The chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe says the first State of the Tribes address is a step towards improved relations with the state of Wisconsin.

Ray DePerry, who also serves as president of the Great Lakes Intertribal Council, was invited to give the speech by the state Legislature. He will speak on behalf of Wisconsin's 11 tribes on March 8.

Relations have been somewhat strained in the past year because Republican lawmakers filed a lawsuit against new gaming compacts. Some Republicans say tribes aren't sharing enough with the state.

Get the Story:
Red Cliff chairman applauds Legislature's speech invitation (AP 2/17)

Relevant Links:
Great Lakes Inter-tribal Council - http://www.glitc.org

Related Stories:
Wisconsin tribes to deliver State of the Tribes (2/15)