Menominee Spruce chosen as the Wisconsin Rotunda Holiday Tree
Sixty years of Menominee forest history will soon stand tall in the state capitol rotunda. Last week loggers cut down a 60-year-old spruce tree chosen to be the holiday tree in the rotunda. Menominee Tribal Enterprises president Adrian Dusty Miller said the selection is significant because 2008 will be the mills 100-year anniversary. The forest and 100-year-old mill tell a wonderful success story of a lumber business that reflects harmony with nature and people. Crews from Ducane Skidding of Crivitz used a skid steer with a special machine on it to cut two trees. The machine had claws to hold the tree, a chainsaw to cut the tree and multiple heads to strip branches. The lighting ceremony will be at 11:45 a.m. Friday in the rotunda. It will be lit by 2,400 lights and decorated with handmade ornaments donated by residents around the state. Miller hopes that the tribe can provide a tree at the nations capitol next year as a finale to MTEs centennial events.
MTE Holiday Tree Ceremony
11-30-07
Madison, WI
Yopeh-today I am honored to be invited to the capital by the Dept. of Administration to say a few words about this historic event regarding this year’s State Capitol tree. I would like to thank Governor Doyle and his dedicated staff for providing MTE the opportunity to be an intregal part of this annual event.
This beautiful tree from one of the best-managed forest in the world is a gift to the State of WI signifying (MTE’s) Menominee Tribal Enterprise’s 100-year celebration. For a century the Menominees have enjoyed unprecedented success in the forest products industry. Together the forest and mill have provided a multitude of riches to the people in the form of employment, shelter, sustenance, ceremonial necessities and spiritual wellness.
Our forest and 100-yr. old mill tell a wonderful success story of a business that reflects a past in harmony with nature and people. This very tree stood tall and healthy because it has been nurtured by the love of our visionary ancestors. It has always been in the enamoured hearts of the Menominee that MTE will manage and preserve the tribe’s beloved forest to sustain the people forever.
May we at MTE carry forth this stunning legacy of responsible stewards of the earth. May we continue to seek the breath of wisdom from our Creator who along with our ancestors have taught us to respect all things.
On behalf of the first inhabitants of Wisconsin, the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin donates this precious gift from our forest to the Great State of Wisconsin. Please except this inspiring tree as a symbol of peace, cooperation, and commitment to excellence in sustainable forestry.
Wae wanean katanin monekako ………………
Adrian Miller
Mte President/CEO