Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker met with Lac Courte Oreilles and other tribal officials from across the state at the Lac Courte Oreilles tribal office November 8. The meeting was a regular quarterly meeting Walker has scheduled with tribal officials to provide discussion and updates on statewide issues. Walker was joined by Wisconsin State Budget Director Brian Hayes.Among the topics discussed was a strong emphasis on promoting economic development initiatives within Wisconsin reservations and how the tribes can better work with the state to promote growth. Governor Walker stressed greater availability of job center services to help tribal members find employment.
Lac Courte Oreilles Chairman Gordon Thayer explained the tribes' desire to maintain a liaison office near the Capitol in Madison to promote awareness of Wisconsin's indigenous populations as a type of cultural center, and to also use such a facility to provide access more readily to legislators and state officials to champion tribal issues and perspectives.Governor Walker cited the benefits of such an office and is willing to help the tribes secure office space in the Justice Building one block from the Capitol mall.
Another discussion was held regarding the abuse of prescription and illicit drugs on reservations and how the state might provide better resources and prevention funding to help curb drug abuse among native populations.
Another significant topic was mining in northern Wisconsin, with the tribes resolute in asserting opposition to mining that damages the environment, but not to the jobs mining would create. Governor Walker stated that establishing a streamlined, yet thorough, process for any company looking to obtain mining permits within the state was important to his administration.Following the meeting, Governor Walker posed with the Lac Courte Oreilles Youth Council and also toured the cultural center at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College.
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