tagged w/ Eagle Mine project
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Read PR puff piece written by Michigan's largest newspaper supporting an acid mine with few benefits - and run by a company (Rio Tinto) charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, bribery and other crimes:
http://detnews.com/article/20110907/OPINION01/109070324/Editorial--Return-mining-to-the-U.P.#ixzz1XKFJvBbT
I was shocked to see that the Detroit News would favor a mining project that will have few benefits and allow one of the world's worst polluters to leave a mess behind in seven years (life of mine) while destroying sacred Eagle Rock.
Rio Tinto has also been charged with war crimes, human rights violations, bribery and other crimes across the globe.
Your editorial wrongly claimed the company is respecting a very old Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) sacred site for Native American tribal rituals, religious ceremonies.
In fact, Rio Tinto/Kennecott Minerals will be dynamiting through sacred Eagle Rock to make the entrance of the mine (They already bulldozed the area directly around Eagle Rock).
To the Ojibwa, it is the same as dynamiting through a large church/cathedral in any Michigan city.
It's an undisputed fact that the Rio Tinto/Kennecott has one of the most dismal environmental records in the world - and find it less costly to leave a mess and possibly face litigation - than simply clean up their toxic waste.
Ex-Governor Granholm and Governor Snyder have refused to answer questions about their (or close family) financial ties to the project including campaign donations, favorable land deals, luxury trips, wining and dining, stocks and bonds, any and all gratuities from the companies or their representatives like lobbyists, others, etc.
As a reporter for Indian Country Today, I submitted those questions to all the candidates for governor - and ex-Gov. Granholm - all refused to comment (It would be easy to say they had no financial connections but instead refused to comment - talk about red flags).
The mining company also uses dirty tricks - like redesigning a water system to be above ground (in the severe U.P. winters) to avoid the federal clean water act regulations.
Plus two Ojibwa campers charged with trespassing were not allowed to present a defense - literally told they could not present the defense they planned. Ironically, the judge's name is extremely close to "Kangaroo" as in Kangaroo Court.
Your editorial sounds like it was written by a Kennecott PR person.
I understand why the small U.P. newspapers (who get mine advertising) have not done investigative stories - but am disillusioned now that the Detroit News would write this puff editorial.
Shame on the Detroit News for selling out.
Even with tough times at the major newspapers, I never though the Detroit News would not investigate before printing Rio Tinto/Kennecott claims.
The above is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to scandalous info about this project - a few headlines:
• State allows DEQ/DNR financially going into bed with the mining company by allowing its employees to set up a non-profit using state addresses, state labor and state materials.
• DEQ/DNR hides a state-paid expert safety report critical of the project - stating major concerns over whether a vital trout stream would collapse into the mine. That would send a huge amount of sulfuric acid downstream into Lake Superior.
• During a reshuffle of the DNR/DEQ agencies - an interim boss approves mine permit despite serious objections from a state administrative law judge and others.
• Only half of the 150 employees will be locally hired.
• Company admits they will make billions in profits because of the size of the world record nickel deposit - but the state itself and local government tills will only get a small fraction of that cash.
That's why many have accused the company of making side deals with U.P. elected officials and others with decision powers - exactly like when Rio Tinto got caught and charged with bribing China officials and other countries.Read PR puff piece written by Michigan's largest newspaper supporting an acid... more
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This is from Jessica Koski of KBIC, who attends Yale University and has been a longtime warrior in the fight to protect sacred Eagle Rock and the Yellow Dog Plains.
It announces a new group and events for National Sacred Places Prayer Day involving Eagle Rock:
on Saturday, June 19, 2010 in two northern Michigan cities - Marquette and at the KBIC Powwow Grounds in Baraga.
National Sacred Places Prayer Day: Honoring our Water
All Welcome
June 19, 2010
Water Ceremony
Sunrise
Little Presque Isle Point
Marquette, MI
Community Potluck Picnic and Gathering
12 Noon
Baraga Powwow Grounds Pavilion
Baraga, Michigan
Please join us on Saturday, June 19, 2010 for a day of prayer to protect Native American sacred places.
We will gather at sunrise at Little Presque Isle Point on the shores of Lake Superior to pray for threatened sacred places and to honor the sacredness of the water and Mother Earth.
Eagle Rock, a sacred place to Anishinaabe people, is currently threatened as the proposed mine portal for the Rio Tinto/Kennecott Eagle Mine on the Yellow Dog Plains.
Our fresh groundwater, waterways and Lake Superior are threatened by the Eagle Mine and increasing sulfide and uranium mining interests throughout the Great Lakes region.
Native and non-Native people nationwide will gather at this time for Solstice ceremonies and to honor sacred places, with a special emphasis on the need for Congress to build a door to the courts for Native nations to protect our traditional churches.
We ask that all women who wish to participate wear a skirt in order to honor our traditional way. Women are also welcome to bring blue prayer ties and blue shawls for the water.
A community potluck picnic and gathering in honor of National Sacred Places Prayer Day will follow at the Powwow Grounds Pavilion in Baraga, MI at 12 noon.
Please join to show your support, ask questions and learn how you can help be a part of the movement to protect our sacred places, water and way of life for future generations.
Directions to Little Presque Isle Point:
From Marquette, Michigan, take 550 North towards Big Bay.
Turn right at the Blue Flag for Little Presque Isle Point.
Directions to Baraga Powwow Grounds Pavilion:
From L'Anse, Michigan take US 41 North towards Houghton.
Turn right at the Powwow Grounds sign.
Turn left at the red building and follow the road to the first pavilion.
Please contact jlkoski@gmail.com or 715-550-0124 if any questions.
Hosted by the Stand for the Land and Oshki Ogitchidaawin Aki (New Warriors for the Earth or NWE) which is a new Native/non-Native environmental organization grounded in Anishinaabe traditions with a mission to educate and empower our communities to take action on mining and other social-ecological issues facing our communities.This is from Jessica Koski of KBIC, who attends Yale University and has been a... more
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Ojibwa Treaty Rights trampled once again - by state of Michigan Kennecott Minerals
Stand for the Land Rally at Michigan Capitol: They sang, they cried, they proclaimed Mother Nature First! as Native Americans, non-Natives protested the raid on sacred Eagle Rock and continued the fight against Kennecott Eagle Minerals nickel and copper mine on the Yellow Dog Plains near Lake Superior
http://turtleislandproject.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/standforthelandrallymichigancapitolOjibwa Treaty Rights trampled once again - by state of Michigan Kennecott Minerals... more
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Eagle Rock Video Drew Nelson's Song:
Over 100 attended June 3 rally at the Michigan State Capitol protesting arrest of Ojibwa defenders at sacred Eagle Rock, sulfide mining in northern Michigan on the Yellow Dog Plains near Lake Superior in violation of Ojibwa Treaty Rights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ces63iissEEagle Rock Video Drew Nelson's Song:
Over 100 attended June 3 rally at the... more
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Indian Country Today newspaper story just before large police raid on sacred Eagle Rock:
KBIC Tribal Council meets with campers at sacred Eagle Rock and vows to continue fight against an international mining company that is building a nickel and copper mine on land that Ojibwa have rights to hunt, fish, gather under federal treaty but are denied their treaty rights to the state-owned public land now leased to Kennecott Minerals.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/94594944.htmlIndian Country Today newspaper story just before large police raid on sacred Eagle... more
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American Indians and non-natives are encouraged to visit the northern Michigan campsite that is blocking a sulfide mine - as in sulfuric acid - from being built under Sacred Eagle Rock.
Levi Tadgerson, an Anishinaabe man who loves and respects the environment, narrates this video that invites everyone to join the encampment at the base of Eagle Rock - the sooner the better because a confrontation between mine owners, the police and those protecting Sacred Eagle Rock could happen at any moment.
Tadgerson is a 22-year-old Northern Michigan University senior and member of Bay Mills Indian Community.
In the video, you will see the many amazing things happening to protect Sacred Eagle Rock including an appearance by popular American Indian singer/songwriter Elder Bobby "Bullet" St. Germaine of Iron River, MI - an elder of the Lac Du Flambeau tribe in Wisconsin.
He sings and leads a thank you drum under the shadow of Sacred Eagle Rock.
This video was shot on 4/29/2010.
Background:
Eagle Rock has been a sacred place to hold ceremonies since the Ojibwa tribe was created and was seeded to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) under treaties with the American government.
The multi-tribe encampment, that could be raided by mine guards and police at any moment, is blocking the Eagle Mine Project by international mining giant Kennecott Minerals and its parent company Rio Tinto.
KBIC member Glen Bressette Jr., 38, of Harvey, Michigan brought a rare legally-permitted Eagle has been received to award feathers to those who honor their tribes by protecting sacred Eagle Rock and other honorable actions.
Dozens of people from numerous tribes have spent days at the camp - and many others have brought supplies to the remote site on dirt roads about an hour from any city.
The state of Michigan has claimed ownership to the land - but the lease with Kennecott only takes effect when the mine has secured all permits.
Opponents say the mine must still get a federal EPA groundwater permit - but under a technicality the mine owners say they do not need the permit and recently put up “No Trespassing” signs.
The American Indians rushed to the sight after Kennecott ordered the arrest of longtime mine opponent Cynthia Pryor of Big Bay, MI on April 20, 2010.
Pryor was out for her usual walk on the Yellow Dog Plains when she spotted a bulldozer - and refused to leave saying the mine still had an EPA permit pending.
Pryor is a member of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve.
Among the Ojibwa tribes from Michigan and Wisconsin on sight are KBIC, Lac Du Flambeau, and Bay Mills Indian Community.
As of April 30th, the mine guards has not confronted the campers - but the day before ordered no still or video cameras are allowed. That has campers worried about why what they do not want videotaped or documented - thus nerves are high.
When a reporter arrived a short time later - the campers allowed him on the sight and this story was videotaped.
For more information call:
1-906-401-0109
The video was produced by the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI, which has founded numerous youth, faith and Native American related environment projects.
Bobby "Bullet" St. Germaine of Iron River, MI - a member of the Lac Du Flambeau tribe in Wisconsin.
He is a well-know longtime native singer:
http://www.bobbybullet.com
Petition to support Cynthia Pryor
www.savethewildup.org/jailed/petition
Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve:
http://www.yellowdogwatershed.org/blog
Save the Wild U.P. (SWUP):
http://www.savethewildup.org
SWUP Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20079015072
SWUP Causes on Facebook
http://www.causes.com/causes/46130?recruiter_id=60587135
Stand for the Land blog:
http://standfortheland.com
Stand for the Land flickr photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49633257@N03
Stories by Gabriel Caplett and others on the “Headwaters: Citizen Journalism For the Great Lakes” website.
http://headwaters.net
Headwaters stories include opposition to the Kennecott Eagle Mine project and alleged international crimes and bad acts by Kennecott Mining and its parent company Rio Tinto:
“Taking a Stand”: Sacred Site Celebrated Despite Citizen Arrest
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/taking-a-stand-sacred-site-celebrated-despite-citizen-arrest
Pryor Ordered to Leave Jail:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/pryor-ordered-to-leave-jail
Cynthia Prior Pleads Not Guilty:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/cynthia-pryor-pleads-not-guilty
Cynthia Pryor arrested at mine property:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/citizen-arrested-for-%E2%80%9Ctrespassing%E2%80%9D-on-public-land/
Eagle Mine Concerns Raised at Rio Tinto Meeting:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/audio-rio-tintos-annual-general-meeting
Upper Peninsula Mine Threatens Sacred Tribal Rights:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-blog/upper-peninsula-mine-threatens-sacred-tribal-rights
Rio Tinto Stomps on Indigenous Rights in Upper Peninsula of Michigan:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-blog/rio-tinto-stomps-out-indigenous-rights-in-upper-michigan
Kennecott Minerals parent company Rio Tinto accused of crimes ranging from bribery to espionage to violating mining act:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/uk-serious-fraud-office-to-investigate-rio-tinto
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/rio-tinto-employees-charged-with-industrial-espionage-and-bribery
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/rio-tinto-pleads-guilty-to-breach-of-mining-management-act-again-2
USA Today and Washington Post stories from Associated Press by writer John Flesher article about Chauncey Moran, vice chairman of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve and a volunteer stream monitor
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-09-08-276323347_x.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090800356.html
More stories and info about Chauncey Moran:
http://www.waterkeeper.org/ht/d/OrganizationDetails/id/707
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AP05J20091126
Mining Journal stories:
Native American activists protest at Eagle Rock 4/25/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543341.html
Mining Journal Editorial: Cooler heads must prevail in mine protests 4/25/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543354.html
Pryor pleads not guilty to trespassing: Mining opponent arrested at Kennecott operation 4/21/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543227.html
Mine foe Pryor remains jailed 4/22/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543253.html
Rally Held at Eagle Rock
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543014.html?nav=5006
Mining Journal Video of Rally:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543018.html?nav=5056
DEQ mine decision questioned 1/16/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/539169.html
Yellow Dog Plains on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Dog_Plains
Yellow Dog Plains Pix via Wikipedia By Maynard Leon and Kirill Zikanov (Wiki username Kirillz)
Trouble on the Yellow Dog Plains:
http://savethewildup.org/files/swup/265.pdf
GRANHOLM, DEQ DECISION CONDEMNED BY U.P.
http://www.ausableanglers.org/files/members/RIVERWATCH48.pdf
Protect the Earth: Part 2, Walk to Eagle Rock By Michele Bourdieu
http://keweenawnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/protect-earth-part-2-walk-to-eagle-rock.html
State of Michigan Info on Eagle Mine Project:
http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3311_4111_18442-130551--,00.html
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute:
http://www.CedarTreeInstitute.orgAmerican Indians and non-natives are encouraged to visit the northern Michigan... more
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When officials with the Eagle Mine Project in Michigan's Upper Peninsula arrested Cynthia Pryor for trespassing in April 20, 2010, they didn't count on the public outrage over the jailing of this 58 year old grandmother and longtime environmentalist.
In this video, Pryor explains what happened before and after her arrest.
Cynthia Pryor of Big Bay, Michigan belongs to several environment groups including serving as the the Sulfide Mining Campaign Director for the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve. Her attorney, Kevin Koch of Negaunee, MI, says Pryor wants a jury trial on the misdemeanor charge.
Pryor is scheduled for a pretrial court hearing at 1 p.m. on May 6. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and or a $250 fine.
The video was produced by the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute in Marquette, MI, which has founded numerous youth, faith and Native American related environment projects.
Petition to support Cynthia Pryor
www.savethewildup.org/jailed/petition
Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve:
http://www.yellowdogwatershed.org/blog
Save the Wild U.P. (SWUP):
http://www.savethewildup.org
SWUP Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20079015072
SWUP Causes on Facebook
http://www.causes.com/causes/46130?recruiter_id=60587135
Stand for the Land blog:
http://standfortheland.com
Stand for the Land flickr photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49633257@N03
Stories by Gabriel Caplett and others on the “Headwaters: Citizen Journalism For the Great Lakes” website.
http://headwaters.net
Headwaters stories include opposition to the Kennecott Eagle Mine project and alleged international crimes and bad acts by Kennecott Mining and its parent company Rio Tinto:
“Taking a Stand”: Sacred Site Celebrated Despite Citizen Arrest
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/taking-a-stand-sacred-site-celebrated-despite-citizen-arrest
Pryor Ordered to Leave Jail:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/pryor-ordered-to-leave-jail
Cynthia Prior Pleads Not Guilty:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/cynthia-pryor-pleads-not-guilty
Cynthia Pryor arrested at mine property:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/citizen-arrested-for-%E2%80%9Ctrespassing%E2%80%9D-on-public-land/
Eagle Mine Concerns Raised at Rio Tinto Meeting:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/audio-rio-tintos-annual-general-meeting
Upper Peninsula Mine Threatens Sacred Tribal Rights:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-blog/upper-peninsula-mine-threatens-sacred-tribal-rights
Rio Tinto Stomps on Indigenous Rights in Upper Peninsula of Michigan:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-blog/rio-tinto-stomps-out-indigenous-rights-in-upper-michigan
Kennecott Minerals parent company Rio Tinto accused of crimes ranging from bribery to espionage to violating mining act:
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/uk-serious-fraud-office-to-investigate-rio-tinto
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/rio-tinto-employees-charged-with-industrial-espionage-and-bribery
http://headwatersnews.net/mining-article/rio-tinto-pleads-guilty-to-breach-of-mining-management-act-again-2
USA Today and Washington Post stories from Associated Press by writer John Flesher article about Chauncey Moran, vice chairman of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve and a volunteer stream monitor
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-09-08-276323347_x.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090800356.html
More stories and info about Chauncey Moran:
http://www.waterkeeper.org/ht/d/OrganizationDetails/id/707
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AP05J20091126
Mining Journal stories:
Native American activists protest at Eagle Rock 4/25/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543341.html
Mining Journal Editorial: Cooler heads must prevail in mine protests 4/25/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543354.html
Pryor pleads not guilty to trespassing: Mining opponent arrested at Kennecott operation 4/21/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543227.html
Mine foe Pryor remains jailed 4/22/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543253.html
Rally Held at Eagle Rock
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543014.html?nav=5006
Mining Journal Video of Rally:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543018.html?nav=5056
DEQ mine decision questioned 1/16/10:
http://miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/539169.html
Yellow Dog Plains on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Dog_Plains
Yellow Dog Plains Pix via Wikipedia By Maynard Leon and Kirill Zikanov (Wiki username Kirillz)
Trouble on the Yellow Dog Plains:
http://savethewildup.org/files/swup/265.pdf
GRANHOLM, DEQ DECISION CONDEMNED BY U.P.
http://www.ausableanglers.org/files/members/RIVERWATCH48.pdf
Protect the Earth: Part 2, Walk to Eagle Rock By Michele Bourdieu
http://keweenawnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/protect-earth-part-2-walk-to-eagle-rock.html
State of Michigan Info on Eagle Mine Project:
http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3311_4111_18442-130551--,00.html
Nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute:
http://www.CedarTreeInstitute.orgWhen officials with the Eagle Mine Project in Michigan's Upper Peninsula arrested... more
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