WATER OVER NICKEL VIDEO WINS SHORT FILM MIDWEST EMMY AWARD
Accepting the Upper Midwest Emmy Award on behalf of the Mille Lacs Band is Mille Lacs Commissioner of DNR Kelly Applegate (center) flanked by District II Representative Wendy Merrill and Joe Decker (spouse). Back row: Carlos Merrill (spouse), Ayme Zemke and Nikki Gibbs of Beehive, and Lynn Melling and Ian Planchon of 515 productions. Submitted photo.
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is honored to announce the Water Over Nickel video has been awarded a regional Emmy® Award at the 25th Annual Upper Midwest Emmy Awards ceremony on October 19, 2024, in the category of Diversity/Equity/Inclusion – Short Form Content (Up to 15 Minutes). The Water Over Nickel video illustrates the deep connection between the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and their ancestral lands, revealing how proposed nickel mining operations threaten both Minnesota's pristine waters and the tribe's cultural heritage. Through stunning visuals and personal stories, the film makes a compelling case for protecting these vital natural resources from mining's destructive impacts.
The Band launched the Water Over Nickel initiative in March 2023 as a response to the proposed Tamarack nickel mine brought forward by Talon Metals Corp. The proposed nickel mine is less than two miles from Mille Lacs Band Reservation community lands and sacred waters. The Ojibwe people are the caretakers of a fragile ecosystem that is the heart of their culture and they are committed to protecting Mother Earth. The proposed Tamarack Mine poses significant risks to the water, fish, wild rice, and the people — not only Mille Lacs Band members but all of the people of Minnesota and beyond. The Band is committed to advancing a green economy and a sustainable future, but mining is not the only option.
The Water Over Nickel video was created in collaboration with 515 Productions and Beehive Strategic Communication with heartfelt narratives provided by the following people: Former Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin, Commissioner of Natural Resources Kelly Applegate, Mille Lacs Band Elder Joe Nayquonabe Sr., and DNR staff members Todd Moilanen along swith John Benjamin and Quintin Sam showcasing Minnesota's pristine waters and the sacred manoomin. The Water Over Nickel initiative is dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s environment and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's deep connection to their land and the urgent need to protect their water, resources, and culture for future generations.
To view and share the video, please visit the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe YouTube Channel at https://tinyurl.com/WaterOverNickel.