Wisconsin Ojibwe Stress Environmental Unity at State of the Tribes Address

Working together on environmental issues was a one of several strong themes in the recent State of the Tribes address given to the Wisconsin Legislature by Lac Courte Oreilles Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians chairman Mic Isham.

In a speech that highlighted tribal members’ accomplishments—ranging from basketball scholarships to law-school degrees—and busted open myths that still seem to pervade about Native life, tax obligations, voting records and housing, Isham moved on to talk about the befuddling nature of state and tribal environmental relations.

“I’ve mentioned several areas in which we have good partnerships or relationships, but yes there are areas in which we do not always agree,” Isham said. “The areas of natural resource management and environmental protection are rife with differences. And, for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. These are areas where we have much in common and should be working hand-in-hand. Pristine water, clean air, lush woodlands, healthy and clean fish and wildlife populations benefit us all. Our state’s overall public health and well-being, as well as a sustainable economy are dependent on clean air, clean water and clean land.”...

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Ken Notes: Wow I agree 100% and the note that the economy is actually dependent on these issues is huge. I wonder if we could work with the tribes is areas like ecotourism??