American Indian Report - June 2008 - (Page 19)

with the State of Wisconsin and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “The area is going to be left as it is in its pristine beauty. We may do things like silent trails, cross country skiing, etc. as environmentally friendly tourism,” said Tina VanZile, environmental director of the Sokaogon’s environmental department. During the process of purchasing the mine, the community conducted an outreach and education program though local and state communities on the dangers of mining. Using modeling and data analysis, it presented compelling conclusions about the effects of mining on water quality. It gained support throughout Wisconsin and from nationally recognized organizations. It built relationships with neighboring tribes, including an alliance with the Menominee, Potawatomi and StockbridgeMunsee. “As our tribe fought the Crandon Mine for the 28 years, we had help from many tribes,” VanZile said. “This was a battle that we all had to win to protect our natural resources so we could live our lives as Anishinabe people. We could not have fought alone and we had help from tribes, grass root organizations, sport fishing groups, etc. Many non-Natives helped daily in the effort.” The community also has become involved in efforts to reduce introduction of invasive species. To increase public awareness, officials conduct an educational and outreach program to inform the community of adverse impacts. The environmental department conducts a fair each summer to address environmental and natural resource issues and uses games and demos to educate the community. When seeking to protect cultural and natural resources on tribal lands, VanZile recommends that officials listen to the community, especially the elders, who know historical things about natural resources. “Pay attention and incorporate beliefs of the traditional cultural resources into your departments,” VanZile said. “I’m the only Sokaogon Chippewa tribal member in my department, and I try to instill in them the importance of our culture and how it relates to the environment. They have all embraced it and have developed respect from the community. It makes for a successful department.” n For a look at other tribes that have been featured in this on-going series, click here. American Indian Report June 2008 1 http://www.falmouthinstitute.com/air/may08/bp.html

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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