By Miana Fey, Oglala Lakota Nation and Northern Cheyenne

This summer, I was invited to represent Black Hills Clean Water Alliance as a panel speaker at the 18th Annual Protecting Mother Earth conference hosted by Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN). The panel I participated in focused on critical mining. We talked about what mining is like in our homelands/ancestral lands from an Indigenous point of view.  As a data collector and water protector I spoke about the research I was involved in while working with BHCWA on the current contamination levels in the land neighboring the open pit Wharf mine and several of the waterways that flow from that region of the HeSapa. I also addressed what mining is, what contaminants come with the mining process, and how that affects local communities, recreation, tourism, and wildlife.

The PME conference was held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians located in North Carolina. The weather was humid and the Appalachian mountains were magnificent. The camp was filled with people from all over the world representing their respective Indigenous nations, their land, and water.

It was truly an honor to be provided this opportunity to represent BHCWA and the Oglala Lakota Nation. I shared with the audience how to get involved and make a difference. I learned so much as a panel speaker and this journey has renewed my passion for dedication to protecting the land and water from mining contamination and it has also strengthened my thought organization skills.

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We are grateful to Miana Fey for being an outstanding representative for BHCWA and the Oglala Lakota Nation at this year’s Indigenous Environmental Network’s Protecting Mother Earth conference. We appreciate IEN’s invitation and support for Miana’s attendance.

You can watch some of the PME videos and find out more on the IEN Website by clicking HERE.