This was a WOW event. There will be video coming out as people make their way back to the U.P.. The energy, the spirit and the commitment was felt by all.
The Stand for the Land Rally was attended by over 150 participants on the Lansing State Capitol steps Thursday early afternoon. Members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community along with members and tribal council members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians from Manistee attended – presenting tribal council resolution and support of KBIC and the peaceful action at Eagle Rock. Drum, flute, and song were part of the full three hour rally. Michigan singer songwriters such as Drew Nelson, Daisy May, Rachael Davis, Josh Davis and many others brought new works to the rally to support the event. Speakers included Brian Matrious, Lee Sprague, Cynthia Pryor, Charlotte Loonsfoot, Chelsea Smith and Georgenia Earring who covered topics such as Tribal Treaty Rights, Environmental Justice Principals, Sacred Sites and the experiences at Eagle Rock as protestors encamped there for a month before being driven off the state land where two were arrested for tresspassing. The group then walked to the Governor’s office and presented the Environmental Justice petition of over 1000 signatures before attending the DNRE Natural Resources Commission enmasse where many gave public comment.
Charolotte Loonsfoot who was arrested last week for trespassing at Eagle Rock stated: “All our helpers were there and I feel we were heard. I am just very proud that the Little River Band passed a resolution approving support of Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and their legal efforts to stop the Kennecott mine at Eagle Rock. I pray all tribes will pass the same resolution.”
I thank all who drove the long way there! Songs were written, chants developed and a bond between attendees that strengthened all. So! Roslyn, Eeva, Amy, Laura, Chelsea, Georgenia, Charotte, Margaret, Casey, Catherine and Brian – my personal thanks!
Cynthia
Special thanks to Wendy Johnson of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve – for organizing all the singers and keeping her facebook alive and well and getting the word out! Thanks, Wendy – could not have done this without you! That is a big SERIOUSLY!.
Cyn
I was so honored to be there and read resolutions passed by my tribe, and sing a song for you strong women. It was so wonderful to meet Cynthia and Charlotte and spend the day on the steps of the capital with you.
Awwwhhh gee, thanks Cyn…I was certainly there in spirit! Thanks so much to you, Cyn for Rising UP and keeping on, keeping on!
People who I talk to about the Kennecot fiasco often repeat the old “but the jobs are needed” line. My response to them has been something like this: The jobs are temporary, they may last a generation at most, they will be relatively low wage compared to the earnings of the CEOs of Kennecot, the damage to the waters and land may be irrepairable and last longer than anyone will be able to remember that once the streams were so clean one could drink from them. I always draw comaprison to the BP oil disaster. Just a thought.
I felt privileged to be part of the rally on the Capitol steps this past week. The spirit of the gathering was one of unity, hope and peace. A hawk soared above as some fantastic music and drumming were heard. Too often I hear of a rally in the UP of which I cannot attend, but wish I could! It was great to have one here! I also wish I would have heard of it sooner, because I would have made sure the local media had been informed of the upcoming rally. At is was, there was not any local coverage of it. TOO SAD!