Wisconsin Dells, WI – On April 16, 2025, Tribal Leaders from across the state met with officials from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). The 2025 Tribal Consultation was well attended with a packed agenda.

Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) was well represented at the consultation by several key departments, including the LCO Tribal Governing Board Vice Chairman Tweed Shuman, LCO Daycare, Indian Child Welfare/Family Services, Child Support, Income Maintenance, and Oakwood Haven. Vice Chairman Shuman stated, “Our primary objective at this consultation was to advocate for the continued support and enhancement of our Head Start and Early Head Start programs.”

The DCF Tribal Affairs team is committed to working collaboratively with Tribes to ensure programs and services meet their needs. Collaborations such as this foster healthy partnerships creating healthier communities for all. 

The purpose of this gathering is to update the  2024 Tribal Consultation Action Plan. Items under review included:

• Full Faith and Credit for Tribal Self-Regulated Certification and Licensing for Providers.
• Fingerprinting and Background Checks
• Kinship Care Rates
• 161 Agreements for Counties that surround Tribes.