A WATERSHED YEAR: WHAT'S AHEAD IN 2025

By Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of Natural Resources

January is a season for setting goals for what we’d like to accomplish in the coming year. 2025 is a particularly important year for the Water Over Nickel team as we continue our work to raise awareness about the risks associated with the pro posed Tamarack nickel mine.

This year, we will share the Band’s perspective with more Minnesotans, with State and Federal leaders, with other tribes, and with Mille Lacs Band members.

Below is an overview of Water Over Nickel and ideas for how Band members can get involved and support our work in 2025.

What is Water Over Nickel?

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe launched Water Over Nickel, in partnership with allied organizations and experts, to help protect Minnesota’s water, environment, and communities from the risks associated with nickel mining and highlight Indigenous perspectives and concerns. The proposed Tamarack Mine, located within 1.3 miles of the Mille Lacs Band community, represents a significant threat to our people, other Indigenous groups, our land, the broader Minnesota population, and our state's natural resources and watersheds.

Since our launch in early 2023, Water Over Nickel has continuously raised awareness of the risks associated with the proposed Tamarack Mine, including:

• Ensuring the Mille Lacs Band is a leading voice in media coverage and conversations surrounding the proposed mine

• Engaging tribal communities in this issue

• Managing a wide-reaching campaign to increase awareness about the importance of protecting Minnesota’s pristine water from the impact of nickel mining

Why is 2025 an important year for Water Over Nickel?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources public comment period for the proposed Tamarack Mine is anticipated to take place in late 2025. A public comment period is a set time when the public can provide input on a proposed rule before a final decision is made by an agency. This will be a critical point in our work. We must encourage Minnesotans to raise their voices and share their concerns about the risks as sociated with the proposed mine. Our work in 2025 will focus on educating and inspiring Minnesotans to speak up and help protect our state’s environment and water.

How can Band members get involved?

Volunteer as a Water Ambassador. Water Over Nickel will launch its Water Ambassador program in 2025. Water Ambassadors will serve as Water Over Nickel representatives within the Band, at community events, and with partner organizations. Stay tuned for more information in 2025!

Visit the Water Over Nickel booth at Band events

Water Over Nickel will have a table at upcoming Band events, including State of the Band and Treaty Rights Day. Stop by the booth to get to know the team, learn more about the issues, and ask questions. We look forward to connecting with you!

Look for Water Over Nickel billboards

Keep an eye out for more Water Over Nickel billboards in your neighborhood this year. If you see one, snap a photo and tag Water Over Nickel on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Insta gram.

Share Water Over Nickel posts with your friends and family

Follow Water Over Nickel on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates and information about our work. Sharing, liking, and commenting on our posts is a great way to spread the word with your networks about this critical initiative.

Attend our next Water Over Nickel Day

Our 2024 Water Over Nickel Day in September marked a milestone in the Band community's commitment to environ mental protection and cultural preservation. The family-friend ly event brought together several hundred band members to celebrate their culture and advocate for water protection. We look forward to hosting another Water Over Nickel Day later this year, bringing together Band members and partners to recognize our progress.

Participate in the upcoming public comment period

The Minnesota DNR public comment period gives Minnesotans the opportunity to share their concerns about the risks associated with the proposed mine. Follow our Water Over Nickel channels for updates about when and how you can use your voice to advocate for our water and environment.

Where can I connect with Water Over Nickel to learn more?

If you’d like to get involved and volunteer to support Water Over Nickel, please reach out to waterovernickel@gmail.com.

Visit WaterOverNickel.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more.