MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Wisconsin’s State of the Tribes Address was this week.
St. Croix Chippewa Tribal Chair Thomas Fowler did not mention the Trump administration by name during the annual State of the Tribes address on Tuesday. But the tribal leader briefly alluded to what’s happening in Washington.
“The truth is, is that we have navigated through some great administrations throughout history who worked hard to uphold treaties and responsibilities and sought to strengthen relationships with tribes. We also have experienced some administrations that did quite poorly at best,” Fowler said.
Fowler said Wisconsin tribes stand ready to defend their rights and sovereignty.
“We’ve always had and will continue to have experienced lawyers, advocates, organizations, councils, politicians and allies working tirelessly within and alongside tribes to defend and propel tribal rights and sovereignty forward,” Fowler said.
Fowler’s remarks come amid uncertainty as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency moves to terminate leases for Bureau of Indian Affairs offices around the country, including the BIA office in Ashland, Wisconsin.