BIA looks into mining debate that affects tribes in Wisconsin

Friday, February 3, 2012  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has been asked to look into a mining bill that tribes in Wisconsin say violates their treaty rights.

The BIA wants to know whether the state has consulted with tribes about the bill. "[W]hile a state-tribal relationship is fundamentally different than a federal-tribal relationship, we’d strongly encourage states to live up to this policy on tribal consultation," spokesperson Nedra Darling told The Ashland Current.

Tribal leaders and members have gone to the state Capitol to protest the bill, which eases the permitting process for mines. Tribes in particular are worried about a iron ore mine that would affect the Bad River.

Get the Story:
Feds To Look Into State's Handling Of Mining Bill With Tribes (The Ashland Current 2/2)

Related Stories:
Socialist Worker: Bad River Band protests mining project (2/1)
Mary Pember: Mine in Wisconsin threatens sacred traditions (1/24)