Creating a tri-county/tribal response to address drug addiction was approved this week by the Vilas County Executive & Legislative committee. With support from the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa the plan will be presented to the full Vilas county board later this month.
About 20 years ago Vilas county created a county-tribal committee to establish intergovernmental communication when off-reservation treaty rights began to be exercised.
Lac du Flambeau tribal treasurer Gloria Cobb supported this new effort, saying the working relationship between the two governments have evolved over time and they have to move forward.
“Drugs impact our community and your community and we have to determine how best we can come together to save lives,” Cobb said, indicating their reservation lands are in the three county area of Vilas, Oneida, and Iron.
Once approved, the joint group will initially focus on regional controlled substance response strategies, practices, resources, and barriers and how to create safer communities in the region.
