[media-credit name=’AJ MACLEAN/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]The Capitol dome arched above Indian and non-Native legislators alike as they listened to chair of the Red Cliff Chippewa tribe Ray DePerry deliver the first-ever State of the Tribe address Tuesday.

DePerry, who is also president of the Great Lakes Inter Tribal Council, labeled the occasion the most significant day in dealings between Wisconsin and its tribal nations.

“This day is not about bringing forth a message laced with anger or bitterness because of past historical atrocities between Indians and non-Indians,” DePerry said, calling himself a conduit for the message all tribes wanted to deliver. “This voice you hear isn’t just of Ray DePerry. It’s the voice of other tribal leaders as well.”

Although DePerry did not speak of controversial topics such as Native treaty rights or casino gambling, he mentioned the need to resolve issues of anti-Indian discrimination. He said the Native community applauds meaningful accomplishments but added it will fight to remove discriminatory practices from society.

DePerry stated he supported local control in school boards as long as it does not preserve discrimination. He said he urged lawmakers to “enact legislation that will eliminate from our public-school systems, once and for all, the use of Indian logos, mascots and any other sort of stereotypical images of American Indians.” He added it was “painful” that local school boards allowed such practices to continue.

The state’s lakes, parks and businesses might harbor discriminatory images as well. DePerry pointed to Squaw Bay in Monona in particular.

Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, who invited the tribal representative to speak to the Legislature, said he hopes the address becomes an annual event.

“There are a lot of things in U.S. politics that make people debate,” Gard said. “But the strength of this country is what brings us together.”

A march of Wisconsin flags mingled with Indian feathers down the aisle that divides the Assembly chamber. Following this, a solemn audience rose to its feet for the Pledge of Allegiance and an Indian prayer with discernible mentions of “Iraq” and “Afghanistan.”

The Native speaker turned to various representatives from Wisconsin tribes and the Assembly as he labeled the meeting an opening dialogue in improved state-tribal relations.

DePerry also upheld the Indian tradition of honoring the elders in the audience.

“They remind us that our deeds and undertakings must always be done in an honorable way, one without selfish motives and reasons,” DePerry said.

The Native leader concluded his speech by asking every citizen for mutual understanding.

“What we all cannot lose sight of — whether we are black, white, brown or yellow — is that we all belong to the state of humanity. And that is what this day is truly about,” DePerry said to a booming standing ovation.