Photo by Valeria Jean
Beginning on Friday, March 27 at 9:00am, everyone who cares about the future ecological health of the UP is invited to join us in protest against the proposed Graymont mine near Rexton, Michigan and other concerns like the Enbridge pipeline that is in disrepair under the Mackinac Bridge, and the proposed Eagle mine road (County Road 595) that would cut through a fragile ecosystem near Marquette, Michigan. It is time for us to stand up and speak loudly about these serious issues that are impacting our communities now and in the future. We will meet at the rest stop on the UP side of the bridge at 9am each day for three consecutive days to symbolizeour deep concern about these issues.
Dr. Martin Reinhardt, a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and an assistant professor of Native American Studies at Northern Michigan University, initiated this demonstration to cast a light on how the State of Michigan is violating the treaty rights of Michigan tribes, and disenfranchising both tribal and non-tribal citizens from their right to clean air, water, and land. He asserts that “Governor Snyder and his band of misfit legislators and administrators are selling Michigan to the highest bidder. It is high time that we the people remind them about our rights. We will be idle no more!”
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and other tribes in Michigan have called on the State of Michigan DNR to reject Canadian mining company Graymont Inc.’s request to mine limestone on 10,000 acres of “state-owned” land in the Upper Peninsula near Rexton. This proposed activity would interfere with tribal rights to hunt, fish, gather, hold spiritual ceremonies, educate, and recreate in this area. These rights are guaranteed by multiple treaties signed between the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy of Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi and the United States of America. If it were not for these treaties, there would be no State of Michigan in the first place.
Dr. Reinhardt wants to be very clear that this is not a Native versus non-Native issue. In fact, he points out that “non-tribal citizens of the State are also exercising their treaty rights when they stand up to protect these lands. Their leadership signed these treaties on their behalf and made solemn promises that they would protect these lands for the benefit of future generations.”
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians points out that “this proposed Graymont mine would set a precedent where those who have enough money to influence elected officials can purchase vast tracts of land to further their corporate interests. The rights of Michigan citizens who use and enjoy this area shouldn’t be traded for vague promises of economic prosperity.” (February 5, 2015). Dr. Reinhardt points out that “you simply cannot have a sustainable economy without a sustainable ecology.”
Concerned citizens are encouraged to email the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with comments about the proposed Graymont mine and other related issues at: DNRGraymontProposalComment
We hope that many people will join us as we pray, march, discuss issues, and sing in support of our Mother the Earth. Dr. Martin Reinhardt can be reached at: martin@reinhardtassociates