Author: wnishin

Spring Fishing Season Brings Consent Decree Attention

Nick Reo

As folks start dusting off thier spring fishing gear, the 2007 Consent Decree is getting some press again. It is good to keep balanced information in front of Michigan citizens as we come upon walleye spawning and subsequent inland spearing. These activities will present a culture shock for some citizens, so some balanced coverage by local media outlets will be useful.

By the way, the Michigan DNR is hiring 2 fisheries biologists to work on their tribal coordination unit and whose duties will relate directly to implementing the 2007 Consent Decree. The postings close on 4/22/08.

Coaster Brook Trout and U.P. Sulfide Mining

Nick Reo1 Comment
The proposed sulfide mining operation named the “Eagle Project” by the Kennecott Mining Corporation is staunchly apposed by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as well as several U.P. community and conservation groups. Critics contend that the proposed project represents a significant threat to natural and cultural resources, stands to provide a meager amount of tax revenue to the state and a huge profit to Kennecott. It is now recognized that there may be significant deleterious effects on the Coaster Brook Trout. Coaster Brook Trout 90 Day Finding

 

Above link is an advance copy of the FWS positive 90 day finding relating to the coaster brook trout.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the petition as supplemented provided sufficient information to conclude that listing the US population as endangered may be warranted. FWS will now begin a status review, with a public comment period that runs through May 19: requests for public hearings must be received by May 5.

Cross-Deputization Concerns in Manistee

Nick Reo

Glenn Zaring, Communications Director of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, recently wrote an article for the Ludington Daily News regarding the reluctance of Manistee County to cross-deputize and work cooperatively with LRB law enforcement. He poses some important questions in the article that highlight some of the divisive issues in the region

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php?story_id=39440#comments

EXCERPT: 

For years now, the controversy over cross-deputization of tribal police officers in Michigan has been swirling here in Manistee County. Not in other areas, just here! The 11 other tribes in Michigan have good relations with their local law enforcement authorities and are cross-deputized. They are also integral components of the law enforcement picture protecting and serving all of their counties’ residents. County prosecutors and sheriffs welcome the assistance of tribal law enforcement officers in maintaining law and order and defraying the costs that would otherwise be borne exclusively by county taxpayers.

Why is Manistee County so far out of the mainstream? Why has Manistee County ignored the wishes of the U.S. Attorney General’s office to cross-deputize the officers of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians? Why does the county believe the accepted and successful practice across the state of cross-deputizing tribal officers cannot work here? Why do the Manistee County Commissioners and sheriff want to ignore the opportunity to expand the abilities of law enforcement to serve all of the county residents — at no cost to the county?

Honoring our Anishinabe Veterans Fourth Annual Powwow

Nick Reo

I don’t plan to use the Turtle Talk space to put plugs in for Pow Wows (well, rarely). This weekend one of my favorite traditional gatherings is happening in the E.U.P. Hope you can make it.

Honoring our Anishinabe Veterans Fourth Annual Powwow

Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 at the Kinross Recreation Center. Grand entry: Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. A feast/potluck will be held at 5 p.m., please bring a dish to pass. M.C, Bucko Teeple/ Tic Bush; head veteran, George Anziano; head male, Mike Willis; head female, Michele Willis; arena director, Butch Elliot. Invited drums are Bahweting Singers, Ogee Ma Miishishino, White Buffalo Cloud and Minidoo zaagigan. Blanket dance for all other drums. All traders welcome. All public is welcome. This is an alcohol and drug free event. For more information, call Bud Biron at (906) 635-1392