Four eagle feathers were tied to the cedar pole that was prepared to be used as an entry flagstaff to the LCO Harvest Camp in the Penokee Mountain Heritage Park. It was talked for by elder Joe Rose of Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, with the help of his son, Joe Dan, veteran Gary Quarderer and Paul DeMain. Joe Rose spoke about the 7th fire prophecy concerning the choice offered between following a hard path onto unlimited technological development versus a softer path away from the egocentric cash economy and towards clean water, air and wilderness. He reiterated that the Penokee mine will not be built, and that we will use any means necessary to stop it.
Joe Rose’s grandson Jackson ran around the camp and the woods nearby. Several neighbors stopped in for a cup of coffee and talk to find out who was living in these woods. They were invited to observe the ceremony conducted in a traditional way to open the gates of the camp with the symbol of a nearby family, clan and tribe living there now.
Everyone gathered to ask the spirit of all living things to watch over everybody, even Bill Williams, that guy who wants to destroy Heritage Park, the guy who needs the most help of all. Everyone, including our neighbors, put their hands on the pole as it was raised to the roar of shouts announcing that we are here to stay. A moment none of us will forget for some time.
Three different gardens have been planted at the camp. All are looking great. Everything from tomatoes to tobacco to ancient squash are leafing out in three sites!
The groundwork for building the structure that will eventually hold the collection for the Museum of Caucasian Existence in the Penokee Mountain Heritage Park is in the planning. Students from LCO Youth Camp will be coming up July 8th to help clear the foundation of the old school (Moore Park School) now re-named Skulan U. It will be used for a shelter and instructional facilities again.
Afterwards, we shared the fire, deer meat, wild onions, wild rice and swamp tea. It was a beautiful close to a weekend in Harvest Camp.
To join in protecting the Penokee Hills and waters, send a tax-deductible donation to:
Penokee Hill Education Project
P.O. Box 834
Ashland, WI 54806
Or
Defend the Bad River
P.O. Box 39
Odanah, WI 54861
Donate online at http://www.badriver-nsn.gov
Contributors: Paul DeMain, Nick Vander Puy, Ros Nelson
United In Defense of The Water 
Thank you all for doing important things in a good way. I am grateful to Joe Rose, Joe Dan, Gary Quarderer, Paul DeMain, Nick Vander Puy and Barbara With for this eventful day and the report thereof. I’m sure that the numbers of people coming there to contribute to the effort will grow and grow. Mino bimaadiziwin. Miigwetch.