Press Release: Menominee Tribal Visit Highlights Clean Energy Commitment

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary-designee

Menominee Tribal Visit Highlights Clean Energy Commitment

DOA Secretary-designee met with Tribal leaders last week as part of Clean Energy Plan outreach

Keshena, Wis. – On Thursday, April 21, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld visited with the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, as part of a week-long effort to celebrate clean energy initiatives statewide.   

Coinciding with the recent release of Wisconsin’s first-ever Clean Energy Plan, Tribal representatives gave DOA a tour of the Menominee Department of Transit Services to highlight the green energy initiatives and the use of solar power at the facility. Chairman Ron Corn welcomed the DOA visitors with a meal made of traditional foods (wild rice, berries, corn soup).  The tour also took the group to Keshena Falls, a waterfall feature on the Wolf River that is a significant spiritual location for the Tribe.  

(Menominee Department of Transit Services - Reginal Transit Center. L - R: Jeff Simmons, DOA Division of Gaming Administrator John Dillett, DOA Deputy Secretary Chris Patton, Menominee Chairman Ron Corn, DOA Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld, Menominee Tribal member Stephanie Awonohopay, and Menominee Tribal Administrator AnnMarie Johnson) 

(L-R: Menominee Tribal Administrator AnnMarie Johnson, DOA Deputy Secretary Chris Patton, Menominee Chairman Ron Corn, DOA Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld, Jeff Simmons (DOA), Menominee Tribal member Crystal Chevalier, and DOA Gaming Administrator John Dillett)  

“Strong partnerships with the Tribal Nations are a key part of Governor Evers’ efforts to make sure that Wisconsin’s economy works for everyone, and that our businesses and communities continue to bounce back, with an eye towards a clean energy future,” said Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with Tribal members, so that together we can continue to support pandemic resilience, family-sustaining jobs, and critical infrastructure improvements across the state.”

Melissia Cook, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager said that “These visits are welcomed and encouraged by the Tribal Chair and Legislature.  It gives everyone an opportunity to form a relationship so that Leaders from both parties build trust and partnerships to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.”

Additional information about the State of Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan can be found on the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy website at osce.wi.gov.