On March 19, 2025, the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) held a Board of Directors meeting in Madison, WI, following the 2025 State of the Tribes Address. All eleven federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin were present and met with state officials to discuss concerns facing native communities and explore collaborative solutions. Wisconsin State Attorney General (AG) Josh Kaul led the discussion thanking members of GLITC for their engagement in government-to-government communications and working together on a number of shared priorities. One of those shared priorities we are working on includes monitoring the changes being made to federal policies, how it’s impacting people and what we at the Department of Justice are doing to respond to those changes. Our office is working with AGs offices around the country to prepare a legal strategy in response to changes in the federal administration. One of the cases we are involved in is the president’s change in the way birth right citizenship works. We joined a multi-state suit the next day challenging that order. We have  obtained a preliminary injunction order from the court which blocks the order from going into effect. 

Governor Tony Evers, State Representatives, and other State Department Secretaries were also in attendance. 

Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribal Chief of Police Susie Taylor addressed the governor, emphasizing the urgent need for tribal police to access state retirement benefits to aid in recruitment and retention.  Taylor stated:

“Investing in officers’ well-being is an investment in the safety and security of tribal communities. Tribal officers wear the same uniform, face the same dangers, and make the same sacrifices as state, local, and federal law enforcement officers. We put our lives on the line every day, yet we are unfairly denied the same retirement benefits simply because of jurisdiction. This disparity is not only unjust but also a failure to recognize the dedication and service to our tribal communities. By prioritizing fair retirement, injury, and death benefits, we honor the service and sacrifices of tribal law enforcement officers, ensuring stronger and safer communities for future generations.”

Governor Evers expressed his appreciation for the work of Police Chief Taylor and other tribal law enforcement officers contribute to the safety and well-being of our communities. He committed to creating a policy to grant tribal law enforcement officers the ability to join state law enforcement retirement benefits by finding language that does not impede tribal sovereignty.