For the first time ever, a tribal nation has intervened in a proceeding before the Michigan Public Service Commission.
An administrative judge has granted the Bay Mills Indian community the right to intervene regarding the Line 5 pipeline dispute in the Straits of Mackinac.
Earthjustice is a law organization representing the tribe. Supervising staff attorney for Earthjustice, Christopher Clark, said the Bay Mills Indian tribe has a treaty with the United States.
“In exchange in that treaty, they have rights throughout the region to hunt, fish and gather,” he said. “The area is critically important to the tribe from a cultural and historical perspective. We believe it is very important that these agencies hear the perspective of the tribal nation.”
Clark said the proposed pipeline and tunnel would create an economic stress on tribe members.
“Many members of the Bay Mills Indian community make their livelihood through the region, and specifically with respect to fishing. Many many members of the community are fishermen and fisherwomen, and obviously, a significant oil spill in the Great Lakes or Straits of Mackinac would harm that livelihood.”
Chairman for the Bay Mills Indian Community Bryan Newland said the pipeline puts their way of life and treaty rights at risk.
Clark said it is important that the tribal voices are heard before the pipeline gets approved.