2023 Senate Joint Resolution 62
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
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 Xfirsts,Y 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 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 senate, the assembly 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 2023 Senate Joint Resolution 62
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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.
Representative Robin J. Vos
Speaker of the Assembly
Senator Chris Kapenga
President of the Senate
Date
Richard A. Champagne
Acting Senate Chief Clerk