On Thursday, April 23rd, the NRD, in partnership with Promise Neighborhoods, hosted our 3rd Tribal Water Day. The day presented a chance to learn about the ongoing KBIC government actions to protect, preserve, and cleanup our waters. An invitation to the local community and KBIC partners brought over 80 attendees to Big Bucks Bingo Hall. Four Thunders opened the morning with a song, and Kathy Smith led us in a water ceremony.
Project Tables at Water Day
Beginning discussions focused on responsibility and reciprocity, Water Program staff highlighted the KBIC’s Water Quality Standards and shared about regulation and implementation. The BEACH program showed off new signs that will share weekly updates with the community on E. coli levels at our favorite summertime spots. Staff dove into technical information, explaining the instruments used and their measurements, highlighting the process to close a beach for health and safety reasons. Guided largely by the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Great Lakes Section shared a look at the Lake Superior Working Group, the international multiagency management group that influences policy, science, and management in the Lake Superior watershed. These discussions about the social-cultural aspects of large-scale management goals in the Great Lakes Basin happen regularly and highlight the overall need for clean water, safe practices, and personnel willing to do the work.
Drone Image over Sand Point sloughs
Keweenaw Roller Derby at Beach Cleanup
Boom Training at Ojibwa Marina
Stepping into the more technical side of water stewardship was a presentation on mining-related activities in the ceded territory. From historical impacts to proposed projects we covered hundreds of years of history. Many in the audience expressed concerns and brought forward a variety of questions about the long-term impacts in the Upper Peninsula, one statement claimed the UP as a ‘resource colony.’ Overall sentiment from the room was that we are not open to be stripped of our resources and forgotten about until the next critical mineral is in high demand. The crowd was absolute in this matter especially if it means their kids and grandkids cannot enjoy the water as they did.
Questions on Mining
Invasive Species Management
The agenda shifted as Field Fisheries staff shared data related to fish surveys and aquatic invasive species control. Community surveys show that here at the KBIC, we consume significantly more fish on average than anywhere else in the country. Our diets make it even more critical to be vigilant and ready to mitigate, restore, and manage what we can in our waters. Continuing this thread, research partners from Michigan Tech shared findings on forever chemicals (e.g. PFAS & PFOS) in our fish. Their data suggests that places like Torch Lake, which have contamination from historic industrial sites, can be restored and those impacts can have positive influences on the health of the ecosystem. Looking at the overall levels of contaminants present in fish at Torch Lake they saw a gradual decline in the recent years. Each of our projects is a chance to demonstrate methods and practices that can be utilized around the world in hopes for a clean green and blue future.
The day concluded with a focus on the culture of stewardship and how future generations will carry it forward. Wetlands Program staff gave an in-depth look at our local systems, teachings about medicine and the relatives of the swamps, fens, and marshes. Following that, Manoomin took the spotlight, discussing ongoing restoration efforts and the increase in resources available for rice through partnership with other tribal, federal, and state entities. A quick video tour of the KBIC hatchery (view here) and a Youth Panel featuring youth-led conservation initiatives, such as Beach Clean Up, capped the presentations. The flurry of questions aimed at our youngest stewards offered insight into their experiences in the NRD youth program over the years. Ivan Johnston, one of our current NRD Youth Technicians, concluded the session by reminding us to care for what we have and enjoy it, so that whoever comes next can do the same. Our Tribal Water Day ended with an elder sharing their pride in knowing that these youth will be invested in conservation for at least one more generation.
Ivan during Youth Panel
Destine during Wetland Presentation
Taking a look around the room you noticed the variety of people from every corner of the ceded territory. Professional partners, concerned citizens, water warriors, and stalwart stewards alike gathered for a day dedicated to the water. It is life, flowing through all of us, crushing rocks into sand, and providing abundance. Imagine if we couldn’t drink the water anymore, what then? If the plants stop growing, what then? To disrespect the water is to disrespect yourself, and maybe that’s half the battle. Caring for ourselves enables us to care for the water. When we act for the water we act for the future generations in hopes of a better tomorrow for all.
Tribal Water Day was a chance to reflect on all the ways we care for nibi and all the ways she provides for us. Living in a landscape with an abundance of water is a gift and is often the powerful force carving out the diversity of ecosystems we find here in the Great Lakes region; it is part of what makes our home and lives here so special. So, next time you are down at the beach, remember to pick up after yourself, there are others who rely on our beaches as a place to swim, eat, and enjoy the view. When you go fishing, remember to thank the water for sustaining the giigoonh. If you are motivated to protect water like us, attend the next Tribal Water Day, participate in July’s Lake Superior Day, or volunteer for our weekly beach cleanups, speaking up for water is only the start. Check out our Facebook or events calendar for more information about water-related events.