Environmental and Natural Resources

Overview of the Environmental Program

The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) Environmental Program was established in September 2015 to develop and maintain environmental protection efforts across MCT lands. The program is supported by an EPA Indian General Assistance Program (GAP) grant, which provides the essential capacity for MCT to implement and enhance environmental protection activities.

Core Capacities and Funding

Through the EPA GAP grant, the Environmental Program has established robust capacities, including administrative, financial, information management, public education, legal, and technical capabilities. These core capacities are regularly evaluated and revised to align with the evolving needs of the environmental program. This foundational support allows MCT to protect the quality of its water, land, and air resources effectively.

Mission and Scope

The MCT Environmental Program aims to assist in the environmental protection of lands within the six member reservations—Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and White Earth—as well as off-reservation lands held in trust for MCT. The program covers a wide range of environmental areas, including solid waste management, pollution prevention, and environmental education and outreach.

Legal Framework and Regulations

The Environmental Program strives to provide up-to-date statutes, regulations, and policies that impact environmental protection on MCT lands. By ensuring appropriate legal frameworks are in place, the program helps prevent environmental degradation, reduce pollution, and manage regulatory programs specific to MCT’s needs.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

Ongoing development of the Environmental Program focuses on building capacity to leverage resources through partnerships with other jurisdictions and expanding community outreach to MCT members. Through collaboration, the program aims to protect the MCT’s natural resources, ensuring sustainable use by all Tribal members.

Resources

Program Videos

The MCT YouTube channel features videos and resources about MCT’s ongoing initiatives, cultural heritage, community updates, and programs including the Environmental and Natural Resources Program.

MCT Videos

MCT Trust Lands and Resources Map

This interactive map shows the present locations of land currently held in trust by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.

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Tribal Waste Management

Access Band-specific resources for waste management services.

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Managing Risk from PFAS

This report from the U.S. EPA’s PFAS Research and Development initiatives covers key topics such as exposure, toxicity, treatment, and disposal methods, as well as recent actions, ongoing research areas, and collaborations.

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CECs in Lake Superior Watershed

This report provides an overview of Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs) in water, sediment, and subsistence fish used by the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa.

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Minnesota Moose Health Report

This research was conducted for the purpose of serving Minnesota Tribal communities. It highlights the interdependence between the environment, human health, and wildlife, and includes findings on moose population dynamics, causes of mortality, and proposed management strategies.

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Tribal Cumulative Impact Assessment

Produced in partnership with Honor the Earth and collaborators from the 6 Bands of the MCT, this assessment addresses the proposed Line 3 Replacement Project by Enbridge Energy.

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MCT Land Ordinance #3

This ordinance authorizes Band governments “to manage, lease, permit or otherwise deal with tribal lands, interests in lands or other tribal assets, when authorized to do so by the Tribal Executive Committee.”

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MCT Land Ordinance #8

Known as the “Natural Resources Protection Ordinance” Ordinance #8 covers polices and goals to protect MCT lands and water from degradation and measures to maintain or improve the conditions.

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