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Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Case Study<\/h2>\n\t
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Water Over Nickel: Building Support to Protect Indigenous Land and Culture\u200b<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe prioritizes their role as caretakers of the land, protecting cultural sites and resources for the next seven generations and beyond. \u200b<\/p>\r\n

\u200bA proposed nickel mine – located in Tamarack, Minnesota just 1.3 miles from cultural sites and the homes of Mille Lacs Band community members – poses a significant threat to the natural environment, Manoomin (wild rice), medicinal plants and resources that are essential to the Band’s culture. The owners of the nickel mine plan to serve as a supplier for electric vehicle batteries, which has created a complex public conversation surrounding the mine’s environmental impact.\u200b<\/p>\r\n

\u200bThe Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe partnered with Beehive Strategic Communication to launch an initiative to raise awareness about the risks of nickel mining and the impact the proposed Tamarack Mine would have on Minnesota’s communities, land, fish and clean water.<\/p>\r\n

STRATEGIES<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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  • Establish a proactive, positive, and fact-based issue position, centered on what the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe stands for and aims to protect\u200b<\/li>\r\n
  • Expand awareness and education on central issues beyond Indigenous communities\u200b
    Position Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe as leading voice on Tamarack Mine response, while engaging and aligning credible, third-party experts \u200b\u200b<\/li>\r\n
  • Hold parties behind Tamarack Mine accountable regarding the impact and risks associated with the proposed project<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

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    ACTIVATION<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    • Leverage a hub-and-spoke initiative approach with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe serving as the central voice on issues related to the proposed Tamarack Mine, supported by third-party expert voices\u200b<\/li>\r\n
    • Establish a differentiated voice and brand identity to articulate the importance of prioritizing water over nickel mining\u200b<\/li>\r\n
    • Position Mille Lacs Band as leading voice on Tamarack Mine impacts through national and local media opportunities\u200b<\/li>\r\n
    • Host a launch event to introduce the Mille Lacs Band-led initiative to core audiences and media\u200b<\/li>\r\n
    • Incorporate initiative messaging into ongoing tribal and community events to increase awareness and encourage action<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

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      RESULTS<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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      • Created presence in national media conversation, featuring Mille Lacs Band as leading voice on issue and building overall brand awareness \u200b<\/li>\r\n
      • Aligned with state and federal government leaders through public affairs strategies\u200b<\/li>\r\n
      • Established strong affiliations with expert voices on environmental, cultural and legal issues surrounding proposed mine<\/li>\r\n
      • Influenced mine ownership’s executive response and mining strategy\u200b<\/li>\r\n
      • Developed Water Over Nickel branding and messaging through unique logo, website, social media pages and key messages<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>"}}