Tribes Opposed to Mining in Wisconsin and Michigan

The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians have publicly announced their opposition to the proposed taconite iron mine in the Penokee Hills of northern Wisconsin.

"[I]t is clear, based on available geologic and environmental information, that such an open pit mine cannot be developed and operated using current mining technologies and practices without destroying the environmental quality, including the waters, wetlands, streams, rivers, air, lands and forests of the Bad River watershed, the Bad River Indian Reservation, and Lake Superior," said tribal chair Mike Wiggins, as reported by the Ashland Current.

Read the Bad River Band's position statement on the Penokee Mine and proposed legislation changes.

The Anishinaabe Speak: There will be no mines in the Penokees

This page was put together by members of the Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative using Native American testimony and photos from the January 11, 2012 hearing on proposed mining legislation in Hurley. Here is a sample:

"When negotiating treaties, our ancestors saw the threat that hunger for natural resources posed. Treaties were written to protect this. Ten Chippewa bands worked with the states. We are doing our best to be good neighbors. Lack of government to government consultation is unacceptable. The severity of the effects of this appears to be clearly not recognized by this committee holding this hearing at this time and in this place. We would be honored to host any further hearings at no cost to the state of Wisconsin."

-Frank Connors Jr., Bad River Band 

Here's how you can get involved in supporting environmental justice in the Penokees.

In Michigan, opposition to mining at Eagle Rock is growing. Ho Chunk Elder Preston Thompson speaks out in this video petition.