Red Cliff Chairwoman Nicole Boyd Delivers Powerful Call for Partnership at State of the Tribes

By Joe Morey Rez Life Weekly Editor

Standing before lawmakers inside the Wisconsin State Capitol, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairwoman Nicole Boyd delivered a State of the Tribes address that was at once ceremonial, urgent, reflective, and direct.

Her message centered on sovereignty, environmental protection, education, health, and the continued strength of Wisconsin’s tribal nations. But at its core, the speech was about something even more fundamental.

“Without safe water, we will not survive,” Boyd told legislators. “I ask you to join us in protecting the very resource that brought you, me, our children, our grandchildren and future generations into this world.”

For nearly an hour, Boyd spoke not only as chairwoman of Red Cliff, but on behalf of all eleven federally recognized tribal nations in Wisconsin. Her remarks blended history, cultural values, policy priorities, and personal conviction into a clear appeal for strengthened government-to-government relationships between tribal nations and the State of Wisconsin.

Boyd returned repeatedly to the theme of water protection. She spoke about treaty rights, tribal stewardship, and the sacred responsibility to protect natural resources.

“When we want to share our views on why we will protect our water, air, land and beings at all costs,” she said, “we continue to be considered radical or less than or equal counterparts.”

Her words drew sustained applause from tribal leaders seated in the chamber.

Boyd urged lawmakers to treat environmental protection not as a partisan issue, but as a shared responsibility.

“We are not asking for special treatment,” she said. “We are asking for partnership. We are asking you to recognize that our survival is tied to the health of this land.”

She also highlighted manoomin, or wild rice, and the cultural and spiritual importance it holds for Ojibwe people. She framed its protection as both an environmental and moral imperative.

Throughout the address, Boyd reinforced the concept of tribal sovereignty.

“We are sovereign nations,” she said plainly. “We are not stakeholders. We are governments.”

Her tone was firm but measured. She spoke of the importance of early consultation on legislation affecting tribal communities and stressed that government-to-government relationships must be active and ongoing.

“Consultation is not a box that you check,” she said. “It is a commitment.”

Boyd emphasized that tribal nations are not relics of the past.

“We’re still here,” she said. “We have always been here. And we are going to continue to be here.”

That message echoed sentiments shared by other tribal attendees at the Capitol that day, who described the annual State of the Tribes address as one of the few moments when tribal leaders can speak directly to the full Legislature.

Boyd devoted significant time to healthcare and community wellness. She praised tribal health systems and the work being done to address substance misuse and mental health.

“Our communities have faced unimaginable challenges,” she said. “But we are resilient. We are healing.”

She spoke about the importance of culturally responsive mental health services and noted that investment in tribal healthcare benefits both Native and non-Native residents in surrounding areas.

“Our clinics serve more than just our own,” she said. “When tribal health systems are strong, Wisconsin is stronger.”

Education was another major theme.

Boyd called for expanded access to higher education for Native students and stronger collaboration with the University of Wisconsin system and technical colleges.

“Our children deserve to see themselves reflected in the institutions that shape their futures,” she said.

She framed education as both a treaty right and a pathway to economic independence.

“Education is empowerment,” Boyd said. “It is sovereignty in action.”

Boyd reminded lawmakers that tribal nations are major economic drivers in Wisconsin.

She pointed to gaming, tourism, cultural enterprises, and job creation as tangible examples of tribal contributions to the state’s economy.

“We are employers. We are partners. We are investors in Wisconsin’s future,” she said.

She also raised the issue of mobile sports betting and modernizing gaming compacts, suggesting that innovation in tribal gaming could generate new revenue streams while keeping dollars within the state.

Governor’s Engagement

Governor Tony Evers attended the address and later described it as an honor to join tribal nations for the annual event. His administration has emphasized building respectful relationships with tribal governments, and Boyd’s speech reflected an expectation that those relationships continue to deepen.

He publicly praised Boyd’s remarks and described it as an “outstanding speech.”

Even as Boyd’s address emphasized government-to-government work, she made it clear that tribal nations expect follow-through. “We are ready to work hard, and we expect that same dedication from our state partners,” she told lawmakers.

“Partnership requires more than words,” she said. “It requires action.”

Conversations Beyond the Podium

The State of the Tribes was more than the address, but meetings between tribal leaders and legislators, including a luncheon. While much of those discussions occurred behind closed doors, attendees described it as an opportunity for candid dialogue.

Legislators and tribal officials discussed water protection, economic development, healthcare access, and public safety. The luncheon reinforced the annual address as more than ceremonial. It served as a working session between sovereign governments.

Boyd’s speech set the tone for those conversations.

“We are ready to work,” she told lawmakers earlier in the chamber. “We ask that you meet us in that work.”

For many in the audience, the day carried the feel of both ceremony and strategy. Misty Nordin of the Red Cliff Band said the address mattered because it placed tribal priorities in front of the people who shape state policy. “This is where all of our politicians are, and this is where their ears are,” Nordin told Northern News Now.

Menominee citizen Justin Fisher also underscored the importance of tribal leaders showing up in Madison and speaking directly to the state. “We got to continue to speak up and having a voice and make sure that we advocate for ourselves. And, we’re still here. We’re still here and we’ve always been here and we’re always going to be here,” Fisher said.

While the State of the Tribes address is the most visible part of the week, the gathering in Madison also functions as a working summit for intertribal coordination, including meetings convened by the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, the consortium representing Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes.

Boyd referenced how that behind-the-scenes work translates into policy moves, noting that at a recent GLITC Board of Directors meeting, leaders advanced steps to support and formalize the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition, a long-running Menominee-led effort focused on food access and food justice initiatives.

In the same address, Boyd highlighted GLITC’s Adolescent Recovery and Wellness Center, saying the council, working with the State of Wisconsin, broke ground in 2025 on the 36-bed residential treatment facility in Bowler for Native and non-Native youth ages 13 to 17.

In one of the most striking passages of the address, Boyd returned to water and the future.

“Without safe water, we will not survive,” she repeated. “And I will never apologize for fighting for the survival of my people.”

The chamber fell quiet as she spoke those words.

Her speech was not confrontational, but it was unmistakably clear. Tribal nations expect recognition, respect, and meaningful partnership.

As lawmakers filed out of the chamber and tribal leaders gathered for further meetings, one message lingered.

“We are sovereign,” Boyd said. “We are resilient. And we are here.”