About the Inter-Tribal Task Force

Group photo of TLAC, ITTF, and WisDOT staff at a recent meeting. Pictured is the WisDOT ITTF team.

The task force was established through the partnership agreement and serves as a policy advisory group for WisDOT. The task force is made up of delegates from the eleven federally recognized tribes of Wisconsin.

In 2007 there was an establishment of the WisDOT Tribal Historic Preservation Office Program (THPO). In 2011 there was a partnership agreement that created the Tribal Labor Advisory Committee (TLAC).

The current nation that is in agreement with WisDOT for the ITTF program is the College of Menominee Nation. The College of Menominee Nation team that is working in ITTF are Brian Kowalkowski, Nicole Fish, Emerald Otradovec, and Annette Tourtillott.

 

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Program Descriptions:

Inter-Tribal Task Force – The primary goal of the Inter-Tribal Task Force (ITTF), which was created in 2005, is to review and provide advice and guidance to the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and tribal leaders on long-term and short-term transportation systems. ITTF also evaluates the results and efficiency of transportation policies and priorities upon tribal transportation systems and communities, as well as reviewing and making recommendations on the programs, policies and initiatives of the agency impacting tribal transportation to Federal Highways Administration (FHWA), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), WisDOT and tribal governments.

Tribal Historic Preservation Office Program – The primary goal of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office Program (THPO Program) is to enhance relationships between WisDOT, Wisconsin Inter Tribal Repatriation Committee, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and FHWA. This program also offers an annual listening session and other technical training and programs as needed. The program is responsible for maintaining the THPO website and distributing project information. The program currently is exploring opportunities to fund internships for the THPO programs within tribal communities. The program convenes regular scheduled meetings with tribes, FHWA, and WisDOT staff.

Tribal Labor Advisory Committee – The primary goal of the Tribal Labor advisory Committee (TLAC) is to develop a statewide Native American labor initiative. TLAC was established in 2011 and charged with developing strategies to enhance Native American labor opportunities on state and federal projects. Membership of the committee includes WisDOT and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development staff, tribal representatives, along with transportation industry, DBE and union representatives.