I’ve had this blog since 2017 and have been blogging regularly since 2018. Those who read the blog know I don’t do product promotions or ask for readers to donate as a practice. But please, read about this advocacy group and about Indigenous Water Protectors in this newsletter I just received and if nothing else, stay informed about how our fresh water is under attack. If you can spare a few dollars, please think about donating to this grass roots group that is doing everything it can to save The Great Lakes.
Lisa —
In recent weeks, our collective efforts have sparked pivotal moments in the fight to protect our Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve highlighted critical environmental issues and paved the way for meaningful change. Today, I want to share our progress and invite you to be an integral part of our next steps.
A Milestone Moment with Michigan’s Attorney General
In a powerful rally last Thursday, over 100 activists traveled to Cincinnati and stood alongside Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, advocating to return a critical court case from Federal to State court. This isn’t just a legal maneuver—it’s a strategic fight to keep Enbridge from court-shopping their delay strategy and closing the gates on the Line 5 pipeline, which poses a dire risk to our precious Great Lakes. Our collective voices echoed the urgency of the matter, making it clear that the Great Lakes’ future is not negotiable. We organized the rally and livestream from Cincinnati. Watch the rally and listen to the oral arguments here.
AG Nessel speaks at OWDM Rally in Cincinnati
BAD RIVER: A Story of Resilience
Our journey continued with three emotionally charged screenings of “BAD RIVER” in Traverse City and Ann Arbor. This documentary doesn’t just tell a story; it’s a rallying cry from the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, fighting for their sovereignty against the backdrop of Enbridge’s hazardous Line 5. Each screening was more than a viewing experience—it was a communal vow to stand against the dangers threatening our waters and our people. The incredible turnout means the movie release has expanded, now in theaters through March 28, with new theaters added.
BAD RIVER sold out in Traverse City – State Theater Marquee A2
The Path Forward
Our efforts are gaining momentum, but the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges. The battle against America’s Most Dangerous Pipeline is far from over, and we need your help to continue this vital work. Every step we take is a step toward safeguarding the Great Lakes for future generations.
Today, we ask you to donate to stand with us in the fight for environmental justice. Your donation will fuel our ongoing organizing and ensure our voice remains strong.
Together, we’ve achieved remarkable progress. Yet, the true measure of our success lies in our perseverance. With your support, we can continue to champion the protection of our Great Lakes, advocate for the sovereignty of Indigenous communities, and close the chapter on the Line 5 pipeline.
Thank you for being part of this crucial journey. Together, we can make history.
For the Great Lakes,
Sean McBrearty
OWDM Coordinator
Oil & Water Don’t Mix
https://www.oilandwaterdontmix.org/
P.S. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal. If you cannot donate now, consider spreading the word by sharing this message with friends and family and encouraging them to see BAD RIVER while still in theaters. Your voice is powerful—let it be heard.
Tao Talk 
I hope they can save the lakes Lisa :-)
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I would only add WE can save the lakes.
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Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. I live in the Great Lakes area and this is something to fight for.
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Yes, it is. You are welcome, Kymber.
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It worked for the Hudson River. All the earth’s waters need our support. (K)
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Amen, Kerfe. I remember reading where Lake Erie was so polluted the surface caught fire. And then there is the river that poor Flint residents were forced to drink from. One of the speakers on the OH video talked about an Enbridge spill of over 1 million gallons in the Kalamazoo River. Kzoo is about 2 hours south of here :(
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It really need national action. Another black mark on RepublicanWorld and its Capitalist enablers.
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Kerfe, from my understanding, President Biden can instantly settle it. Cmon Joe!
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I hope they keep lobbying him…
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I dont agree with polluting period anywhere… I’ve heard where the river or lake in Cleveland caught on fire before…that is nonsense and a waste to water and wildlife.
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Max, if you look at “cancer clusters” it doesn’t take long to see they are near contaminated water.
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Thats crazy!
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As an example, there is a White Lake, which is about 20 miles north of here, near where a chemical factory operated for years. It became one of those cancer clusters (and may still be one for all I know.) David Ruck, the son of one of the local judges, did a documentary on it a few years ago:
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Yea what he was saying at the end about controls…it’s like virus laboratories… I want no part of it. You can’t just clean up your mess…once you do it…it’s done.
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Max, funny you should mention virus labs. Last night I dreamed someone (lab worker) attached a virus to a chain of DNA that fooled the body into thinking it was ok so it wasn’t attacked (that’s conjecture on my part, I just saw the image in my mind of a DNA chain where all of them looked the same except one round “bead” on the chain traveling up.) Yes, my mind works in weird ways, especially in the dream world!
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That is actually a devious idea…I’m sure it’s been tried! Yea that dream was really out there!
I know why they exist but it’s so scary to think of it. I think Kentucky has one as well…all it takes is one mistake.
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I deeply appreciate the two quotations at the beginning. (And have you seen “Oppenheimer” — which I mention because it occurred to me while watching that… he says to Einstein that he thinks they may have set off an unending reaction. It’s not said blatantly, but the pieces meant to me that the atom bombs may have begun something [perhaps the global warming] as there is the mushroom and then without experience you don’t expect the rushing wind after. There could be more we didn’t expect.)
Water protectors and our need for clean water were my chosen subjects (not offered but what I was thinking about) when I had assignments while taking government administration and American government courses a decade ago. Coincidentally, I had just shortly before read a book written by a Native American who describes how a group of cooperative indigenous people were treated in the Michigan region back in time. I think that book was “I am a man” while I’ll have to find it. Serious parallels. It all really does seem demonic, doesn’t it?
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Marleen, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Yes, I did see it and you’re right, until it happens there is no way they can foresee all of the ripples coming out of it. Demonic is a good word for it.
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I got the name of the book right, but it was Nebraska.
Author: Joe Starita
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Thanks for posting this. I just came from seeing “Bad River”.
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GOOD. Your thoughts on it?
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I liked hearing from a variety of Ojibwe from different generations. I’ve ready Patty Loew’s work, but had never heard from/of several of the interviewees. I knew the history, though I was “down south” and not actually a witness to events like the Walleye War so it was great to hear first person accounts and to have different events placed in a common context.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the doc.
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Another super serious, very important thing to be concerned about. Thanks for making it so easy to donate, Li! Thank you for sharing.
PS: I wrote a separate note to you about this in email. Just a quick observation to bring to your attention. :)
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You’re welcome, Stacey. I got your email and appreciate your noticing <3
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