Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe Honors Governor Tony Evers with Proclamation of Gratitude

By Joe Morey

News Editor

In a historic gesture of recognition and gratitude, members of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board (TGB) met with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to present him with a proclamation celebrating his unwavering support for the tribe and Native Nations across the state. The proclamation, read and presented at a recent meeting, detailed the Governor’s significant contributions to Indigenous communities during his tenure.

LCO Attorney General Dylan Linehan reads the Proclamation to Governor Evers while LCO Chairman Louis Taylor, Sec-Treasurer Bill Trepanier, LCO Vice Chairman Tweed Shuman all look on.

LCO Chairman Louis Taylor expressed the tribe’s heartfelt appreciation for Governor Evers’ commitment to Tribal sovereignty, collaboration, and progress.

“Governor Evers has always listened to our concerns, treated us with respect, and been willing to meet with us,” said Chairman Taylor. “He’s demonstrated an understanding of the challenges we face and worked with us to address them. We felt compelled to honor him for his genuine support and service to our tribe and Native Nations across Wisconsin.”

The proclamation highlighted key milestones in Governor Evers’ relationship with the LCO Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, including his designation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as the second Monday in October. This observance reaffirms the state’s commitment to respecting Tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship between Tribes and Wisconsin.

Additionally, the Proclamation goes on to state, “Governor Evers issued a formal apology on behalf of the state for its history of Indian boarding schools, which sought to assimilate Native children by separating them from their culture, language, and traditions.”

Bill Trepanier stands by the flag of Lac Courte Oreilles in the Capitol

The proclamation also recognized several grants secured under Governor Evers’ leadership, including the Healthcare Infrastructure Grant, the Neighborhood Investment Fund, the Workforce Innovation Grant, and others that have directly benefited the LCO community.

Another significant accomplishment noted was the compact agreement allowing event wagering at Sevenwinds Casino, Lodge, and Conference Center, which has provided the tribe with expanded gaming options. Governor Evers’ efforts to make $6 million available for Tribal Nations to address opioid abatement and his support for environmental initiatives, including phosphorus management in Lake Lac Courte Oreilles, were also praised.

One of the most memorable moments during Governor Evers’ tenure was his visit to the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School, where he announced a Wisconsin Fab Lab Grant. This funding enabled the school to develop a fabrication laboratory, providing students with cutting-edge tools for educational advancement.

In his 2024 State of the State Address, Governor Evers also announced $1.9 million in funding to support collaborative state and Tribal efforts for effective manoomin (wild rice) management, a culturally and environmentally significant resource for the LCO Tribe.

The proclamation concluded with a formal acknowledgment of Governor Evers’ enduring dedication to the Native Nations of Wisconsin.

“The Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians recognizes and celebrates the support it has received from Governor Evers,” the proclamation stated. “We express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for the Governor’s recognition of Tribal sovereignty, his commitment to the Native Nations of Wisconsin, and his work in support of the Indigenous peoples of the State.”

Governor Evers graciously accepted the proclamation, thanking the LCO Tribe for the honor and reaffirming his commitment to working in partnership with Native communities.

This proclamation not only reflects a shared history of collaboration but also sets a precedent for continued advocacy and cooperation between the state and Wisconsin’s Native Nations.