Bill would provide free State park admission to Wisconsin’s federally recognized Indigenous tribes.

MADISON - Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and Representative Beth Meyers (D-Bayfield) introduced LRB 2820/1 (& LRB-3361/1), a bill to provide free State Park passes to a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band located in Wisconsin.

Senator Agard, Representative Meyers, and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) released the following statements:

Senator Melissa Agard:

“This is an example of what good governance is - this idea was born from a First Nations constituent reaching out to my office with an idea. This is how the government should work - with the will of the people being carried into the state capitol. After all, government should strive to uplift and listen to all constituents.

“Additionally, the First Nations Parks Pass bill provides tribal members access to their land. All state parks occupy land that was taken from Indigenous populations. No one should have to pay to access their own land. This is how we start righting past wrongs in our history - here is how we honor all of Wisconsin’s history. I am proud to author this legislation.”

Representative Beth Meyers:

“In the 74th Assembly District, possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world, we value our state parks and outdoor recreations. Tribal members have been thriving on this land for centuries. This bill recognizes that the Indigenous Tribes of Wisconsin should have heightened access to our state parks.”

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Chief Executive Officer Bryan Bainbridge:

“Natural resources are a focus of the State of the Tribes address this year, and I am excited about this bill which recognizes the importance of our natural spaces to Wisconsin’s tribes and tribal members. It is important to acknowledge and allow our tribal members access to state parks. Wisconsin State Parks are some of the original homelands to Indigenous People of Wisconsin, and this legislation honors that history and tradition.”