Tribal leaders, state officials, and community members gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol on February 10 for the 2026 State of the Tribes Address, delivered by Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairwoman Nicole Boyd.

     “My first message today is that wealth is not defined solely by monetary values and material items,” Boyd said.

     Boyd emphasized the responsibility to protect natural resources, especially water, and called on state leaders to take tribal knowledge and consultation seriously.

     “As a mother, an Anishinaabe woman, I beg you to join us in protecting the very resource that brought you, me, our children, our grandchildren, and future generations into this world,” Boyd said. “We cannot survive without it.”

     She pointed to ongoing concerns over major infrastructure projects, including the proposed reroute of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation.

     Tribal leaders have long warned about the risk of an oil spill in the Bad River watershed, which feeds into Lake Superior and includes one of the most sensitive wetland ecosystems in the region.

     “Why is it wrong to expect that the feasibility of projects of this magnitude be studied and ensure the water will be protected?” Boyd said.

     Boyd also urged lawmakers to recognize manoomin, or wild rice, as Wisconsin’s official state grain.

     “Wild rice has seen a significant decline over the last many years and promoting it will allow us a platform to continue our efforts to restore and protect this resource,” Boyd said.

     On economic development, Boyd highlighted the role tribal nations play across the state, employing thousands of people through gaming, healthcare, education, and other enterprises.

     Tribal governments also contribute revenue back to the state through gaming compacts, totaling more than $60 million last year.

     She pointed to large-scale partnerships like the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, hosted in collaboration with the Oneida Nation, as an example of that impact.

     “This event brought in an astronomical $105 million to the state,” Boyd said.

     Boyd also called for approval of mobile sports betting under tribal-state compacts, noting that many Wisconsin residents currently use unregulated platforms that provide no consumer protections and generate no in-state revenue.

     “By allowing a legal framework for mobile sports wagering, the state will see increased revenue through the state gaming compacts and consumers will have the legal protection needed to ensure that they receive fair play,” Boyd said.

     In healthcare, Boyd pointed to expanded services through tribal nations, including 11 federally qualified health centers that serve both Native and non-Native patients. She also highlighted new investments, such as the 36-bed adolescent recovery and wellness center in Bowler, aimed at addressing substance use and mental health challenges among youth.

     “There is a severe mental health crisis, which is resulting in an increase in suicides and the unnecessary loss of life,” Boyd said.

     Boyd noted that while harm reduction efforts have helped decrease overdose deaths in some communities, new challenges are emerging, including increased vaping addiction among youth and ongoing impacts of substance use and gun violence.

     She also raised concerns about limited law enforcement resources in northern Wisconsin, where the number of state narcotics investigators has steadily declined over the years.

     “In 2025 there are zero. Yes zero, narcotics investigative agents,” Boyd said.

     Boyd called for stronger action on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives, emphasizing that current task forces and offices are not enough without meaningful policy changes and resources.

     “We must invest in the resources needed to prevent violent crimes against women and children,” Boyd said.

     Boyd stressed the need for prevention, improved protections, and long-term support for survivors, noting that tribal communities continue to face disproportionate rates of violence.

     Boyd also advocated for expanded access to medical cannabis, pointing to its potential to address chronic pain, PTSD, seizure disorders, and opioid recovery. She noted that neighboring states like Michigan and Minnesota have already legalized cannabis, while Wisconsin continues to lag behind.

     “For centuries, Indigenous peoples have used this plant medicine for various medical and ceremonial purposes,” Boyd said.

     Education remained a central focus of the address, including expanding access to higher education for tribal students and strengthening language and cultural programs.

     “Finally, I believe with every ounce of my soul that education is crucial for personal growth, wellness, and transforming our society,” Boyd said.

     Boyd closed the address with a message of resilience and unity.

     “Not everyone in this room may agree that we are in very unprecedented times, but Indigenous people, sadly, we have seen this before. We are better together," Boyd said. “Wisconsin is our home.”