WATER OVER NICKEL: GRATITUDE FOR ALL WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED AND EXCITEMENT FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
Water Over Nickel community advocate Tania Aubid. Submitted Photo.
By Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of Natural Resources
As I reflect on 2025, I want to offer deep gratitude to every Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe member who has stood with Water Over Nickel. Your leadership, voices, presence, and stories have helped shape and support our work to protect clean water from the negative impacts of nickel mining.
WE'VE MADE POWERFUL PROGRESS THIS YEAR
Our Band members played a critical role in Water Over Nickel in 2025. We brought our community together to bring our story to life through video, highlighting the voices of younger generations and celebrating our culture. Some highlights from the past year include:
Filming and sharing the 'Ripple Effects' video: Thank you to the Band youth, leaders and elders who participated in filming for our 'Ripple Effects' video, a short film that celebrates Ojibwe teachings and our deep connection to water. We felt our community's support and energy at our premiere event at the District |I community center, which brought Band youth and families together for a special screening and discussion around the film. The film is dedicated to the memory of the late Joe Nayquonabe Sr., who generously participated in both of our Water Over Nickel videos.
'Ripple Effects' is already making waves, including a feature at the Crow River Film Festival, an Honorable Mention at the Awareness Festival, and upcoming appearances at the 2026 Frozen River Film Festival. Watch the 'Ripple Effects' video.
Connecting with Water Over Nickel's youth ambassadors: Band youth stepped up to represent their generation by participating in events, sharing their perspectives, and reminding us of what's at stake. Thank you to Cheyanne Peet for her leadership and support in involving younger Band members in this important work.
Celebrating Water Over Nickel Day 2025: Our second annual gathering brought Band members, elected leaders, and partners together at Big Sandy Lodge and Resort for a day of celebration and solidarity. The day featured dance performances by Water Over Nickel youth ambassadors, activity stations with information about Water Over Nickel, crafts, food, and giveaways such as cornhole boards, water bottles, and bags.
Migwech for being the heart of this work. Your engagement has helped build understanding, grow momentum, and keep our collective purpose clear.
2026 IS A CRITICAL OPPORTUNITY TO USE OUR VOICES
2026 will be a pivotal year for Water Over Nickel. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expected to open the public comment period for the proposed Tamarack Mine in mid-2026. This is a 30- or 60-day period where Minnesotans can submit feedback or concerns, which will inform how state officials assess whether or not the mine should proceed.
For Band members, this is a powerful opportunity to share your personal stories, traditional knowledge, and community concerns to help state officials understand what's at stake.
Water Over Nickel will focus on spreading the word about the public comment period through events, advertising campaigns, community meetings, and more. You can stay connected to Water Over Nickel to learn more about the upcoming public comment period by:
• Joining our upcoming virtual Q&A with Commissioner Kelly Applegate
• Following Water Over Nickel on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
CLEAN WATER FOR THE NEXT SEVEN GENERATIONS
At its core, Water Over Nickel is about safeguarding what cannot be replaced. For the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, this effort is very personal. The proposed Tamarack Mine, just 1.3 miles from Round Lake and close to Rice Lake and Sandy Lake, threatens our land, waters, and way of life.
These waters nourish Manoomin, our medicines, our fish, and our families. They flow into the Mississippi and St. Croix River basins, touching the lives of millions. Clean water connects us all, and what we choose to protect today will define the world our children inherit tomorrow. When we protect water, we protect life for today and for the next seven generations.
