Bay Mills frustrated, concerned over Enbridge Line 5 pipeline agreement

NEWS RELEASE
BAY MILLS INDIAN COMMUNITY
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BAY MILLS, MICH. - Bay Mills Indian Community is frustrated that the State of Michigan has cut yet another sweetheart agreement with Enbridge to keep Canadian oil flowing beneath Michigan’s waters. This new agreement allows Enbridge to keep the oil flowing beneath the Straits of Mackinac “for as long as the Line 5 Straits Replacement Segment shall be in operation by Enbridge.”

In other words, Michigan has agreed that Enbridge can operate its oil pipeline beneath the Great Lakes as long as it pleases. The State of Michigan formed this long-term partnership with Enbridge without any meaningful engagement with Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes, and without any regard to the impact of this agreement on the treaty-protected fishing rights and religious beliefs of Native Americans across the State.

In addition, Michigan made the decision to authorize a permanent Canadian oil pipeline beneath Michigan’s waters while Enbridge is actively seeking permits from state and federal agencies related to the Line 5 Pipeline. Enbridge is responsible for the worst oil spill in Michigan’s history. It has proven that it cannot be trusted to protect our shared natural resources. Bay Mills has a 30-year history of working with the State to protect those resources. Despite that history, Michigan has chosen to partner with Enbridge to manage our shared natural resources.

The State’s new partnership with Enbridge puts Bay Mills Indian Community’s treaty rights at risk, and jeopardizes our Great Lakes for generations to come. Bay Mills’ Executive Council is prepared to use every available means to protect the rights of tribal members, and to protect the well-being of all residents of northern Michigan.

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