DeMain Says State-Tribal Relations At Low Ebb

As some Chippewa tribal members possibly head out for an off-reservation deer hunt, a longtime Native American journalist says state-tribal relations are at their worst point in decades.

About 75 Chippewa tribal members could go deer hunting off the reservation in the ceded territory of the north, as the tribe responds to the state allowing non-tribal members to hunt wolves at night. The DNR continues to argue the off-reservation deer hunt would be unsafe, and is asking a federal court to halt the tribal hunters. To Native American journalist Paul DeMain, the dispute is part of pattern of disagreements between the Walker administration and the tribes.

DeMain also cites disagreements between the DNR and tribes over a tribal harvesting of a ceremonial elk, and Gov. Walker’s support for the proposed iron ore mine in Ashland and Iron Counties, a proposal the tribes fought. But the governor contends he has a good record of reaching out to Native Americans. He says he met with tribal leaders earlier this month near Hayward.

There’s no word as to whether Walker’s newly announced statewide talk with Walker tour will include stops at any tribal headquarters.