Gov. Tony Evers signs executive order that addresses Tribal Treaty Rights on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

LAC COURTE OREILLES RESERVATION, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day by signing an executive order Monday that addresses several issues on Tribal Treaty Rights and stewardship, including preserving cultural resources and languages and sustaining food production.

A news release from the governor’s office details that Evers signed Executive Order #277 in the presence of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC). The legislation furthers the governor’s efforts in respecting Tribal Sovereignty, building strong relationships with Tribal governments, and bolstering the education and awareness of Tribal Treaty Rights.

“Since Day One, strengthening our government-to-government relationships, respecting Tribal sovereignty, honoring Treaty Rights, and building stronger communities together has been a top priority of my administration, and, today, I am proud to take another step forward in that relationship and in reaffirming our commitment to these agreements and efforts,” said Evers in a statement. 

“The executive order I am signing today will ensure the state is a stronger partner in supporting those who have been hunting and gathering from these lands and waters for centuries and in continuing our state’s commitment to preserving, protecting, and promoting Tribal Treaty Rights, sovereignty, and cultural practices.”

Evers also shared a video commemorating the state holiday and the signing of the executive order.

“Wisconsin wouldn’t be who we are today without the vast historical and cultural contribution of Indigenous people.”

In 2019, Evers signed Executive Order #50 to officially designate the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day – 2025 is the seventh-consecutive year that Wisconsin has observed the holiday. The governor signed legislation, Executive Order #136, that formally issued an acknowledgement and apology for the state’s role in Indian boarding schools. The order also included a declaration of support for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative.