encampment

Calling all Water Protectors, Tribal Nations, and Allies!

An inexperienced Canadian company wants to build their first-ever mine right next to the Porcupine Mountains, Lake Superior, and the North Country Trail. They would store 40+ million tons of toxic mine tailings in a waste basin visible from the State Park, which, if it ruptures, would flood the Lake with contamination. Michigan state representative Dave Prestin says the infrastructure and power grid expansion required for the mine would serve as the foundation for data centers and other heavy industries after the mine closes. Copperwood is not just a dangerous mining project — it's the beginning of a broader transformation to turn our most pristine land and water into an industrial corridor.

The U.S. government is considering lending them $250 million to advance the project, and Michigan may provide more. But even without full funding, they are already destroying forest, streams, and wetlands.

We need to take a stand.

On August 21st at 3pm Central Time, we will resume Animikiiwadiswan (Thunderbird Nest) on Ottawa National Forest land right next to the proposed mine site. We will camp just west of the North Country Trail parking lot, 20 minutes north of Wakefield, MI, on County Road 519. Members of all Tribal Nations are invited. Non-Tribal people are welcome to join in solidarity.

No drugs or alcohol permitted. Pack in, pack out: leave no trace behind. This is a remote area, so bring food and water, as well as lighting, dishware, and a camp chair. Be self-sufficient. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Children are welcome!

GPS coordinates

Support the Camp

Support the camp by:

Staying with us at the encampment
Stopping by to show solidarity and/or provide supplies
Contacting / creating media / spreading word
Making a donation for essential camp materials (see below)

Venmo (preferred): @ProtectThePorkies (or use the QR code to the left — last four digits: 6667)

PayPal: use the button below

To confirm that your donation is for the camp, please enter "camp" as the memo or send an email to ProtectThePorkies@gmail.com

Camp Animikiiwadiswan (Thunderbird Nest)

All are invited to join us at this location marked by the blue and yellow star.

This is a remote area with no electricity or running water and limited cell service. The map above shows the location of well pumps for potable water. Gichigami and the Presque Isle River are the best areas for bathing. The southernmost waterfall, Lepisto Falls, is a 20 minute walk from the Camp. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.

*** While parking, take extra care not to drive into the roadside ditches! ***

Boozhoo,

My name is Charlotte Loonsfoot

I am a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. I am also the Co-Executive Manager of Mukwa and Vice President of Protect the Porkies.

I helped set up a Treaty Camp in Big Bay, Michigan, when the Rio Tinto Mine came to destroy our sacred site and contaminate our water. I helped the Camp in Wisconsin and also with the Talon Metals resistance in Minnesota with Honor the Earth.

On August 21st at 3pm Central Time, I'm holding Animikiiwadiswan to pray for and protect this sacred area from those who would destroy it.

We look forward to joining in solidarity to protect these precious lands and waters.

See GPS coordinates

CONTACT

906 201 2447

ProtectThePorkies@gmail.com

What's At Stake

Gichigami / Lake Superior

Kaug Wudju / Porcupine Mountains

Gichigami is this continent's largest, cleanest source of surface freshwater.

Copperwood would be the closest metallic sulfide mine to the Lake in history.

Kaug Wudju / Porcupine Mountains

The Porcupine Mountains contain the largest unlogged ancient forest of its kind.

Copperwood would store mine waste and erect exhaust towers less than 150 feet from Park property.

Treaty Resources

The text of the 1842 Treaty guarantees our People the rights to hunt, fish, gather, and interact with the lands and waters since we have since time immemorial.

Copperwood would endangers critical Treaty resources.