Dismantling mining equipment in Crandon, several people both Indian and white, were united in their concern to protect the land and water. After almost a thirty year struggle, two years ago, the Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa and Forest County Potawatomi Tribes purchased the mine from Nicolet Hardwoods Corporation. Through the deal the Mole Lake Chippewa owe BHP-Billiton eight million dollars.  The payment is due next year.  But this year in Crandon the mining equipment was sent to recycling.    Nick Vander Puy from the Superior Broadcast Network reports. To listen to a "live" five minute broadcast of this story, click here

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In northern Wisconsin in Crandon, another round was fought in the three decade struggle over mining. The Mole Lake Sokaogon Tribe dismantled mining equipment and held a ceremony at the former mining company offices on the outs skirts of town. Two years ago the Mole Lake Chippewa and Forest County Potowatomi tribes purchased the mining company and ore body for 16.5 million dollars.  Nick Vander Puy from the Superior Broadcast Network reports.

 

Ted Strike is a trucking contractor from Green Bay.  He’s donating his services to recycle several yellow drilling rigs. Strike admires the anti-mining movement.

 

“Fight off the big corporations, fight off the mining, issues that were coming up to protect their homeland and that. I guess it boils down to I’m getting to do my small part in helping them finish the fight.”

 

Frannie Van Zile is a Mole Lake Chippewa tribal member and leader in the fight against metallic sulphide mining. 

 

“This is just a beginning of our healing process right now. Once this equipment gets outta here I hope that the rumors our tribe, either tribe is going to mine, will be done and over with.”

Fred Ackley is Frannie’s husband and Mole Lake tribal judge.  Ackley says he won’t miss seeing mining equipment and mining companies on his trips to Crandon.

 

“It takes a lot out of the area.  Out of your human beings around here. One minute they’re promising things, next minute they’re not.  Here we are getting rid of the equipment.  I think it’s a good thing for everybody.”

 

I’m Nick Vander Puy for the Superior Broadcast Network

 

The Mole Lake tribe is attempting to raise several million dollars to avoid foreclosure on the mining site. For more information please go www.wolfriverprotectionfund.org

 

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