American Indian Report - June 2008 - (Page 18)

EN V I R O N M EN T Neighbors Helping Neighbors With help from nearby communities, the Sokaogon has been able to protect its ancient rice bed By Kimberly Hayes BY FOCUSING ON PREVENTING mining destruction to a culturally relevant and resource-rich part of its lands, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community exemplifies diverse and innovative tribal practices, according to an Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Interior Department report. The community is among 14 tribes recognized in the report, titled Tribal Successes: Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources. The report said that although tribes face common barriers in environmental management, they can be overcome through innovative practices, like collaboration and partnerships, education and outreach and expanding resources. The community is situated on land containing one of the last remaining ancient wild rice beds in the world. The annual harvest of wild rice is an important cultural practice for the tribe, and wild rice is an essential resource. In 2003, the community, which has about 1,300 members, and the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe purchased a mining company and all land associated with that company. In November 2006, they obtained all of the mineral and timber rights to ensure that the water quality is now permanently protected from the Crandon Mine. Community opposition to the mine began in 1978, according to the EPA report. Sokaogon environmental and natural resource officials began collecting and analyzing water quality, which showed that it was sensitive to contaminants from potential mining. As sole owner, the tribe immediately withdrew all the mining permits that were Hydrogeologist putting in a dam to control the lake level for wild rice. Photo courtesy of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community 18 June 2008 American Indian Report http://www.sokaogonchippewa.com/ http://www.doioig.gov/upload/2007-G-0020.pdf http://www.doioig.gov/upload/2007-G-0020.pdf

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of American Indian Report - June 2008

American Indian Report - June 2008 Contents Ethics & Standards of Conduct: Governing Work Habits of Elected Officials Congress: Activity on the Hill Catching Up with the Curve Grants: Police Equipment Assistance from the Federal Government The Pottery Project Neighbors Helping Neighbors Where They Belong Spreading the Word “Poverty is Not a Part of Our Culture” Strategic Planning: Step 1 — An Assessment of Now Saving the Samala Language

American Indian Report - June 2008

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