The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness/Voyageur’s National Park is located in the Rainy River watershed. This is a precious, rare ecosystem that is one of the few largely intact wilderness areas left in the whole of the United States. This is a watershed of thousands of islands and interconnected lakes and rivers, a place heavily reliant on tourism, on fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation. Several First Nations call this area home and have stewarded these waters for generations. Despite a 2023 20-year moratorium on mining in the Boundary Waters, there are now proposed sulfide-ore copper mining threats that put this landscape at risk once again.
Through hosting a variety of community events focused on education about the current status of the mining proposal, the campaign will leverage local, rural and Tribal voices to show support for protecting this landscape. Giniw Collective will also work on potential interventions of First Nations into the permitting process of the proposed sulfide mine, working alongside other Tribal members and conservation groups to engage with local, state and national leaders for protection of the Boundary Waters.
