MADISON – Following the conclusion of the annual State of the Tribes address, delivered by Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey, Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) released the following statement:
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the 18th annual State of the Tribes address. Throughout her speech, President Holsey highlighted the immutable fact that sovereign tribal nations are an essential part of the fabric of Wisconsin.
“The impact of Wisconsin’s sovereign tribal nations can be felt in every corner of the state. From being some of our largest employers, to continually being on the front-line of progressive environmental policy and natural resource protection, the influence of tribal members and nations is key to our collective success. Like President Holsey emphasized in her address, the conservation of our lands and waters is critical to maintaining our connection to the natural world.
“Our state government and sovereign tribal nations share a responsibility to the people and land that make up Wisconsin. We share a commitment to governing with the next seven generations of Wisconsinites in mind, so that our children, grandchildren, and descendants can thrive on the same land we cultivate today.
“Part of that commitment, as President Holsey mentioned, is ensuring that the true nature of Native American history is taught to future generations. History, with all its ugliness and progress, urges us towards compassion and helps us think critically about our present.
“Today, we celebrate the cultures and impacts of Wisconsin’s first inhabitants, and we recognize the voices who have too often gone unheard. This year’s address made clear that there is still much work to be done in supporting Wisconsin’s Indigenous communities and addressing deep-rooted historical trauma. It’s time that we honor the history of the occupied land we live on and build the way towards our shared future.”
