U.S. Supreme Court Agrees with Trump Administration to Temporarily Halt Youth Climate Suit and Other News

News in this blog:

• In a rare move, the U.S. Supreme Court agrees with Trump Administration request, halts trial sought by children and youth to force the United States to act on climate change.
• PBS starts four-part series Tuesday called “Native America,” which “reaches back 15,000 years to reveal massive cities aligned to the stars, unique systems of science and spirituality, and over 100 million people connected by social networks spanning two continents.”
• Canadian Court Temporarily Blocks Kinder Morgan Pipeline permit, says National Energy Board failed to consult with First Nations.

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Events: Supply Drive for Minneapolis Homeless Camp, Film Screenings, Fundraisers, and Protecting the Life Givers Conference

Events in this blog:

• Film Screening: American Arithmetic Oct. 25
• Meal Packing and Supply Drive for Minneapolis Homeless Encampment, Oct. 28
• Lower Phalen Creek Project Fundraiser Nov. 8
• Film Screening: Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian, Nov. 14
• The Circle Newspaper Fundraiser Dec. 7
• Save the Date: Protecting the Life Givers Conference, April 5-7

Enbridge’s Oil Spill Analysis Not Credible, Ignores Tribal Impacts, Appears Intentionally Confusing

Enbridge estimates a worst-case crude oil spill in Minnesota from its proposed Line 3 pipeline would cost about $1 billion to clean up. It’s a staggering number. What’s worse, Enbridge’s analysis is flawed, making self-serving assumptions that allow it to low-ball the costs of a catastrophic rupture.

Enbridge filed its thin, seven-page report Tuesday with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC), analyzing the costs of a worst-case spill. Among its most glaring errors, Enbridge failed to recognize any of the unique impacts a major oil spill would have on Anishinaabe people. It also made favorable assumptions about Enbridge’s response time, lowering the cost estimates.

Community Meal, Conversation on Historical Trauma; Chief Wahoo Thrown Out at Home

In this blog:

• Film and discussion on historical trauma, including screening of the film: “Dodging Bullets: Stories from Survivors of Historical Trauma”
• Chief Wahoo: The racist logo that won’t go away.

Climate Change Report Makes it Urgent the PUC Reverses Vote to Approve the Line 3 Oil Pipeline; Judge Tosses Valve Turner Case

United Nations scientists say the world has only a decade to get climate change under control or face devastating consequences. That makes it urgent for the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to reverse its vote approving the Enbridge Line 3 crude oil pipeline through northern Minnesota — a project that would contribute to gas and oil combustion creating $287 billion in climate change costs over three decades.

In related news, a Clearwater County judge tossed out 2016 felony charges against the “Valve Turners,” people who temporarily shut off Enbrdige crude oil pipelines in Minnesota to protest their contribution to climate change. While Valve Turners in other states have been convicted and received prison time, here in Minnesota the judge ruled “the circumstances did not rise to the level of the charges filed against them,” according to a story in the Bemidji Pioneer.

While the defendants are undoubtedly relieved, they probably feel some disappointment, too. They had prepared to use the “Necessity Defense,” arguing the harm caused by their actions was insignificant compared to the climate change damage they were trying to prevent. Arguing “Necessity” could have set an important precedent for other activists working to stop climate change. A few days before the trial, the judge barred expert testimony on the climate crisis, according to a story in Common Dreams.

The judge’s ruling avoided the Necessity Defense, leaving the argument for future cases.

Global Indigenous Wisdom Summit, Doctrine of Discovery Film, Available On-Line

Part I of the Global Indigenous Wisdom Summit is available online here, including a full screening of Sheldon Wolfchild’s film: “The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code” (starting around the one hour, ten minute mark.)

The event brought together indigenous knowledge keepers, and was hosted in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day. The Shift Network live streamed the event on its Facebook Page and has posted a video. The Shift Network, founded in 2010, has a mission to: “lead the way to an enlightened society — one built on principles of sustainability, peace, health and prosperity.”

 

 

 

Judge Rules Indian Child Welfare Act Unconstitutional

A U.S. District Court Judge in Texas has ruled the Indian Child Welfare Law Act (ICWA) unconstitutional, calling it a race-based policy. The decision could reverse a 40-year-old federal law to protect indigenous families and cultures.

Expect an appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.