MINNESOTANS RALLY AT WATER OVER NICKEL DAY 2025
By Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of Natural Resources
On September 6, Band members, elected officials, partners, and allies gathered at Big Sandy Lodge and Resort in McGregor for the second annual Water Over Nickel Day to celebrate our community's commitment to safeguarding clean water.
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Water Over Nickel initiative was created to protect Minnesotas people, natural resources, and cultural sites from the negative impact of the nearby proposed Tamarack nickel mine. Our efforts are grounded in our commitment to protect our natural water resources for future generations to come.
What We Shared and Learned
Chief Executive Virgil Wind, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Kelly Applegate, and District || Representative Wendy Merrill offered powerful reflections and insight into the potential risks posed by the Tamarack Mine, located just 1.3 miles from Band member homes and near critical sites like Rice Lake and Sandy Lake.
Attendees explored educational booths by partner and ally organizations: Mud Enviro, Tamarack Water Alliance, and Water Legacy. The booths offered hands-on learning about nicke mining and its impact on manoomin and fostered relationships with like-minded organizations and experts committed to protecting Minnesotas clean water.
The Water Over Nickel Youth Ambassadors offered a dance performance, reminding us all of the strength in our traditions and the hope in our youth. There were activity stations with more information about Water Over Nickel, craft activities, food and give-aways, including cornhole boards, reusable water bottles, bags, and a two-night stay at Big Sandy Lodge and Resort.
Why This Moment Matters
The Tamarack Mine threatens the water-rich ecosystems of the Mississippi and St. Croix River watersheds. Once polluted, these waters cannot be restored, putting at risk the manoomin we harvest, the medicines we gather, and the lands we are entrusted to protect.
• Water Over Nickel Day served as a reminder for Band members and attendees:
• Water is life, and our clean water must remain untouched
• We are the caretakers of our land, our people, and our stories.
• This is our time to raise our voices and protect what matters most.
Looking Ahead
In 2026, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will open a public comment period on the mine. This is an opportunity for Band members and Minnesotans to raise our voices in defense of clean water, manoomin, and our shared future. Our strength is in our connection to each other and to the natural resources that sustain us. When we speak together, we carry the wisdom of our ancestors and the responsibility to those yet to come.
Stay Involved
Visit WaterOverNickel.com and follow us on social media to stay connected with Water Over Nickel and learn more about upcoming opportunities and the public comment period.
Water Over Nickel Day 2025 was a powerful reflection of who we are and what we stand for. To everyone who joined us, to those who traveled from near and far, and to each of our partners and community members: Migwech. Your presence and your commitment help strengthen our work to protect clean water, cultural sites, and future generations.
