The Mikinaako-ziibi Camp, 1855 Treaty Camp

The Mikinaako-ziibi (Turtle River) Camp is a 1855 encampment located just east of Bemidji, MN. The Mikinaako-ziibii Treaty Camp supports the need to exercise and retain our treaty rights and responsibilities while protecting approximately 600 acres of wilderness owned by the State of Minnesota. The land is about 12 miles east of Bemidji, just north of the Leech Lake reservation boundary within the 1855 treaty territory and just west of Turtle River. Leech Lake, White Earth, Sandy Lake, and Mille Lacs and the US Government are parties to the 1855 Treaty.

Why The Mikinaako-ziibii Treaty Camp is important to cultural preservation: This place, Turtle River, is spiritually significant in our Mide migration story. This land is also home to many beautiful mature trees, including maple trees, and many other living things such as plants and wildlife. We want to stop the timber sale in this beautiful forest and keep it preserved for our people to hold ceremonies, sugaring camps, gather medicine, ensure land-based camps, and learn about the historical significance of this place.

Our goal;

Build a community to preserve and revitalize our spiritual knowledge and reclaim the language, culture, and lifeways of the Anishinaabeg to improve our health and the health of our ecological family - We are all related. Finding our way back to our way of life brings healing and also builds on our resiliency, we’re still here.

We are doing everything we can to protect about 600 acres of mature maples that are going to be logged off, while also raising awareness and educating the state of MN and law enforcement about treaty rights, responsibilities, and obligations in a peaceful way as the treaties intended. How can you support The Mikinaako-ziibi (Turtle River) Camp;

-Financial support to purchase firewood (we do our best to harvest dead trees), food, materials/supplies for cultural teachings, and unforeseen expenses such as vehicle maintenance for the camp truck.

-Boots on the ground; assist with daily tasks such as collecting and boiling sap, chop firewood, cook, camp clean up, etc.

-Share our story, awareness and solidarity are key. -Be a good Treaty person

Our determination to protect Treaties, the land & water and all that is sacred is our inspiration.

Our efforts include public speaking and creating spaces for our people and allies to assert Treaty rights. Our goals are to build meaningful relationships and lead by healthy engagements. We shift power when we build collective power, we work to ensure our people are included in the dialogue and the decision making process. We defend treaty responsibility/obligations in a peaceful way as the treaties intended.

We seek your financial support to continue the good work we do. We couldn’t do this work without your support, we do better together. We appreciate any support you can give, miigwech!