The attached statement is from a group on the Bad River Chippewa Reservation
in northern Wisconsin. They have asked me to communicate their statement and
guide any media which wishes to report on their actions. I have been asked
to answer any questions regarding the White Pine mine, acid transport and
the ceremonies.
I have also been asked to direct people to the site of the ceremonies within
the Bad River Reservation.
As this goes out, a press briefing has been scheduled for 8:00 a.m., July
22, in Highbridge, WI.
I can be reached at Route Route 1, Box 117, Bayfield, WI 54814,
Ph: 715-779-5071 or 715-779-3465
FX: 715-779-5071
STATEMENT -- JULY 22, 1996
ANISHINABE OGITCHIDA
Today, at dawn, a sacred fire was lit next to the railroad tracks on the Bad
River Chippewa Reservation, within the ceded territory of the Lake Superior
Chippewa.
The sacred fire will burn for four days during which prayers, songs and
offerings will be made in traditional ceremonies. We, the Anishinable
Ogitchida, will hunt and gather food during these four days.
These next few days will help determine our actions for the next few weeks,
months and perhaps years. We ask that these ceremonies be undisturbed by
train traffic or those who would seek to disrupt these spiritual activities.
Following the four days of spiritual ceremony, we will leave if the
following conditions are met:
1) An immediate cessation of acid mining at White Pine, Michigan until:
A) The Treaty Rights of the Lake Superior Chippewa are considered;
B) There is a full Environmental Impact Statement of the Acid Mine Project
2) A reclamation plan is developed for the existing tailings area prior to
acid solution mining.
3) A reclamation plan for the brine aquifer seepage at White Pine prior to
consideration of acid mining.
4) The immediate cessation of all sulfuric acid transport in ceded territory
until:
A) A full EIS on acid mining [is performed];
B) An inspection, report, and repair of rail lines in our territory;
C) All communities on the rail corridor have trained staff, adequate
equipment and emergency response teams to handle an acid spill.
If these conditions are met, this peaceful and spiritual gathering will end
at dawn on Friday. For the next four days our community will be safe from
this unsafe transport of hazardous materials.
We call on others to seek similar spiritual guidance, and to take similar
action.
We call on all traditional and spiritual people to join us in these
deliberations.
We call on other Anishinabe Ogitchida to also join us; we will protect our
right and our duty to these ceremonies.
End of statement by
Anishinabe Ogitchida
delivered to Walt Bresette
For distribution to the public
on July 22, 1996
Transcribed by Alice McCombs, as received from Walt Bresette.