WHAT'S NEW WITH WATER OVER NICKEL
By Misko'asin, Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of Natural Resources
Spring is a time of renewal and energy. And Band leaders are motivated to ramp up our response to the proposed Tamarack Mine, located within the ceded territory of the Treaty of 1855 and in close proximity to District II.
The proposed mine — and the impact it could have on our people — continues to be a priority for Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe leadership. Since launching Water Over Nickel one year ago, we have been busy sharing our story with state and federal officials and our communities.
We know that our Band members are deeply invested in this issue as well. To ensure Band members are informed and updated on our activities, we will be sharing regular updates about our efforts with Water Over Nickel, the Band’s response to the proposed Tamarack Mine, and the mine permitting process.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
Talon Metals' proposal for the Tamarack Mine is in review with the Minnesota DNR
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been reviewing the Tamarack Mine proposal since Talon Metals submitted its environmental assessment worksheet in June 2023. This is a long-term process that involves multiple rounds of review and comments between the DNR and Talon before the DNR begins its public comment period. The Mille Lacs Band has had the opportunity to provide comments on the proposal as well.
The public comment period allows the broader Minnesota population to provide feedback related to the proposed mine. We anticipate that this public comment period will begin in late summer or early fall 2024.
We have several opportunities available for Band members to learn more about Water Over Nickel and our government’s response to the proposed Tamarack Mine.
In addition to the updates shared here, I will hold monthly virtual Q&A sessions, open to all Band members, focused on the proposed Tamarack Mine and Water Over Nickel.
These virtual Q&A sessions will be available on the second Thursday every month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., via the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81159749422?pwd=OG5JH4j7OybbVOM8zXIGOGy4hgmjG3.1
The next session is scheduled for April 11 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. We are listening to your feedback, perspectives, and concerns
December 2023 Tribal Engagement Session in District II
We are grateful that Band members attended our Tribal Engagement Session at the District II community center on December 18. The Tribal Engagement Session was an opportunity for Band members to share feedback, concerns, and ideas related to the proposed Tamarack Mine. Band leaders will include these perspectives in our conversations with state and federal officials moving forward.
Band member feedback shared at the event included skepticism of Talon Metals and their claims of environmentally responsible mining, concern over the impact the mine could have on the Band’s land, water, cultural practices, and future generations, and a call to Band members to come together and protect the community.
Band members requested that we reference the 1855 Treaty and name impacted communities, including the Sandy Lake community, in our Water Over Nickel website and messaging. This language is now live on our Water Over Nickel website: www.waterovernickel.com.
We are making our voices heard in media interviews and interactions.
The proposed Tamarack Mine and the Mille Lacs Band’s response continue to be covered by local and national media. Recent coverage includes:
• The Circle highlighted the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe response to the proposed Tamarack Mine: Political Matters — February 2024.
• The Mesabi Tribune shared an opinion piece written by former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson and former Minnesota legislators raising concerns about the risks associated with the proposed Tamarack Mine: Clean water is a statewide concern.
We ask Band members to help spread the word about Water Over Nickel.
YouTube
Our Water Over Nickel overview video is live on our Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe YouTube channel. We will promote this video and additional footage collected at the Wild Rice Lake Refuge in the coming months to increase awareness of the risks associated with the proposed Tamarack Mine.
We encourage you to follow Water Over Nickel on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and to share the video with your friends, family, and community.
Protecting our people, land, manoomin, and water from the impact of nickel mining is critical. We are grateful for our community’s support and interest in this issue and will continue to provide opportunities for Band members to share feedback and participate in our efforts with Water Over Nickel.
