The Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians has emerged as a strong opponent against Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) and Republican lawmakers who want to authorize a huge mine near the reservation.

Republicans say the $1.5 billion Gogebic Taconite mine will create jobs and revenue. But the tribe is worried that development will pollute its water and destroy subsistence foods like rice.

“We’re not going to let it happen,” elder Joe Rose Sr. told the Associated Press. “The (Chippewa) tradition is to look seven generations ahead. We ask ourselves what we’re leaving for those unborn. Will there be clean water and air? Will there be any pristine wilderness left?”

Republicans have been trying to pass a bill to help the mining company for two years now.

Get the Story:
After defeating Democrats, Wisconsin’s Walker runs into new foe: a tribe opposing jobs project (AP 2/12)
Bad River Band Leader Again Appeals to Milwaukee to Fight Mine (WUWM 2/12)

An Opinion:
Al Gedicks and Dave Blouin: Science and facts show a need for tight regulation of taconite mining (The Duluth News Tribune 2/13)

Related Stories:
Opinion: Don't leave out Bad River Band in mining negotiation (2/11)
WPR: Wisconsin tribes united in opposition to GOP mining bill (2/7)
WPR: Bad River Band blasts state lawmakers over mining bill (2/6)
FSRN: Bad River Band at hearing on controversial mine plan (01/24)
Bad River Band continues battle against big mine by reservation (01/09)