About | TrustDocuMovie

THE PROJECT

On the shores of Lake Superior, a coalition of Native and non-native activists are working across state boundaries to protect the waters of the Great Lakes and the life-styles of the region’s people from the catastrophic effects of an expanding mining industry.

The waters of the Great Lakes are under threat – a resurgence of industrial mining has resulted in an expansion of both exploration and permitting of hard rock mining. Trust examines the effect of mining on Great Lakes ecosystems and lifestyles, questions the support of mining by regional politicians who work with mineral companies to rewrite environmental legislation, and explores how treaty rights can serve to strengthen environmental protections.

Many films have explored the problems associated with mineral exploration in individual communities, This project began as an examination of the issue with a regional perspective focused on the Great Lakes and as an exploration of indigenous treaty rights as a potential method of environmental protection. As environmental attorney Dean B. Suagee asks and answers, “Where do American Indian and Alaska Native cultures fit into the landscape of environmental protection and natural resource management?…a lot of places.” He continues, “…the larger American society could benefit from enhanced appreciation of and respect for tribal cultural values concerning the web of life and from greater attention to incorporating some of these values into the framework of environmental law.”

THE TITLE

The original title, Trust, refers to two concepts. The first is the Trust Responsibility that is inherent in the 600+ treaties signed between indigenous nations and the United States government. It includes a federal obligation to protect and enhance tribal lands and resources. The second is the Public Trust Doctrine as it applies to the environment and our natural resources.

OUR PROGRESS

This project was originally imagined as a feature-length documentary film. We began researching the issues, reaching out to stakeholders and raising funding. Unfortunately, I completely failed as a film producer. We met many incredibly dedicated people such as Jessica Koski, Mike Wiggins, Jr., and Bob Tammen. Some of our conversations with them are posted on this website. I'm now working to expand this site into an interactive mix of information and art. I will showcase individual's and their art who are focusing on the topic of environmentalism and mineral exploration globally.

THE PROJECT

THE TEAM