Wisconsin tribal leaders, aware of concern about Trump orders, mostly avoid confrontation
Tribal leaders across Wisconsin are issuing statements in response to President Trump's flurry of executive orders last week, especially those affecting Indian Country.
The most critical reaction, so far, has come from Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer.
'I will not bend or bow, play political games, or accept any threat to any of our tribal members or their families in this ridiculous and irresponsible demonstration of petulant leadership,' he said in a statement on the evening of Jan. 23.
'Demonizing human beings for the color of their skin, the people they love, the bodies they so choose to make decisions for, or the economic class to which they struggle to break free from represents something far from the public service embodied in any oath or promise to the people we serve.'
Several news outlets have reported that Trump's Department of Justice attorneys were questioning whether Native Americans could be considering U.S. citizens, according to a 19th century law that excludes Indigenous peoples from birthright citizenship.
One executive order being scrutinized by tribal officials is the ending of 'birthright citizenship,' which has since been blocked by a federal judge for being unconstitutional.
In Arizona, state and Navajo tribal officials responded to reports of Navajo tribal members being detained by ICE agents and urged tribal members to carry their tribal IDs or Certificate of Indian Blood.
Arizona State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie informed the Navajo Nation council about a tribal member who was detained despite showing their Certificate of Indian Blood because ICE agents failed to recognize it as valid proof of citizenship, according to a Navajo Nation press release as reported by the Arizona Republic.
More: Navajo Nation leaders address reports of ICE detaining tribal citizens
Tribal leaders are also concerned about Trump's anti-DEI efforts that rescind Biden's executive orders aimed at strengthening tribal communities.
Two programs in particular to be rescinded are, first, the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities, and second, Advancing Equity, Justice and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
'I hope not to believe we are the target of the president and the forces behind the MAGA front steering his decision making, but if we are we will hold our ground as we have long before this new fury against humankind came to be,' Greendeer said. 'In the meantime, I will take on a task of assembling impact statements for the variety of programs and services that could be affected in the wake of these executive orders.'
Other tribal leaders in Wisconsin made more conciliatory statements in response to Trump's executive orders.
Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill said Oneida officials are aware that many tribal members are concerned by new policies coming from the White House and they will monitor the situation and will use the tribe's leverage when necessary to protect their members and resources.
'As we embark on relations with a new U.S. administration the (Oneida) nation will continue to move forward in a conscientious and deliberate manner and will be mindful to base our actions and decisions on the facts presented to us,' Hill said in a statement on Jan. 24.
'For decades, Oneida Nation has taken a non-partisan approach in elections at every level. … The Nation has worked hard to gain political allies in both Democratic and Republican houses and we will continue to foster those relationships, as we as build new ones.'
Menominee Nation Chairwoman Gena Kakkak took a similar tone in her statement about the issue.
'We know there is a lot of confusion, uncertainty and concern within our community regarding some of the decisions and changes happening within the new U.S. administration,' she said in a Jan. 24 statement. 'These moments of change can be unsettling, but I want to reassure you that our tribe has navigated significant change before, and we always emerge strong and united.'
'Our leaders and staff are already working hard to assess any potential impacts. … Our Menominee values, resilience and collective strength will carry us forward as they always have.'
Forest County Potawatomi Chairman James Crawford said tribal officials will make decisions rooted in facts, not perceptions and misinformation.
"Tribal leadership is closely monitoring the evolving situation and assessing any possible implications for our tribal membership," he said in a statement Jan. 27. "We recognize the importance of understanding the broader political landscape and maintaining constructive relationships across all levels of government."
Tribal leaders across the country also criticized Trump for renaming Mt. Denali in Alaska from its Indigenous name to Mt. McKinley after a president who never set foot in Alaska. Republican officials from Alaska also urged Trump not to do so.
One act many are celebrating in Indian Country is Trump's statement to support federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Federal recognition would have to approved by Congress.
In Wisconsin, the Brothertown Indian Nation has been working to achieve federal recognition for decades and tribal officials are hoping that will happen during this administration.
More: 50 years after a missed phone call, Brothertown Indian Nation still in pursuit of federal recognition
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Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin tribal leaders avoid immediate confrontation with Trump
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