Dual-Language Road Signs Honor Indigenous Tribes

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Dual-Language Road Signs Honor Indigenous Tribes

August 19, 2026

By Tracy Abler, Justice Coordinator

Driving around Wisconsin, you may be noticing the dual-language road signs for all 11 federally recognized tribes. The signs began going up in November 2021 with the last going up in June 2026.

The signs help:

Recognize Tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relationships.
Preserve and increase visibility of Indigenous languages.
Increase public awareness of the Tribal Nations in Wisconsin and their histories.
Provide a more inclusive transportation system that reflects the state’s cultural heritage.
Give a new sense of pride, identity, and belonging among Native people.

Learn more about the dual-language program

It is important to note that the Brothertown Indian Nation is also a recognized tribe in Wisconsin. However, in 1839 (186 years ago) this sovereign tribe was faced with an impossible choice - either become US citizens or be forced to march further west, again. They lost their federal tribal recognition when they were granted U.S. citizenship and have been fighting for years to regain it back. Learn more about the BIN history at https://brothertownindians.org/history/.

To support the Brothertown Nation plea to regain recognition, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-brothertown-nations-vital-work

Tags: learning

Posted in Equity & Human Dignity