From IPR:
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Photo courtesy of Yellow Dog Summer
Protestors of Michigan’s decision to permit underground mining at Eagle Rock near Marquette took petitions to the state capitol Thursday. Members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community say Eagle Rock is a sacred site to them, and a mine dug into the face of the rock will destroy it.
Eagle Rock is located on state land leased to Kennecott Minerals.
State law says mining operations have to take into consideration impacts to places of worship. But state officials ruled that places of worship means those located in a building such as a church.
Matthew Fletcher is an American Indian and professor of law at Michigan State University. He says any appeal of the state’s ruling about sacred places may not be a sure winner.
Listen to Bob Allen’s chat with Fletcher by playing the audio above.
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