THREE YEARS OF CHOOSING WATER OVER NICKEL
By Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of Natural Resources
Three years ago, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe launched Water Over Nickel, an initiative rooted in our duty to protect Minnesota's clean water, land, and cultural resources for future generations. Our ancestors chose this place because of the waters that sustain life. Those waters still provide for our people today - from the wild rice beds and fisheries that feed our families to the lakes and rivers that shape our culture and way of life. Water Over Nickel was established to ensure these waters remain protected.
The potential Tamarack Mine is proposed just 1.3 miles from our community and within the watershed that feeds into the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. To protect these waters, we must share our knowledge and raise our voices to ensure Indigenous perspectives are included in the decision-making process.
Through Water Over Nickel, we are working to raise awareness and ensure clean water remains at the heart of decisions about Minnesota's future.
Our Impact
Over the past three years, Band members, partners and allies, and community supporters have helped shape the conversation around the proposed Tamarack Mine. Since its inception, Water Over Nickel has successfully:
Elevated Indigenous perspectives in statewide conversations about mining and water protection
Built partnerships with tribal nations, environmental organizations, and community leaders working to protect Minnesota’s waters
Raised statewide awareness about the risks nickel mining poses to clean water through billboards, digital, radio, and social media campaigns
Engaged Minnesotans through community events including Water Over Nickel Days, the Minnesota State Fair, and regional fairs
Strengthened government-to-government consultation and engagement around the Tamarack Mine project
Helped influence changes to the project proposal, including moving processing operations out of Minnesota due to environmental concerns
Produced the Emmy Award-winning documentary Water Over Nickel, featured at regional film festivals
Released the follow-up film Ripple Effects, selected for nearly 10 regional and national festivals
Conducted statewide research showing clean water is a unifying issue for Minnesotans
Secured earned media coverage in leading outlets including the Minnesota Star Tribune, Sahan Journal and Minnesota Native News, expanding statewide awareness of clean water protection
What's Next
While we have made significant progress over the past three years, our work is entering a crucial phase this year. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expected to open a public comment period on the proposed Tamarack Mine in July 2026. This will be a key moment in the environmental review process and an important opportunity for you to share your perspectives on the risks associated with the project.
During this time, our collective voices will matter more than ever. The decisions made through this process will help determine how the proposed mine is evaluated and whether our waters, lands, and cultural resources receive the protections they deserve.
As we move toward this next phase, I want to thank every Band member, partner, and supporter who has helped carry this effort forward. Together, we have built something powerful, and together we will continue to stand for what matters most.
Migwech to everyone who continues to choose water over nickel.
