“10 States Sharing One Misi-ziibi: Dewatering, Deforestation, and Destruction at Headwaters”

Photo credit: Jillian Gandsey / Bemidji Pioneer

On July 20, 2021 at Headwaters of Mississippi River, Water Protectors hosted a press conference to call attention to Minnesota’s severe drought conditions and augmenting impacts of Enbridge Line 3 pipeline construction. Our rallying cry of “Dewatering, Deforestation, and Destruction at Headwaters” was to remind all 15 Tribal Nations, 10 states, and 2,300 miles of community members that we share One Misi-ziibi and that we are all impacted by the abuses of Line 3.

I was proud to act with Rights of Mississippi River as a co-host and coordinator of this powerful event. After the press conference, we invited Water Protectors, legislatures, media, and community members to join us for an exclusive tour of two sites of Enbridge’s destruction: Upper Rice Lake at White Earth Nation and Mississippi River Crossing #1 of the Enbridge pipeline. During the final stop of the tour, Water Protectors witnessed the first recorded frac-out at Mississippi River in real time. Leaping into action, we gathered water samples and effectively stopped construction for the day.

The event conference was co-hosted by Rights of Mississippi River, RISE Coalition, MN350, Science for the People, Vote Climate, and Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate.

The press conference was covered by various news outlets, including a thorough article in The Bemidji Pioneer by journalist Hannah Olson: “Line 3 opposition tours ‘Misi-ziibi’ Headwaters amid drought, Enbridge declares project 70% finished.” Downloaded copy available here.