American Indian Engagement
WALKING TOGETHER
IN A GOOD WAY:
AMERICAN INDIAN
ENGAGEMENT
FOR THE NEW
MUSEUM PROJECT
AND BEYOND
WISCONSIN: HOME TO 12,000 YEARS OF HUMAN HISTORY AND COUNTING
Today, twelve distinct American Indian nations call Wisconsin home, including eleven federally recognized tribes-more than any state east of the Mississippi River. Speaking six languages from three language families, the diversity among the First Nations of Wisconsin speaks to our rich 12,000 year human story that has collectively shaped how we know and understand our state today. These politically distinct nations possess an inherent right to self-governance, also known as tribal sovereignty, which cannot be given or taken away. Each tribal government has its own constitution, elected officials, and code of governing laws.
OUR COMMITMENT:
NATIONS WITHIN A NATION
American Indian nations have direct government-to-government relationships with the United States; and, as a state institution, it is the Society's responsibility to work together with the sovereign tribal nations that reside within our state. In 2004, Governor Jim Doyle passed Executive Order # 39, affirming the State of Wisconsin's unique legal relationship with the American Indian nations. Working with our tribal neighbors is essential not only to understand our past, but to build our future.
AMERICAN INDIAN ENGAGEMENT SERIES
CONNECT WITH US TODAY!
Rebecca H. Comfort
American Indian Nation Liaison
Office of the Director
608.264.6452 (Madison)
414.988.8656 (Milwaukee)