“This was a dream . . . lots of people – all kinds, walking to the beat of the drum . . . from one drum to the next . . . walking, head down, a solemn walk of the drum . . . three times around the site counter-clockwise.”
This dream or vision was shared and expressed by two men – one non-native, one Anishinaabe. Both men dreamed of Eagle Rock surrounded by a fence with security men looking on as the “people” walked by, to the sound of the drum. This walk, which reflects an ancient ceremony, will take place Sunday, July 17th at Eagle Rock on the Yellow Dog Plains.
Drummers from around the Upper Great Lakes Region will gather to offer their drum to this walk. Young, old, native, non-native – the people must gather here at Eagle Rock. It is a long walk, some twelve miles with twelve drum sites. It is not important that each make the total 12 mile trek, it is just important that many people gather to participate in the walk. “Passing from one drum site to the next, the people will pass from one to the next until it is done.”
This is not a protest with flags and banners, this is a commemoration of Eagle Rock as a sacred site – both to Tribal Nations and to the people who have long held Eagle Rock as a symbol of this effort to stop this mine on public lands. We need people to gather and give one step, one half mile, two miles, four miles, or whatever they are able, to the effort to walk around this site three times. People can come when they can and give of whatever time they have to this walk.
For the last nine years, we have attempted to bring reason, science and the will of the people to this long campaign. It is time to gather the people again, in a united consciousness, for this Long Walk of the Drum around Eagle Rock.
. . . and the people will pass from one drum to the next until it is done”
LOGISTICS
Camping on State Public lands will be permitted. Permits to camp will be available at the check-in station and at Big Bay Outfitters. State lands surround the proposed mine site and maps and folks on the ground will assist campers in finding good camping locations close by. There is a latrine that is handicapped-accessible, for all who may wish to use it during this event.
Due to the potential high fire danger, all cooking should be done with Coleman like stoves and fuels. We ask that no wood fires be built except in designated areas with proximity to water. If the Yellow or Red fire flags are out – no fires should be built anywhere on the Yellow Dog Plains. We will post fire danger flags at our information site.
We anticipate that people will start gathering on Saturday the 16th. There will be a check-in station on the AAA road about a half a mile before the main gates of the proposed mine, where someone will be handing out information. You will be on your own with food and water. There is a spring at the Salmon Trout River where it crosses the AAA, for good fresh water. Swimming is close by at the Yellow Dog River also. There is shaded state land near but not within sight of the mine. This would be a good opportunity to enjoy the Yellow Dog Plains and see it for what it is.
We need people to assist with the drum sites. We need teams at each drum site which will also be rest stations for the walkers. If you and a friend are available to assist from 10:00 in the morning on Sunday the 17th until sunset – we need you! Two people per site is what we are looking for. If you have a large tent or tarp that can be set up to give shade and rest — that would be wonderful.
Water will be available at these rest stops, but people should also bring their own water, food and beverages.
The opening ceremony starts at NOON but walkers may join at any time and at any drum site location. Walking will be 80% on two track or the AAA. Only one leg will be walking through a Jack Pine forest and this will be marked.
Please visit www.standfortheland.com and http://www.savethewildup.org/ for updates and additional information. There will be a map posted before the date of the event.
We need LOTS OF PEOPLE. Please spread the word in any way you can. Far and wide — we need a gathering of the people. This will be a safe event – please come. This is a very important ceremony that needs to be done at this place and at this time.
. . . and the people will pass from one drum to the next until it is done”
MAP: Eagle-2
