The poor national economy has resulted in tough times for Wisconsin’s Indian reservations. That was part of the message delivered to state lawmakers today during the State of the Tribes address at the Capitol. Saint Croix Tribal Chairman Lewis Taylor said the remote locations of reservations have made them more vulnerable than many other parts of the state.
AUDIO: Lewis Taylor (18:00 MP3) AUDIO: Lewis Taylor (18:00 MP3)
Taylor, whose Ojibwe tribe holds reservation lands scattered across three northwestern Wisconsin counties, also urged the legislature to approve a bill that would assure mutual aid between tribal and state law enforcement agencies. That bill received a public hearing last week. Taylor also asked for tribal representation on the UW Board of Regents during the sixth annual State of the Tribes address before a joint session of the legislature and other state officials.
