KESHENA, Wis. — First lady Jill Biden spent Tuesday morning alongside Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visiting the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin to highlight the president’s support of native nations.
After a surprise roadside stop at Menominee Indian Middle School to greet students, the first lady toured Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE) in Neopit for a behind-the-scenes look at the tribe’s sawmill and how sustainable forest products have been made there since 1908.
Last April, the Biden administration announced nearly $34 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law would fund projects to boost the wood products economy, with the Menominee tribe receiving almost $1 million through a grant program.
After a second unscheduled visit to a local elementary school, the first lady stopped by the College of Menominee Nation (CMN) to learn how the tribe promotes community education and sustainable development. During the stop, Biden walked through the campus research garden and watched a Menominee cultural performance by dancers and singers.
The first lady and interior secretary wrapped up their two-day trip to northeast Wisconsin by attending the college’s women empowerment summit to highlight some of the Biden administration’s accomplishments.
“That’s why Joe’s made the largest-ever federal investment in Indian Country,” Biden told the crowd. “He’s honoring the nation-to-nation relationship – making sure all parts of his administration are consulting with tribes. And he’s begun an unprecedented collaboration with Tribal Nations to manage the lands, waters, and natural wonders that are important to you, because you know best what you need."
The first lady, who arrived in Wisconsin Monday night, kicked off her visit by attending an NFL Crucial Catch watch party to highlight the importance of cancer screenings, which was the focus of Biden’s last trip to the Badger State when she visited Madison in August.