Manitoba Cree dams action alert
December 3rd, 2002

From: Diane J. Peterson
birch7@attbi.com
Minnesota Witness for Environmental Justice
Witness Line: (651) 255-6945

RE: Please respond to the _St. Paul Pioneer Press_ (1) article and (2) editorials on Manitoba Hydro. (The sooner the better.)

1. 
   

   Yesterday, the _St. Paul Pioneer Press_ ran a front-page story on the Manitoba Hydro controversy. You can read it online at the JustEnergy website by going to http://www.JustEnergy.org, finding the News Coverage heading in the left column of the home page (below the "Activist's Corner" and clicking on "Cree Criticize Energy Deal."

   It is important for MN Public Utilities Commissioners to see your letter to the editor in print. Please send in your comments on the article to the editor: letters@pioneerpress.com or, use snail mail:
   St. Paul Pioneer Press
   345 Cedar Street
   St. Paul, MN 55101

   The more public awareness/support we can generate for environmental justice through the media, the more unlikely that the Commissioners will simply rubber stamp Xcel's plans to continue business as usual with Manitoba Hydro. (meaning hundreds of square miles of flooded Cree homelands, dammed rivers, horribly polluted water, and a future without hope for Cree youth.)
   

2. 
   

   Today, the _Pioneer Press_ has two editorials on its Opinion page, one by St. Thomas University professor Steve Hoffman, and the other by Xcel's Dave Sparby. We want to refute Mr. Sparby's claims and promote Mr. Hoffman's position.

   Mr. Hoffman wants the Commissioners to grant a contested case hearing on Xcel's contract with Manitoba Hydro proposal so that all the facts pertaining to Manitoba Hydro will finally be put on the table. Mr. Sparby says that Xcel has been careful about investigating Manitoba Hydro. He claims that ending Xcel's 10-year contract will not have a positive outcome for the environment. He goes on to claim that if Xcel does not buy the power, it will merely be sold elsewhere--this is equivalent to saying that if I don't buy slaves from a slaveholder, somebody else will, so I may as well do it because my no-purchase action won't prevent slave dealing.

This coverage in the St. Paul paper is a good opportunity to recontact "As It Happens" in Canada. Get copies of the article and the editorials and send them on to the "As It Happens" radio producers, asking them to cover this international story. Here is the contact information for the radio show:

As It Happens
Box 500 Station A
Toronto, Ontario M5W 1E6

Office number: 416-205-2600
Fax: 416-205-2639

email: aih@toronto.cbc.ca

As It Happens website:
http://radio.cbc.ca/programs/asithappens/

Remember, all of the corporate interests want to keep this controversy out of the media and hidden from the public. It is important to enlist the media in exposing all of the destruction occurring in northern Manitoba and the manipulation going on by the moneyed interests of corporations and governments. The truth is, most of the people in the Upper Midwest and in Canada do not know about the reengineering of the Churchill and Nelson Rivers, its ongoing impacts, and the role of U.S. electricity sales in motivating further environmental destruction. It is up to us to get this story in the news so the problem can be dealt with justly.

Wolf Watershed Educational Project - meeting
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2002

The next monthly meeting of the Wolf Watershed Educational Project (WWEP) will be on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, in WHITE LAKE, from 10 am to 3 pm, at Buettner's Wild Wolf Inn, in Langlade County on Hwy. 55 and the Wolf River, just north of the Menominee Nation boundary.

We will discuss the most recent dramatic mining developments, and our effort to pass mining reform bills to really kill the Crandon mine (below). PLEASE WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TODAY!!! And keep the pressure on all election candidates to support the bills to ban cyanide and end special treatment for the mining industry. In your letters and calls to radio talk shows, plug the hotline 800-445-8615 and the website www.nocrandonmine.com

Wisconsin's rural grassroots movements have BHP Billiton and Perrier (also below) on the run--now let's also put more pressure on the transmission line!

First of 2 events (2nd)

Pimicikamak Cree Nation Visit to Ely
Tue. to Thurs, October 8, 9, & 10, 2002

HELP MWEJ ADVERTISE: PIMICIKAMAK CREE NATION VISIT TO ELY
On October 8, 9 & 10 (Tue. to Thurs.), Chief John Miswagon, Women's Chief Eugenia Mercredie, and other representatives of Pimicikamak Cree Nation of Cross Lake, Manitoba, Canada, will be visiting Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minnesota. Pimicikamak Cree Nation currently suffers extreme cultural and environmental degradation due to Manitoba Hydro development in their homeland. A special public presentation open to all members of Vermillion Community College as well as to the general public, has been planned for Tuesday, October 8th, 7-10 PM, at the College Auditorium.

Please plan to attend, or, spread the word to everyone you can in the Ely area. (Do you have relatives, friends, acquaintances, work colleagues, or former school mates near Ely? Let them know about this. Help MWEJ member Don Johnson get a big, supportive crowd for Pimicikamak guest speakers.)

For further information contact:

Don Johnson, Instructor
Anthropology/Indigenous Studies
Vermillion Community College
Ely, Minnesota
218-365-7225
artnorth@cpinternet.com

 

Citizens' Energy Forum, Wausau
Friday & Saturday, Sept. 13-14, 2002

From: Linda Ceylor
Save Our Unique Lands (SOUL)
hillsidedairyfarm@yahoo.com
POSTER .html   or   .pdf

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ENERGY ?
Are you interested in an energy policy for Wisconsin?

...Our Citizens' Energy Forum is the place for all citizens to have a voice in preparation of an energy policy.

Issues to be discussed:

ELECTRICITY Nuclear Energy Coal/Gas Plants Distributed Generation Wind/Solar    Conservation Large Scale Hydro/Dams Delivery of services (natural gas, transmission of electricity)

FUELS Petroleum including Ethanol Diesel, including biodiesel

Our end goal of these discussions is a "white paper" that will be presented to current policy makers...Rather than a backroom, our forum will be held:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 7:00 PM...We gather to gear up for our policy making with speakers from both sustainable and utility points of view...Keynote Speaker: Doug Lafollette

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 10:00 ? 2:30...We gather to discuss the policy we envision.

Forum to be hosted at Westwood Center, 1800 Bridge Street, Wausau, Wisconsin

Lunch included with forum fee of $10.00...scholarships available.

For more information or to pre-register:
call 715-474-2271 or 715-693-3143, or e-mail soul_wis@yahoo.com.
Watch for registration forms at Save Our Unique Lands (SOUL) http://www.wakeupwisconsin.com

 

State Won't Pursue Crandon Land Purchase
Wolf Watershed Educational Project meeting
Saturday, September 14, 2002

GOVERNOR'S STATEMENT

(Contact him with your reaction at 608-266-1212 or wisgov@gov.state.wi.us )

For Immediate Release -- Sept. 13, 2002
Contact: Tim Roby, Governor's
Communications Director (608) 266-8110

I believe this decision reflects the sentiment of many Crandon-area citizens who have serious reservations about the possible loss of jobs if the state were to acquire the Nicolet property. Mining is an important economic driver in the Crandon area and the concerns of citizens definitely played a role in our decision to stop negotiations.

The decision also protects the future of the Stewardship Fund and safeguards our ability during the next several years to finance land purchases that expand recreational opportunities and protect environmentally sensitive areas in Wisconsin.

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION STATEMENT

State Will Not Pursue Purchase of Mining Company Land

The state will not acquire land owned by the Nicolet Minerals Co. near Crandon for public recreational and conservation use, state Department of Administration Secretary George Lightbourn announced today. A number of Native American tribes, environmental groups and others had urged state officials to explore potential acquisition of the land by tapping into a special $241.8 million state fund earmarked for recreational and conservation land purchases (the Stewardship Fund).

“I met with representatives of the mining company and found that a transaction on terms acceptable to both parties is not possible. Two appraisals were obtained that estimated the value of the property, including mineral rights. Unfortunately, when mineral rights are factored in, the purchase price would I require an over-commitment of the state's limited Stewardship resources for a single acquisition, Lightbourn said. He stressed that the Stewardship Fund is "intended to finance land purchases that expand recreational opportunities and protect environmentally sensitive areas in Wisconsin over the next seven years. "The use of Stewardship funds to purchase mineral rights would adversely affect our ability to complete high-priority land acquisitions for years to come," Lightbourn concluded.

The company is expected to continue to seek permits from the state Department of Natural Resources to mine the site’s zinc and copper deposits.

From: Caryl Terrell,
Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter
cterrell@execpc.com

State Administration Secretary George Lightbourn just telephoned to say the deal is dead. The mining company will release a statement this afternoon.

We need to get back on MESSAGE. We need candidates for Governor and Legislature to pledge to Ban Cyanide in Metallic Mining and End Special Treatment for Metallic Mining.

The Crandon Mine is a bad idea. The Wolf River and Rice Lake are pristine water resources that are at risk from this unsafe zinc and copper mine.

The mining company asked us to consider a public acquisition. The mining company paid for the appraisals which were just completed last week. Unfortunately the mining company seems unwilling to meet the state halfway on a price.

The need for passage of the Cyanide Ban and No Special Treatment of Metallic Mining bills is even more important than ever. See the Wisconsin Campaign to Ban Cyanide in Mining at http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/cyanide.html

PHONE OTHERS TO COME TO THIS MEETING TOMORROW!

The next meeting of the Wolf Watershed Educational Project (WWEP) will be on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, in WAUSAU, at 2:45 after the Citizens' Energy Forum planned by our allies in Save Our Unique Lands (SOUL). With all the recent positive developments on the Crandon mine, it is doubly important that we help SOUL prevent new powerlines that would industrialize northern Wisconsin--one way of preventing future mines.

The WWEP meeting will be held from 2:45 to 6:00 pm on Saturday at the Westwood Center, 1800 Bridge Street, in Wausau. The Energy Forum will be from 10 am to 2:30 Saturday, as well as on Friday evening. Please come if you can to both the Citizens' Energy Forum and the WWEP meeting DIRECTIONS FROM HWY. 51: Take the Bridge St. exit (exit 193). Stay straight to go onto ramp; Keep left at the fork in the ramp. Turn left onto West Bridge St.

PLEASE WRITE THESE BHP BILLITON OFFICIALS TO ASK THEM TO DROP THE CRANDON PROJECT IN WISCONSIN:

Gathering on Lake Superior protection
Monday, August 26

From Jarrod Stone-Dahl - Lake Superior Walkers -
"jarrod" woodspirit@cheqnet.net

AGENDA SUMMARY
This gathering will focus on the proposed “repluming of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence river. The United States Army Corps of Engineers began the Great Lakes Navigation System Reconnaissance study in January of 2001 to identify “problems, opportunities, and potential improvements to the navigation system”. “A survey was conducted which included international, federal, public, and private stakeholders of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system. Much of the discussion was held between the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (U.S.) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (Canada). We are finding that many people and organizations do not know about this study, and if put into place, the impacts it will have on our lives.

We are inviting all people, organizations, Tribal governments, U.S. governments, Canadian Governments (Both local, Provincial, and state) all who live and are affected by changes in WATER.

It is our hope that we can come to the understanding that WE ALL NEED CLEAN WATER and if there is any doubt about water for the future generations we should not allow any changes that will affect it.

Problems and Effects cited by Army Corps and Environmental Organizations
• Spills of oil and other hazardous material
• Disruption of fish and wildlife habitat
• Increased shoreline damage
• Social effects on channel residents
• Water quality, vessel waste discharge and turbidity
• Air pollution
• Exotic species introduction
• Increased flow out of basin(water levels)

These are only the cited impacts stated in the Army Corps informational paper and some of the details brought in by Environmental groups.

Maria Maybee
Biodiversity and Habitat Program Coordinator for Great Lakes United Indigenous Hub Coordinator of the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund

Great Lakes United
Buffalo State College - Cassety Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222
716-886-0142 fax -0303

Send-off rally - WSSD
Friday, August 23

At noon on Friday, August 23, a send-off rally is scheduled at the State Capitol (King Street steps) for a Wisconsin delegation that is attending the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 26 - Sept. 4. The delegation of members of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community (Mole Lake) is scheduled to present the issue of the proposed Crandon mine and its impacts on water resources and wild rice beds to delegates attending the Summit.

The delegation also requested a meeting with current Crandon mine proposal owner, BHP Billiton, which has been accepted. The group expects to meet with BHP Billiton CEO Brian Gilbertson during the Summit to discuss the proposal for a public acquisition of the mine site to permanently end the Crandon mine controversy.

BHP Billiton became the world's largest mining company in 2001 after the merger of the Australia-based BHP with the London-based South African company Billiton. The Wisconsin delegation also has tentative plans to meet with South African union officials and environmentalists which have fought various BHP Billiton proposals there.

Please come to the Capitol on Friday at noon and help us send off the delegates on their historic trip to South Africa and to support their efforts to bring a resolution of the Crandon mine issue to the global stage.

Contact: Dave Blouin, Mining Impact Coalition of Wisconsin
PO Box 55372, Madison, WI 53705-9172, 608-233-8455,
burroak15@aol.com

For background:

• Wolf River Headwaters Protection Purchase
  http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/buyout.html
• Track record of BHP Billiton
  http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/billiton_track.html
• Mole Lake addresses United Nations
  http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/mole0130.html
• Mole Lake federal clean water victory
  http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/water.html

Cree dam opponents at Northland
Tuesday, August 20

An event supporting the Pimicikamak Cree Nation of Manitoba will take place August 20 at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, (Northland College), Ashland, Wis. from 11:00-12:45. Resolutions supporting the Cree will be exchanged (a resolution template is below), with a public message of support to be conveyed to he Cree delegation at that time.

A good background article from City Pages:
A Canadian hydroelectric plant has wreaked havoc on the environment and a community of Cree Indians. Its biggest customer? Xcel Energy. http://citypages.com/databank/23/1129/article10581.asp

For more information, e-mail Linda Ceylor of Save Our Unique Lands (SOUL) at hillsidedairyfarm@yahoo.com
For more background see http://www.unplugmanitobahydro.org and http://www.wakeupwisconsin.com

RESOLUTION in support of Pimicikamak Cree Nation

Whereas the Canadian and Manitoba Governments imposed a massive hydroelectric project upon the people and Boreal Environment of northern Manitoba, without notice, consultation or consent;

Whereas these Governments, in 1977 after the project was built, signed the Northern Flood Agreement ("treaty") which recognizes the damage caused by the project and sets out broad scale provisions for environmental, economic, social, community and public safety protections, remediation and improvements;

Whereas the treaty promises full and meaningful consultation with Pimicikamak regarding proposed future development;

Whereas most of the treaty remains to be implemented while the massive hydroelectric project continues to accumulate environmental and socioeconomic harms, and present security and reliability risks;

Whereas the project and the continuing failure to implement the treaty may constitute violations of fundamental human rights;

Whereas reliance on the project prevents the development of greater energy efficiency and true renewables;

Whereas the project shifts economic and other burdens to the people and environment in northern Manitoba, thereby creating an unfair subsidy on electricity imported into the United States and sold to customers in Minnesota/Wisconsin;

Whereas the costs and risks of the project may be expanded, as there are plans to expand the project itself without addressing existing impacts;

Therefore, be it resolved that _________________ will work with, or otherwise support efforts of, Pimicikamak to vigorously protect and promote the health and well-being of its people and the northern Boreal Environment, to ensure respect for fundamental human rights and to encourage true renewable energy.

Group____________________

Date_______________

from The Indigenous Environmental Network

Conference of the Society for Ecological Restoration
AUGUST 4 - 9, 2002

This is a conference that concerns Native lands and tribes. Again, IEN does not know what focus there will be on Native work and speakers. IEN is aware of Native people that have been previous participants in the Society for Ecological Restoration

WOLF WATERSHED EDUCATIONAL PROJECT - meeting
Sunday, JULY 28, 2002

THE WOLF WATERSHED EDUCATIONAL PROJECT (WWEP) will have its monthly meeting on SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2002 (10 am-3 pm) in KESHENA at the Menominee Hotel and Casino, on Hwy. 55, in the Ada Deer Room between the hotel and casino. Thanks to Menominee Treaty Rights & Mining Impacts Office for hosting the meeting. There will be discussion about the Wolf River Headwaters Protection Purchase (we need resolutions from groups, unions, and local governments). Volunteers are also needed the same weekend--including the meeting time--to staff a table at the Langlade County Fair in nearby Antigo; call George Rock at 715-882-4800.

Information on the Wolf River Headwaters Protection Purchase
http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/buyout.html.
What You Can Do, and articles:
http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/buyoutnews.html
Background on the propoposed Crandon mine:
http://www.treatyland.com or http://www.nocrandonmine.com

WORT's A Public Affair - interviews re: Crandon mine site
Friday, JULY 12, 2002

This FRIDAY, JULY 12 (12:05-1:00 pm) on WORT's A Public Affair, Zoltan Grossman will interview important figures in the proposed Crandon mine site purchase: Ken Fish of the Menominee Treaty Rights & Mining Impacts Office, Chairman Chuck Sleeter and Clerk Joanne Sleeter of the Town of Nashville, and Caryl Terrell of the Sierra Club-John Muir chapter. They will talk not only about the 26-year struggle that has put the world's largest mining companies on the run, but putting the mine lands permanently in the hands of the People. Tune in to 89.9 fm in south-central Wisconsin, and call 608-256-2001 to ask questions.

Information on the Wolf River Headwaters Protection Purchase
http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/buyout.html.
What You Can Do, and articles:
http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/buyoutnews.html
Background on the propoposed Crandon mine:
http://www.treatyland.com or http://www.nocrandonmine.com

* THE WOLF WATERSHED EDUCATIONAL PROJECT (WWEP)
will have its monthly meeting on SATURDAY, JUNE 29 in MOLE LAKE at the powwow grounds at 9:30-11:30 am, during the Protect The Earth Gathering (see below). The meeting will be followed by a walk to the mine site. There will be a lot to discuss.... The U.S. Supreme Court just refused to hear the State’s appeal on the Mole Lake clean water case: victory! . The DNR has also rejected the Sacaton mine in Arizona as an "example mine" under the Mining Moratorium Law, which might have some teeth after all. We'll have a lot to celebrate!

* PROTECT THE EARTH GATHERING, Mole Lake
Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30

Continuing the gatherings that started at Mole Lake in 1986, with talks, music, workshops on mining, water, wild rice, etc. a walk to the mine site, and a birthday party/book signing for Roscoe Churchill. At the south end of the Mole Lake Reservation (8 miles south of Crandon), turn west off of Highway 55 onto Tribal Road at the Waba-Nun-Nung Gospel Chapel; you will see the sign for the powwow grounds.

All events are free, but, if people can drop a few dollars in the hat (which we will pass) it would help us cover expenses. Also, if anyone wishes to bring dishes for the feast, or for pass around snacks during Saturday or Sunday, they are invited to do so.

SATURDAY June 29th starts with the Wolf Watershed Educational Project meeting at 9:30-11:30 am, including a briefing on the Wolf River Headwaters Protection Purchase. Followed by a celebration walk up to the mine site at noon (bring your banners) to celebrate the Crandon mine site purchase proposal.

Back to the Pow Wow grounds for a feather presentation by the Ho-Chunk Youth Marathon Runners Against Drunk Driving and the Mole Lake "Keepers Of The Water" Honor songs on the drums.

Followed by Roscoe's Churchill's 86th Birthday party !!!
(if you have gifts bring them then).
Followed by talking, singing and the feast.
Evening will be talking and singing.

SUNDAY morning June 30 will be the Gathering of the Waters (bring a small container of water from some place special).
We will close around noon.
On Sunday afternoon, Herb Buettner offered us free rafting at the Wild Wolf Inn on Highway 55 just north of the Menominee Reservation.
Bring your swimsuits, tennis shoes, towels, etc.; it's about a 2 hour paddle.
Herb thought the best time would be about 4:00 after other rafters are gone - but he has enough rafts to accommodate any time of the day.

We've been hearing from lots of old faces in the movement, so it will be great seeing everyone again.

Sandy Lyon
water@spacestar.net

Contact Sandy at 715-766-2725 or water@spacestar.net

For info on the Crandon mine:
log on to http://www.treatyland.com, or http://www.nocrandonmine.com.
Write:
Wolf Watershed Educational Project,
P.O. Box 1045,
Eau Claire, WI 54702
email: mtn@igc.org
Hotline 800-445-8615; Tel. & Fax: (715) 833-8552.

Dear Mining Buddies,

As you may already know, Roscoe Churchill is writing a book about the Flambeau Mine in Ladysmith, and I am helping him put it all together. We're almost done and are at the stage where we need photographs. If any of you have photos we might be able to use (like from any of the meetings, hearings, protest rallies, flotillas, etc.) would you please contact me via email? Then we can figure out how to get them to me!

Roscoe's health is not the best right now. Our goal is to have the book printed and in our hands by his 86th birthday, which is on June 28th. If any of you would like to contact him, here is how to do it. I know he thinks the world of ALL of you and would love to hear from you: Roscoe Churchill, N3386 County Road G, Ladysmith, WI 54848 Email: roscoe@ladysmith.net.

Thanks!
Laura

Laura Furtman
27426 County Rd H
Webster, WI 54893
715-635-7928
stargal@spacestar.net

North American Indigenous Mining Summit
JUNE 12-15, 2002

DRIVERS NEEDED AT MOLE LAKE

mtn@igc.org and polersdc@newnorth.net

The outdoor conference is co-sponsored by the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and the Indigenous Mining Campaign Project (of the Indigenous Environmental Network & Project Underground).

Also see:
North American Indigenous Mining Summit molelake02.html
For information:
contact Coleen Poler: Ph: 715-478-5033, fax: 715-478-5034 or
e-mail polersdc@newnorth.net
Print out a poster at http://www.ienearth.org/ims-poster.html.

Also, volunteers will be needed to help cook the free meals. The free outdoor conference will be held in the open field next to Sand Lake Road, one block east of Hwy. 55. Saturday pm is Mole Lake's annual Strawberry Moon Powwow. The continental gathering will focus only on mining issues, to develop strategies to empower Indigenous communities to form and create perpetual alliances and networks with each other and allies. The traditional gathering will include focused workshops and panels on North American mines, outdoor camping, free daycare/meals, a Sacred Fire and a Spirit Run. Bring your own dishes/utensils. No drugs, alcohol, dogs or other pets! The Summit is co-sponsored by the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and the Indigenous Mining Campaign Project (of the Indigenous Environmental Network & Project Underground).

Contact Coleen Poler: Ph: 715-478-5033, email polersdc@newnorth.net
Schedule/poster: http://www.alphacdc.com/treaty/molelake02.html or http://www.ienearth.org

Eminent Domain Hearing
Thursday, MAY 30, 2002

From: SOUL tierpeg@yahoo.com

On Thursday May 30th, from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, at the Marathon High School Auditorium, Marathon WI, there will be a very important legislative hearing held to obtain your input and concerns on the current eminent domain laws.

Marathon is located 10 miles west of Wausau and just south of highway 29. Exit highway 107 south across the bridge and into town. Look for the school signs and for the one way street heading east. The high school is located at the end. The auditorium is located on the south side of the school.

This is a legislative hearing chaired by Scott Gunderson. This may the only chance you have to voice your concerns over the current eminent domain laws. The goal is to educate our legislators of the problems and concerns of eminent domain so that when future bills are introduced they may have a chance of becoming law.

Comments can be given orally or written. Your concern could be the compensation aspect or ongoing versus a one time payment. It could also be support of an option to sell the entire effected parcel - not just a narrow easement. Perhaps your concern is to remove the right of private, for-profit corporations to have the power of eminent domain.

There is no right or wrong viewpoint. The important thing is that you express your concerns on MAY 30th.

these sites offer some background information..
Real Property - Eminent Domain:
http://wsll.state.wi.us/topic/realprop.html
"Understand the condemnation process and what rights property owners have. Discover who may condemn property and for what purposes. Learn how to contest right of condemnation and appeal an award."

Arrowhead-Weston Transmission Line Project Docket #05-CE-113 (PSC)
http://www.psc.state.wi.us/cases/05CE113/process.htm

More comes up if you type eminent domain in the search box in:
http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/home
Then put Arrowhead-Weston in there. looks like they've been busy this May. -kb

Rally of Solidarity Against the Bio-Piracy of Wild Rice
May 20, 2002 (11:30 AM)
Minneapolis, MN
Radisson Hotel Metrodome
615 Washington Ave S.E.

On May 20th, when the University of Minnesota is having their pro-biotech meetings, there will be a rally to stand up against the genetic work that the University is doing on wild rice and to educate the public on these issues.

Manoomin, or wild rice is central to the Anishinaabeg culture and key to their spiritual well-being. Manoomin is part of their creation vision.

The vast majority of Wild Rice production does not come from the wetlands of Northern Minnesota, where it originates, but from the deserts of California thanks to the work that the University of MN has been involved in.

For years the Anishinaabeg community has requested meaningful dialogue with the University on this work and information pertaining to it. These requests have gone unfulfilled.

If you have any questions please contact the WELRP (White Earth Land Recovery Project) office at 1-888-779-3577.

PLEASE CIRCULATE TO LISTS, MEDIA

Rally Opposing WMC Flambeau Mine Award
Waukesha, Wednesday, MAY 15, 2002

The Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce (WMC) Business Friend of the Environment Awards conference is from The WMC 13th Annual Environmental Policy and Awards Conference will be held from 8:30 - 4:00 Wednesday (May 15, 2002) at the Milwaukee Marriott West Hotel (W23 N1600 Corporate Court, Waukesha. (State Hwy 164 at I9). Exit 295 (off I94).

A citizen rally opposing WMC's nomination of the Flambeau Mining Company as an award recipient will be held from 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. in front of the hotel. (DNR Secretary Darrell Bazzell will be the keynote speaker at this conference).

For more information, contact Linda Sturnot, Mining Impact Coalition at (414) 421-9462 or wolfriver55@wi.rr.com

Bio-colonialism: Wild Rice Threatened?
MAY 7, 2002

Environmental and social activist Winona LaDuke will address issues facing wild rice production for native growers in Minnesota. The Norcal Wild Rice Company in California has secured two patents on wild rice production and certain components of a variety of wild rice. Furthermore, Ron Phillips of the University of Minnesota has mapped the wild rice genome. (This study was underwritten by seed/chemical conglomerates Monsanto and Dupont).

These patents and current research may increase the likelihood of male sterility, requiring local harvesters to purchase seed. This is not currently necessary due to the rice's natural reproductive process. Native growers also fear hybridization of wild rice with paddy rice, as this would facilitate the man-made production of wild rice and could lead to the extinction of real wild rice.

These recent developments worry the Anishinaabeg and other cultures throughout the region and beyond. Major implications of this research include: indigenous rights to land and their economic survival, corporatization of nature, and the survival of wild rice.

At this event Winona LaDuke, who ran for vice president in 1996 and 2000 with Ralph Nader under the Green Party, will be speaking on behalf of the White Earth Land Recovery Project, of which she is the founding director. Their website is: http://www.welrp.org. For more information, please contact: Cara Saunders (612) 722 5518.

for more information:
      Petition to Stop the Bio-Piracy of Wild Rice
      or please contact: Cara Saunders (612) 722 5518.

from The Indigenous Environmental Network

WOLF WATERSHED EDUCATIONAL PROJECT - meeting
Sunday, MAY 5, 2002

THE WOLF WATERSHED EDUCATIONAL PROJECT (WWEP) will have its monthly meeting on SUNDAY, MAY 5 in KESHENA in the Menominee Casino on Hwy. 55. The 10 am-3 pm meeting will be in the Ada Deer Room (between the casino & the hotel), with a lunch buffet. Thanks to the Menominee Treaty Rights & Mining Impacts Office.

This is one example of the invaluable public relations, technical & legal resources that tribes have put into the mining fight. Each WWEP group should send letters of thanks:
*Forest County Potawatomi Community
        Attn: Chairman's Office,
        P.O. Box 340 , Crandon WI 54520
*Mole Lake Environmental Office,
        Sokaogon Chippewa Community,
        RR1 Box 625, Crandon WI 54520
*Menominee Treaty Rights & Mining Impacts Office,
        P.O. Box 910, Keshena, WI 54135

It is also important to keep writing letters to the editor in support of the bills to ban cyanide in mining, and to end special treatment for the mining industry. The bills had majority support among the public and the legislators, and did not pass only because of legislative maneuvers, but will be reintroduced in the next session.

 

from The Indigenous Environmental Network

North American Wilderness Conference
MAY 3 - 5, 2002

North American Wilderness Conference, Seattle Washington. Preserving North American wildlands and waters in the US, Canada and Tribal Nations is the theme of this year's conference sponsored by The Wilderness Society, the Northwest Wilderness and Parks Conference and many more groups. For more information and to place your name on the conference mailing list, send your name, address and email address to osseward@juno.com. You can also check out the conference website at http://www.speakeasy.org/~nwwpc

IEN does not know who the Native speakers and participants are in this conference that is sponsored by The Wilderness Society. IEN knows The Wilderness Society has been supporting the Gwich'in Peoples in their opposition to opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil development.

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