First Nations

Governor Granholm and Michigan Tribes sign accord to reduce greenhouse gasses
June 12, 2009 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan—Governor Jennifer Granholm and 12 Sovereign Tribes of Michigan signed an accord to fight Global Warming by reducing greenhouse gasses. Governor Granholm and Tribal Leaders have been leading their respective nations in addressing Global Warming and re-energizing what Michigan does best, manufacture a new century’s transition to a green economy that is the fastest job creator in the state. Governor Granholm announced a 45% reduction in fossil fuels in her State of the State address, February 3, 2009. On March 5, 2009 Governor Granholm signed an agreement with the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy. Chief Fred Cantu, of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Tribal Council have taken leadership global warming on impacts of coal fired power plants to Michigan’s economy slowing the rapid grown of green jobs and the health and welfare of all Michigan citizens. "Native Americans in Michigan are the state's original environmentalists and understand that climate change is not confined to geographic boundaries," Granholm said at the summit hosted by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe Of Chippewa Indians, June 11, 2009. "I am pleased that the 12 tribes are working with us to reduce the threat that greenhouse emissions pose to our environment, economy and quality of life."

A letter from Craig Graveratte
Environmental Response Program Specialist Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
I am taking this opportunity to let you know about an environmental issue being introduced to our beautiful state. There are 8 proposed coal plants being considered for implementation throughout the Lower Peninsula. These are considered "Clean Coal" plants, but we (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe) have done our research and disagree with the cleanliness of the emissions and the impacts of the operations. In Central Michigan we are at ground zero with 4 proposed plants within a 75 mile radius around us. To learn more about 'clean coal' visit the following link: www.cleanenergynowmi.org , also you can click on the "Take Action Now" to send a letter. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has grave concerns regarding the plans for 8 proposed coal fired power plants in the state of Michigan and their impact on the health, security and the general welfare of the Tribal Membership and Michigan Citizens.

Tribal member takes Coal fight to DC
I am a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians located in Manistee MI. Five years ago, my Tribe fought off a coal fired power plant that threatened to harm our peoples through CO2 emissions, a major greenhouse gas, and toxic pollution that threatens the health and welfare of our peoples disproportionately to others in MI.

Twelve thousand young people rally for legislation on climate change
Several thousand demonstrators on Monday urged Congress to pass legislation to reduce greenhouse gases, and they targeted the government's own Capitol power plant as a symbol of the problem. An enthusiastic crowd of mostly young people marched from a park near the Capitol to the small power plant several blocks away, chanting "We don't want the world to boil, no coal, no oil!" Ahjani Yepa-Sprague, an American Indian who lives in Michigan, said coal is destroying her community's way of life. "Every inland lake in Michigan is contaminated with mercury," she said. "This is the first generation in the history of our people that our children cannot eat fish given to us by the creator."

Update from Washington D.C.
March 02, 2009—Washington DC Capital Climate Action Ahjani Yepa-Sprague—Little River Band of Ottawa Indians / Jemez. We are here today, as the future leaders of the First Nations to ask that the US Congress stop burning coal to provide energy to the Capital. Coal Plants are responsible for CO2 emissions, a major green house gas and the cause of “Global Warming”. Tribal Peoples in Michigan, my Nation, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians are under threat from 8 proposed coal fired power plants, more than any in the United States.