Artwork by William Estrada

HONORING THE EARTH
Preserving and Protecting Water and A Way of Life

Mining and oil pipeline proposals across the Midwest pose grave threats to places of deep cultural, economic, and spiritual significance to regional Tribal Nations. The Menominee Tribe is fighting the proposed Back Forty gold mine, on the border of Michigan and Wisconsin, which is a direct threat to the Tribe's heritage. The Bay Mills Indian Community seeks to shut down Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline that currently runs along the lake bottom in the Straits of Mackinac, which connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Leaders from the Menominee Tribe and Bay Mills Indian Community will share stories of their historic connection and continued reliance on the area. The groups will discuss the strategies that they are using to protect cultural resources, the role of lawyers at Earthjustice and the Native American Rights Fund in these fights, and the importance of these efforts in championing the health of the environment for all communities.

Speakers: Whitney Gravelle, Tribal Attorney, Bay Mills Indian Community; David Grignon, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin; President Bryan Newland, Bay Mills Indian Community; Dr. David Overstreet, Consulting Archaeologist to the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin; Kayla Perron, Cultural Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club for Bay Mills Indian Community;  Moderator: Gussie Lord, Managing Attorney, Tribal Partnerships