In the Midwestern states, including Wisconsin, approximately 38 percent of the need on our reservations is being funded, compared to a national average of close to 60 percent in other regions. Wisconsin is not receiving its fair share. We ask the Wisconsin leadership to help us carry the message to Congress to reauthorize and adequately fund the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

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Recent dissent has arisen over tribal overtures to assert their inherent governmental authority to protect surface water, ground water, air and drinking water sources within their reservation boundaries. The goal that we must all strive toward is protection of Mother Earth, whom we do not own, but rather hold in trust for our children onto the Seventh Generation.

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