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2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
2023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTIO N 68
September 6, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives NEUBAUER, BALDEH, BARE, J.
ANDERSON, CONLEY, CONSIDINE, DOYLE, EMERSON, GOYKE, HONG, C. ANDERSON,
JOERS, MOORE OMOKUNDE, ORTIZ-VELEZ, RATCLIFF, SINICKI, SNODGRASS, STUBBS,
SUBECK, CLANCY, PALMERI and OHNSTAD, cosponsored by Senators AGARD,
BALLWEG, CABRAL-GUEVARA, CARPENTER, FELZKOWSKI, HESSELBEIN, L. JOHNSON,
PFAFF, ROYS, SMITH, SPREITZER, TAYLOR and WIRCH. Referred to Committee on
Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Relating to: honoring the life and legacy of Ada Deer.
Whereas, Ada Deer, a distinguished public servant and advocate, dedicated her
life to the advancement of Indigenous rights and social justice; and
Whereas, Ada Deer was born on August 7, 1935, and, throughout her life, she
demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to her community and the
restoration of tribal sovereignty; and
Whereas, Ada Deer accomplished a lifetime of “firsts,” becoming the first
Menominee member to earn an undergraduate degree from the University of
Wisconsin–Madison and the first Native American to earn a master's degree from
the Columbia University School of Social Work and, as Director of the UW American
Indian Studies Program, creating the first program at UW–Madison to provide social
work training on reservations; and
Whereas, Ada Deer became the first woman to lead the federal Bureau of Indian
Affairs as the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior from 1993
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to 1997, where she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples
through policy initiatives, advocacy, and outreach; and
Whereas, Ada Deer played a pivotal role in the restoration of federal recognition
for the Menominee Tribe, a critical achievement that reaffirmed the sovereign rights
and cultural heritage of the Menominee people; and
Whereas, Ada Deer's accomplishments extended beyond federal policy, as she
also served as a social worker, professor, author, and advocate for affordable housing,
education, and healthcare for marginalized communities; and
Whereas, Ada Deer's lifelong dedication to her heritage, activism, and
community empowerment has left an indelible mark on the fields of Indigenous
rights and public service and earned her the Distinguished Alumni Award—the
Wisconsin Alumni Association's highest honor and most prestigious and enduring
award; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin state
legislature honors and celebrates the life and legacy of Ada Deer, recognizing her as
a trailblazer, leader, and advocate who fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and the
betterment of society; and, be it further
Resolved, That that the members of the Wisconsin state legislature extend
their deepest condolences to Ada Deer's family and friends and all those whose lives
she touched and commit to continuing her work by promoting the values of
inclusivity, social justice, and Indigenous rights that she championed throughout her
remarkable life; and, be it further
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Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall share a copy of this resolution with
Ada Deer's family as a testament to her enduring impact on our state and the broader
world.
(END)
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