Tribal Care Services

Wisconsin is home to eleven federally recognized Tribal Nations, each with its own distinct culture, history, and governance. Lakeland Care, Inc. is honored to partner with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and the Oneida Nation to support their transition from a long-term care system operated under federal waiver authority to services provided through Wisconsin’s Family Care program.

Honoring Sovereignty and Partnership

Tribal Nations are sovereign entities, meaning they possess the authority to govern themselves and promote their own cultural and economic development. As noted in the Wisconsin Legislative Briefing Book (Chapter 26: State-Tribal Relations, November 2016): “The sovereignty of American Indian tribes, however, is not the same as the sovereignty of a nation-state or of a U.S. state. Members of American Indian tribes are also citizens of the United States and residents of the various states, with the same rights and responsibilities as all other U.S. citizens.” Lakeland Care administers the Family Care program under contract with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). In alignment with DHS’s Policy Regarding Consultation with Wisconsin Indian Tribes (July 2009), Lakeland Care recognizes the importance of meaningful consultation and collaboration to ensure the availability and successful delivery of services. “Whether the services are provided through tribal agencies or directly through the Department’s partner agencies, it is critical that the Department of Health Services’ administration and leadership of the Tribes, and their respective representatives, consult with one another…” Lakeland Care fully abides by this standard and is committed to fostering respectful, collaborative relationships with Tribal Nations.

Our Commitment to Cultural Competence

Lakeland Care has developed and actively applies a set of cultural competence principles to guide its work with Tribal Nations and all individuals we serve:

• Collaboration and Respect: We support the foundational principles of cooperation and collaboration in our work with Tribal Nations and administer Family Care services in a culturally responsive manner.
• Understanding Distinct Cultures: We honor and seek to understand the distinct cultures, traditions, and needs of each Tribal Nation and individual we serve.
• Tribal Advisory Committees: We maintain Advisory Committees with each partnering Tribe to promote mutual understanding and shared decision-making.
• Continuous Evaluation: We conduct regular evaluations to ensure our environment remains respectful, inclusive, and responsive to members’ cultural identities and individual needs.
• Individualized Care: We pride ourselves on providing personalized care that supports each member’s goals and outcomes.