Monday | Wednesday | Friday
October 19 | 21 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 30
LEAD Agency and the Western Mining Action Network (WMAN) are excited to join forces to present two firsts - our first joint conference, and our first virtual conference. In a time of uncertainty we want to continue doing the work of bringing together scientists, activists, and the public so we can learn and grow together as we work to protect communities and our environment.
During this Virtual Conference we will explore the intersection of mining, environmentalism, health, and the coronavirus pandemic. As we examine each of these subjects, we will also consider the pernicious influence of systemic racism, which profoundly affects how decisions are made within, among, and for mining communities nationwide.
During this Virtual Conference we will explore the intersection of mining, environmentalism, health, and the coronavirus pandemic. As we examine each of these subjects, we will also consider the pernicious influence of systemic racism, which profoundly affects how decisions are made within, among, and for mining communities nationwide.
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Biographies for our speakers and presenters are now available at this link.
Conference Agenda
All sessions start at:
10am Alaska time/11am Pacific/12pm Mtn/1pm Central/2pm Eastern/3pm Atlantic
Each session is 90 minutes followed by a 60 minute informal reception via zoom.
Please note: Each session will be recorded and posted online. Receptions will not be recorded.
Receptions will use a separate Zoom link that will be distributed during each session.
Please note: Each session will be recorded and posted online. Receptions will not be recorded.
Receptions will use a separate Zoom link that will be distributed during each session.
Day 1–Monday, OCT 19
WMAN/LEAD Virtual Conference Opening Session & Virtual Tour of Tar Creek Superfund Site (Ottawa County, Oklahoma)
Located in Miami (pronounced: Mī-am-ah), Oklahoma, USA, the Local Environmental Action Demanded Agency (LEAD), is the local host for this year’s Western Mining Action Network (WMAN) virtual conference. LEAD and WMAN will do a joint opening session, followed by a LEAD Agency Virtual Tour of Tar Creek Superfund Site.
This is a virtual tour of the 40 square mile epicenter of a county-wide Superfund Site located in the northeastern most county of Oklahoma (Ottawa County). Once the largest lead and zinc mine in the world, the toxic legacy of this mining activity impacts eight sovereign Indigenous nations. The epicenter, known as the Picher Mining District, extends from the town of Commerce, Oklahoma, north to Picher, Oklahoma and the Kansas state line.
You will see the environmental destruction caused by 1 million gallons of acid mine water flowing into the Tar Creek watershed each day. You will see tailings piles up to 200 feet tall. You will see a toxic moonscape that used to be a lush tall grass prairie. You will also see the remediation efforts of the Quapaw Nation, whose lands are most impacted by this historical mining. The Quapaw are the first Tribe in the nation to receive a primary contract for remediation of a Superfund Site.
Moderator: Rebecca Jim, LEAD Agency Executive Director, Tar Creekkeeper
Panelists:
Reception Hosts: Earl Hatley, WMAN and LEAD and Ugo Lapointe, WMAN
WMAN/LEAD Virtual Conference Opening Session & Virtual Tour of Tar Creek Superfund Site (Ottawa County, Oklahoma)
Located in Miami (pronounced: Mī-am-ah), Oklahoma, USA, the Local Environmental Action Demanded Agency (LEAD), is the local host for this year’s Western Mining Action Network (WMAN) virtual conference. LEAD and WMAN will do a joint opening session, followed by a LEAD Agency Virtual Tour of Tar Creek Superfund Site.
This is a virtual tour of the 40 square mile epicenter of a county-wide Superfund Site located in the northeastern most county of Oklahoma (Ottawa County). Once the largest lead and zinc mine in the world, the toxic legacy of this mining activity impacts eight sovereign Indigenous nations. The epicenter, known as the Picher Mining District, extends from the town of Commerce, Oklahoma, north to Picher, Oklahoma and the Kansas state line.
You will see the environmental destruction caused by 1 million gallons of acid mine water flowing into the Tar Creek watershed each day. You will see tailings piles up to 200 feet tall. You will see a toxic moonscape that used to be a lush tall grass prairie. You will also see the remediation efforts of the Quapaw Nation, whose lands are most impacted by this historical mining. The Quapaw are the first Tribe in the nation to receive a primary contract for remediation of a Superfund Site.
Moderator: Rebecca Jim, LEAD Agency Executive Director, Tar Creekkeeper
Panelists:
- Grace Goodeagle, Quapaw Elder and Former Chair, Quapaw Nation Business Committee
- Welcome Remarks by Rebecca Jim, LEAD Agency
- Welcome Remarks by Ugo LaPointe & Leona Morgan, Co-Chairs of WMAN Steering Committee
- Tar Creek Superfund Site Virtual Tour, Led by LEAD Agency
Reception Hosts: Earl Hatley, WMAN and LEAD and Ugo Lapointe, WMAN
Day 2–Wednesday, OCT 21
Tar Creek, What Can Go Wrong? Forty Years Using an Outdated Conceptual Site Model
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subdivides large superfund sites like Tar Creek into smaller portions called Operable Units (OUs). Tar Creek is comprised of five OUs, for example. For each OU, EPA researches the nature and extent of contamination, the level of human exposure to the contaminants, and based on these findings it considers multiple cleanup proposals before selecting one to implement within the OU.
This entire process is built upon an underlying Conceptual Site Model (CSM). CSMs describe in general terms the sources, transport and fate of Chemicals of Concern (COCs). Rather than being unique to each site, CSMs are intended to be used at many sites that share similar challenges. When a CSM fails to consider a source of contamination, or a pathway contamination may follow to another location, then the cleanup efforts based on that CSM will be inadequate. When confronted with data that a CSM is flawed, EPA has periodically revised its “standard” CSM to correct flaws in the previous model.
Members of this panel will present evidence demonstrating that, since the listing of the Tar Creek Site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983, EPA has used a flawed and outdated Conceptual Site Model for Operable Units 1, 4 & 5. This outdated CSM has been abandoned by other EPA Regions and should be abandoned at Tar Creek also. This CSM excludes important environmental media such as groundwater, riparian areas, and floodplain. Exclusion of these media will leave tribal and non-tribal citizens exposed to toxic heavy metals long after EPA’s work is completed.
Further, because the watershed is dammed 30 miles south and because the area is prone to severe annual flooding, the CSM for Tar Creek must be revised to include the reality of toxic downstream sediments being transported back upstream during flooding events. Recontamination via floodwater is a problem that will only get worse as climate change continues to exacerbate flooding in Ottawa County.
Moderator: Martin Lively, LEAD Agency
Panelists:
Reception Host: Earl Hatley, WMAN & LEAD
Tar Creek, What Can Go Wrong? Forty Years Using an Outdated Conceptual Site Model
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subdivides large superfund sites like Tar Creek into smaller portions called Operable Units (OUs). Tar Creek is comprised of five OUs, for example. For each OU, EPA researches the nature and extent of contamination, the level of human exposure to the contaminants, and based on these findings it considers multiple cleanup proposals before selecting one to implement within the OU.
This entire process is built upon an underlying Conceptual Site Model (CSM). CSMs describe in general terms the sources, transport and fate of Chemicals of Concern (COCs). Rather than being unique to each site, CSMs are intended to be used at many sites that share similar challenges. When a CSM fails to consider a source of contamination, or a pathway contamination may follow to another location, then the cleanup efforts based on that CSM will be inadequate. When confronted with data that a CSM is flawed, EPA has periodically revised its “standard” CSM to correct flaws in the previous model.
Members of this panel will present evidence demonstrating that, since the listing of the Tar Creek Site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983, EPA has used a flawed and outdated Conceptual Site Model for Operable Units 1, 4 & 5. This outdated CSM has been abandoned by other EPA Regions and should be abandoned at Tar Creek also. This CSM excludes important environmental media such as groundwater, riparian areas, and floodplain. Exclusion of these media will leave tribal and non-tribal citizens exposed to toxic heavy metals long after EPA’s work is completed.
Further, because the watershed is dammed 30 miles south and because the area is prone to severe annual flooding, the CSM for Tar Creek must be revised to include the reality of toxic downstream sediments being transported back upstream during flooding events. Recontamination via floodwater is a problem that will only get worse as climate change continues to exacerbate flooding in Ottawa County.
Moderator: Martin Lively, LEAD Agency
Panelists:
- Jim Kuipers, Principal Engineer, Kuipers and Associates
- Earl Hatley, LEAD Agency Grand Riverkeeper and WMAN Steering Committee
- Craig Kremen, Environmental Engineer & Assistant Director, Quapaw Nation Environmental Office
- Travis Stills, Energy & Conservation Law
Reception Host: Earl Hatley, WMAN & LEAD
Day 3–Friday, OCT 23
Addressing Systemic Racism and Mining In 2020
This panel has been organized by the Indigenous Caucus (IC) of the Western Mining Action Network. This panel will start with a historical overview of mining in North America, including how the Doctrine of Discovery and the 1872 Mining Law contributed to the theft and colonization of Indigenous lands and move to the modern implications of that systemic racism within our work to address mining issues. The IC will present the 2019 Declaration of the WMAN Indigenous Caucus. The panel will end with an introduction to some of the tools which can be utilized to address racism and oppression from mining companies, governments, and non-indigenous allies/non-governmental organizations, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Consultation vs. Consent, and the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion) Training.
The Indigenous Caucus has put together a session that they hope will open a dialogue at all levels of our work. Panelists will refer to the following documents:
1. 2019 Declaration of the WMAN Indigenous Caucus
2. Doctrine of Discovery, related: The Doctrine of Discovery: The International Law of Colonialism
3. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
4. Organization of American States Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
5. Environmental Justice Principles & Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing (1st POC Summit & Jemez)
6. Racism is Killing the Planet (Article by Hop Hopkins)
7. Indigenous Knowledge is Key to Understanding Climate Change (Seattle Times)
8. Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture (Tema Okun)
Moderator: Manny Pino, Indigenous Environmental Network
Panelists:
Reception Host: Sayokla Kindness, WMAN
Addressing Systemic Racism and Mining In 2020
This panel has been organized by the Indigenous Caucus (IC) of the Western Mining Action Network. This panel will start with a historical overview of mining in North America, including how the Doctrine of Discovery and the 1872 Mining Law contributed to the theft and colonization of Indigenous lands and move to the modern implications of that systemic racism within our work to address mining issues. The IC will present the 2019 Declaration of the WMAN Indigenous Caucus. The panel will end with an introduction to some of the tools which can be utilized to address racism and oppression from mining companies, governments, and non-indigenous allies/non-governmental organizations, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Consultation vs. Consent, and the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion) Training.
The Indigenous Caucus has put together a session that they hope will open a dialogue at all levels of our work. Panelists will refer to the following documents:
1. 2019 Declaration of the WMAN Indigenous Caucus
2. Doctrine of Discovery, related: The Doctrine of Discovery: The International Law of Colonialism
3. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
4. Organization of American States Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
5. Environmental Justice Principles & Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing (1st POC Summit & Jemez)
6. Racism is Killing the Planet (Article by Hop Hopkins)
7. Indigenous Knowledge is Key to Understanding Climate Change (Seattle Times)
8. Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture (Tema Okun)
Moderator: Manny Pino, Indigenous Environmental Network
Panelists:
- Manny Pino, President, Indigenous Environmental Network Board of Directors
- Travis Marr, Tmicw Yecminme7 / Territorial & Environment Protection, Manager Stk'emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation
- June Lorenzo, JD and PhD, Laguna Acoma Coalition for a Safe Environment
- Ananda Lee, Shaping Change Collaborative
Reception Host: Sayokla Kindness, WMAN
Day 4–Monday, OCT 26
Mine Safety: Lessons Not Learned - Coming Disasters - Technical & Community Perspectives
This panel will review some impending mine disasters, especially the probable failures of the tailings dams at the proposed NorthMet and Twin Metals mines at the edge of the Boundary Waters Wilderness in Minnesota. The review will focus on the comorbidity of disregard for both engineering principles and the rights of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The panel will also discuss Earthworks' and MiningWatch Canada's "Safety First: Guidelines for Responsible Mine Tailings Management," which would prevent the upcoming disasters.
Moderator: Jan Morrill
Co-host: John Hadder, Director, Great Basin Resource Watch
Panelists:
Reception Host: John Hadder, WMAN
Mine Safety: Lessons Not Learned - Coming Disasters - Technical & Community Perspectives
This panel will review some impending mine disasters, especially the probable failures of the tailings dams at the proposed NorthMet and Twin Metals mines at the edge of the Boundary Waters Wilderness in Minnesota. The review will focus on the comorbidity of disregard for both engineering principles and the rights of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The panel will also discuss Earthworks' and MiningWatch Canada's "Safety First: Guidelines for Responsible Mine Tailings Management," which would prevent the upcoming disasters.
Moderator: Jan Morrill
Co-host: John Hadder, Director, Great Basin Resource Watch
Panelists:
- David Chambers, President, Center for Science and Public Participation
- Steven Emerman, Owner, Malach Consulting
- Chris Knopf, Executive Director, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness
- Jan Morrill, International Mining Campaigner, Earthworks
- Nancy Schuldt, Water Projects Coordinator, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Reception Host: John Hadder, WMAN
Day 5–Wednesday, OCT 28
Mining Health Impacts and Systemic Racism
Mining wreaks stark and dramatic changes to the land and water; the damage is clear and incontrovertible. The human toll, by contrast, is harder to see; it often requires special effort and skill to uncover and bring to light. When we live our lives within the long shadow of mining, humans are damaged physically and emotionally. This damage is ongoing and independent of active mining operations. Decades after mining companies close up and move on, the people left behind still suffer from ongoing exposure and poisoning.
This panel brings to light the health impacts to generations of communities living around and downstream from active and legacy mining, including: measurable and immeasurable impacts to human, community, and cultural health from Tar Creek in Oklahoma, the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario, the Malartic mine in Quebec, and mining projects in Northwest British Columbia and the Yukon.
Moderator: Rebecca Jim, LEAD
Overview of Health Impacts: Dr. Sue Moodie, Council for Public Health in Mining Communities
Panelists:
Mining Health Impacts and Systemic Racism
Mining wreaks stark and dramatic changes to the land and water; the damage is clear and incontrovertible. The human toll, by contrast, is harder to see; it often requires special effort and skill to uncover and bring to light. When we live our lives within the long shadow of mining, humans are damaged physically and emotionally. This damage is ongoing and independent of active mining operations. Decades after mining companies close up and move on, the people left behind still suffer from ongoing exposure and poisoning.
This panel brings to light the health impacts to generations of communities living around and downstream from active and legacy mining, including: measurable and immeasurable impacts to human, community, and cultural health from Tar Creek in Oklahoma, the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario, the Malartic mine in Quebec, and mining projects in Northwest British Columbia and the Yukon.
Moderator: Rebecca Jim, LEAD
Overview of Health Impacts: Dr. Sue Moodie, Council for Public Health in Mining Communities
Panelists:
- James Shine, PhD Bio/Geochemistry
- Wanda Fox, Eagle clan from Mishkeegogamang Ojibway ( Anishnaabe) Nation
- Marc Nantel, Spokesperson for the Regroupement Vigilance de l’Abitibi et du Témiscamingue (REVIMAT)
- Guy Archibald, Staff Scientist, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council
Day 6–Friday, OCT 30
Social Isolation & COVID: How Governments and Industry Use the Pandemic to Promote Resource Extraction | Closing Session
From voices on the ground to regional and international organizations working with affected communities, this panel will explore how local and Indigenous communities are having difficulty responding to the global Covid-19 pandemic, while also living with and addressing resource extraction in their territories. The panel will discuss: how the pandemic impacts communities, regulations, decision-making processes, environmental protection; the correlation of impacts from mining and Covid; and how it has been used by government and industry to further resource extraction.
Moderator: Ugo Lapointe, MiningWatch Canada
Panelists:
Closing Remarks from LEAD & WMAN - Dodadagohv'i (Until I See You Again)
Reception Host: Ugo Lapointe, WMAN
Social Isolation & COVID: How Governments and Industry Use the Pandemic to Promote Resource Extraction | Closing Session
From voices on the ground to regional and international organizations working with affected communities, this panel will explore how local and Indigenous communities are having difficulty responding to the global Covid-19 pandemic, while also living with and addressing resource extraction in their territories. The panel will discuss: how the pandemic impacts communities, regulations, decision-making processes, environmental protection; the correlation of impacts from mining and Covid; and how it has been used by government and industry to further resource extraction.
Moderator: Ugo Lapointe, MiningWatch Canada
Panelists:
- Hilu Tagoona, Nunavummiut Makitagunarngningit
- Nicole Horseherder, Director, Tó Nizhóní Ání
- Kirsten Francescone, Latin American Coordinator, Miningwatch Canada
- John Hadder, Director, Great Basin Resource Watch
Closing Remarks from LEAD & WMAN - Dodadagohv'i (Until I See You Again)
Reception Host: Ugo Lapointe, WMAN