Principles and profits

This letter is written in response to the recent youth climate protest and the Spokane Tribe Midnite mine cleanup.

Principles and profits. Our indigenous people and our youth understand these concepts. They know we are asked to be stewards of the earth. Their values are of living in balance. Both know that means addressing the root of problems, so that life can be preserved for current and future generations.

Newport Mining extracts what it needs for profits, wants relief in cleanup for the effects of their extraction of uranium.

Twla-le Abrahamson-Swan, her mother Deb Abrahamson and Margo Hill spoke directly to the impact of the damage to the earth, plants, animals, fish and tribal people. Blue Creek is part of the natural water system connected with the Spokane River.

The daunting job of full cleanup, rather than “cost effective” cleanup, poses the challenge of tribal nations and of the entire nation. Midnite Mine cleanup – full cleanup – is one example of toxic ground and water in our nation, on reservations, and in urban settings all over our country.

Twla-le said, “We have to stand our ground.” Let’s all join the stand together for true cleanup. Contact The Sovereignty, Health, Air, Water, and Land Society (SHAWL), the Environmental Protection Agency, legislators, environmental advocacy groups. Act now.

Elaine Tyrie

Spokane