MADISON, WI – Today, the Wisconsin State Legislature convened for the 22nd consecutive State of the Tribes, with Chairwoman Nicole Boyd from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa delivering the annual address. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement:
“It was a privilege to be able to attend the 22nd Annual 2026 State of the Tribes at our State Capitol today and hear Chairwoman Nicole Boyd from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa deliver this year’s address.
Chairwoman Boyd spoke powerfully of the many shared obligations that we as a State Legislature hold together with the governments of Wisconsin’s sovereign tribal nations. She also highlighted the critical work of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force, which is working to prevent homicide, abduction, violence, and trafficking of Indigenous women and relatives throughout our state by examining the factors that contribute to missing and murdered Indigenous women, the response from social service organizations, the role of federal, state, and tribal jurisdictions, and improving data collection and reporting methods.
We are all responsible for the protection and stewardship of our natural resources, including the lands and pristine waters that sustain life throughout our state. We are all responsible for ensuring that local communities receive the resources they need to sustain necessary infrastructure and provide services to constituents. We are all responsible for protecting the vulnerable, preventing violence, and helping survivors heal from gender-based violence.
While the State of Wisconsin and sovereign tribal governments have made successful strides through intentional partnerships to improve healthcare, education, and workforce development for all inhabitants of our state, there is still much more progress to be made.
Wisconsin’s diverse tribal nations have inhabited and stewarded the lands and waters of Wisconsin since time immemorial and continue to lead environmental policy, drive economic development, serve honorably in our nation’s military, and contribute immensely to the culture of our state. As a State Legislature, we must continue to work collaboratively with the governments of Wisconsin’s sovereign tribal nations to create policy and shape positive change for all Wisconsin residents.”
