2025 State Of The Tribes

MADISON– Chairman Thomas Fowler of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin delivered the 21st annual State of the Tribes address today at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa), who served on the 2022 Special Committee on State-tribal Relations, released the following statement on the State of the Tribes address:

“The State of the Tribes address is an important tradition where members of the legislature hear directly from leaders of the sovereign tribal nations of Wisconsin. Chairman Thomas Fowler spoke of the importance of harm reduction as public health, access to clean water, legalizing medical marijuana, increases in mental health resources, the importance of access to quality higher education, respect for tribal sovereignty, and more.

“Hearing from Wisconsin’s tribal nations is an important part of our partnership, and so is acting on what we hear.

“In 2022 I served on the Study Committee on State-Tribal Relations. Today, the Assembly passed three bills related to material we studied on the committee. I am a proud co-sponsor of 2025 AB 98, protecting the right of students to wear tribal regalia during graduation ceremonies and other school events. The Assembly also passed AB 99, adding tribal governments to the list of agencies, departments, and institutions exempt from penalties for copying a certified copy of a vital record; and AB 101, ensuring that school districts report information to assess the need for American Indian language and cultural education programs. Forward, together.”

Rep. Vining represents the 13th Assembly District, which includes Elm Grove, and parts of Wauwatosa and Brookfield. For more information visit Rep. Vining’s website here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.