Here & Now

Wisconsin's Tribal Nations Assert Reciprocity and Resiliency

Frederica Freyberg:
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.

Nicole Boyd:
[speaking Ojibwe]
Good morning everyone. I share with you my Anishinaabe name ‘Woman who leaves tracks where she walks.’

Erica Ayisi:
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.

Nicole Boyd:
We are not here simply to take. Our ancestors knew this. They fought for this, and they left us the teachings of reciprocity.

Erica Ayisi:
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.

Nicole Boyd:
Why is it wrong to expect that the feasibility of projects of this magnitude be ecologically sound and ensure the water will be protected?

Erica Ayisi:
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.

Nicole Boyd:
Were we wrong to request that there be meaningful due diligence as part of the decision-making promise?

Erica Ayisi:
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 grain.

Nicole Boyd:
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.

Erica Ayisi:
On economic development, Boyd touted positive gains, noting the collaboration with the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay with Oneida Nation.

Nicole Boyd:
This event brought in an astronomical $105 million to the state of Wisconsin.

Erica Ayisi:
She asked for legislation for online sports betting wagered through Wisconsin’s tribes to be approved.

Nicole Boyd:
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.

Erica Ayisi:
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.

Nicole Boyd:
For centuries, Indigenous people have used this plant medicine for various medical and ceremonial purposes.

Erica Ayisi:
Boyd also says the state task force to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives needs improved policies that includes helping survivors heal.

Nicole Boyd:
We must invest the resources needed to prevent violent crimes against women and children.

Erica Ayisi:
As to education, Boyd would like to see the UW-Madison Tribal Tuition Program expanded.

Nicole Boyd:
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.

Erica Ayisi:
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.

Sagen Lily Quale:
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.

Erica Ayisi:
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.

Paul Smith:
The national shoreline that she wants to protect with the Frog Bay National Park, with protections on Lake Superior and the protections around the waters through Bad River, it’s all those things are connected to tourism.

Erica Ayisi:
Brian Wilson, 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.

Brian Wilson, Jr.:
We’re adding to our employees and with health benefits and retirement programs.

Erica Ayisi:
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.

Nicole Boyd:
This is the place our ancestors fought for and are buried within, and we will continue to exercise our treaty rights in perpetuity.

Erica Ayisi:
In Madison, I’m Eric Ayisi for “Here & Now” and ICT.