSE] IN CLOSING, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE
TO ACKNOWLEDGE WISCONSIN'S CURRENT GOVERNOR TONY EVERS.
[APPLAUSE] I AM FURTHER HONORED TO BE
LEADERSHIP. GOVERNOR EVERS AND I GO BACK A
FEW YEARS BEFORE HIS GOVERNORSHIP AND MY
CHAIRPERSONSHIP WHILE HE SERVED I AS A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER FOR
OUR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. I HEARD HIM SPEAK AT THE
WISCONSIN INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, AND I
KNEW THEN WITHOUT UNWAVERING DOUBT THAT HE WAS ONE OF THE
KINDEST, PASSIONATE, AND SMARTEST PEOPLE I'D EVER GET THE
CHANCE TO KNOW AND WORK WITH. IN FACT, HE MAY HAVE EVEN BEEN
AN INSPIRATION FOR ME TO RUN. [APPLAUSE]
GOVERNOR EVERS, YOUR LEGACY OF PUBLIC EDUCATION SUPPORT WILL
TRIBAL NATIONS WILL TALK ABOUT YOUR COLLABORATIONS AND ADVOCACY
FOR MANY GENERATIONS, AND YOU HAVE BUILT LIFELONG
RELATIONSHIPS WITH SO MANY. OUR LIVES ARE SINCERELY TOUCHED
BECAUSE WE KNOW YOU. TRIBAL NATIONS, OUR MEMBERS
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK, YOUR
COMMITMENT, AND JUST BEING THE JAZZY, CHILL INTELLIGENT GUY
THAT YOU ARE. [APPLAUSE]
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] I AM UNAPOLOGETICALLY PROUD TO
BE AN ANISHINAABE OJIBWE KWE
-- [APPLAUSE]
SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MY TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP, MY ANCESTORS, AND
OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS. I HOPE I WAS ABLE TO ENLIGHTEN
YOU THE SLIGHTEST AND INSPIRE HOPE FOR US TO DEEPEN THE
PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN OUR STATE MIIGWECH, EVERYONE, FOR
LISTENING, AND GO TROLLERS! MI'IW.
[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]
>> PLEASE REMAIN STANDING AS WE RETIRE THE COLORS.