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.

I would think that they would look at him as a person with a little more authority than maybe they thought he had, as far as having a lot of input in the program. He's always been active in workouts and practices.

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.

In the year since we first addressed this Assembly, our country has been severely challenged, both by man and by nature. I am proud to say that our 11 Indian tribes in Wisconsin joined people of Wisconsin's cities, towns and villages, responding swiftly, courageously and generously - giving what they had, to help our relatives during their adversity.

It's not a drop-dead date as far as getting water or not, but joining the authority is the next step. As we outlined in the letter to the mayor, this is the next step. You have to be in the authority in order to get water.

The Gogebic Range Water Authority has been, over the last six years, seven years, growing by leaps and bounds.