MADISON – Chairman Robert Van Zile of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa delivered the 19th annual State of the Tribes address today at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa), a member of 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 eleven sovereign tribal nations of Wisconsin. Chairman Van Zile spoke of the importance of respectful treatment of our land, ensuring access to clean air and water, investing in youth mental health, and bringing attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives crisis.
“Hearing from Wisconsin’s tribal nations is an important part of our partnership, and so is acting on what we hear. I served on the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations last year where all seven of the committee’s recommendations were passed with unanimous, bipartisan support. I look forward to hearing these bills in committee, and seeing them move to the Assembly floor for a vote. Furthermore, I look forward to conversations across the aisle regarding Chairman Van Zile’s mention of the need for a stronger partnership addressing the mental health of native youth. Forward together.”
Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Wauwatosa and West Allis. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here.
