#protectwhatyoulove – Emy Minzel

#BoundaryWatersCanoeArea, #lifelessons, #spiritual, Political

Finding Home

May 27, 2025 emyminzel

This essay of finding home, was written for a live reading at my friend Susan’s art studio in Minneapolis. Where women gathered to read their personal experiences of finding home. Susan invited us to share our stories at the yearly Art Districts Art-a-Whirl community event in studio #501. I am thankful for the experience and the opportunity. Not only for sharing my story, but for the chance to answer such a profoundly personal question I had not truly explored until now. Miigwech, to all the women who hold space, share their experience and love with me on my writing journey.

Finding home.

By Emy Minzel

When Susan invited me to share about finding home… I thought back to my childhood.

I grew up a free-range latchkey kid in Virginia Minnesota. Which was quite fun! It was also how I learned to love adventure!

I am thankful for the skills I learned back then… many of which, I still use today.

I remember the feeling so free! The world out there was waiting for me to explore it and nobody to tell me I couldn’t! So, that’s what I did.

I would ride my bike all over town, making friends in every direction. Often, I’d get to stay with my grandparents up north in Cook. Where I would wander fearlessly into the forest. Gazing at the clouds, following birds, making friends with the trees. Talking to forest animals and fairies.

Even as a little girl I’ve felt most comfortable outside in nature.

I remember floating in Lake Vermillion looking up in the cloudless blue sky. The sun shining in my eyes and reflecting like diamonds on the surface around me.

The sounds of laughter and people playing at the beach echoed in my water filled my ears. While I was being held up by my grandmother’s arms as she patiently taught me how to back float.

I trusted my grandma Emy more than anyone in the world. I was safe. I was home.

Still so young and innocent I was able to tune into the divine source all around me. My body naturally learned it needed this connection to Mother Nature.

This is where my love of water and nature began.

To this day I recognize that the little girl is still inside. When I catch myself gazing out the window on a nice day. You can trust my thoughts are conspiring to see if there is any way to get outside or into the water.

My spirit still yearns for the freedom of that free-range kid.

To feed the need to run outside and soak up the nourishing minerals of the water and vitamins from the sunshine.

My body still loves to float. It feels like being rocked in a soothing rhythm of a warm womb. The water effortlessly cradles me securely and feeding me love. As if I am plugging into the umbilical cord of the Divine Mother’s feminine embrace.

When I am reconnected to the natural world. My mind, body and spirit feel supported, nourished, cherished.

In these moments I can release my worries.

My spirit releases long sighs of solace.

I am safe.

I am home.

As I grew up my life and home changed. We moved away from my grandma and the familiar small town and water of Lake Vermillion.

Now older and more independent, I found Silver Lake, much smaller and not nearly as grand as Vermillion. Often frozen and covered in snow as it goes in Northern Minnesota.

Yet on sunny winter days someone’s dad or the older kids would shovel the thick layer of snow to reveal a gleaming ice rink. Where I would play on the ice for hours with my friends.

When I was tired, I’d sit on a snowbank gobbling up handfuls of ornate snowflakes for hydration. Appreciating the mosaic beauty glimmering in the ice foundation beneath my skates.

I still got to be on the water. Helping my body still feel connected to nature.

Home continued to evolve as the seasons and cycles of time ensured. I moved even further away. Which kept me from the water and my grandma for many years.

The demands of adulting had separated the bond I once felt to nature and my Gram.

For many years I felt out of place in the houses and towns in which I lived. They looked and felt heavy as the concrete landscapes.

Emotionally and spiritually, they weighed about the same. Too busy to rest, too loud to listen, too removed to remember.

Eventually I was unable to relate to my own inner knowing. The part of me that knows better. This disconnection made life feel much harder.

Quick showers and environmental toxins of city life started to soak in. Changing the chemistry of my mind and my energy.

I had forgotten the feeling of being nurtured by nature. As I fed my spirit a steady diet of harder hustle and denial.

I was an adult, doing the adulting things. This is what I was supposed to be doing right?

Plugging my ears to my intuition, the life lessons got louder and way more uncomfortable.

Disassociating from the feeling of being lost. I felt like I was just faking it through life.

Like the chlorinated tap water coming from my faucet stripped of all the minerals and lifeless. The lifestyle I was living was like the tap water I was drinking. Neither deep enough to float in, nor healthy enough to nourish my mind, body or spirit.

Eventually giving up to a numb acceptance that dimmed my spirit. I felt destined to accept the slow dehydration of all that I once loved about myself and my life. Pushing through the persistent aching feeling as if I was drowning on dry land.

Though you wouldn’t know it, just lots of us do. I smiled though the pain and kept keeping on.

By then my grandma had passed away. Missing the safety of her steady love that kept me afloat. My body much older by now. My mind melancholy. My spirit still believing there must be a better way.

It took me far too long to realize I still knew how to swim. It was time to save myself.

I started to meditate and retreat, taking time to find myself. Which allowed me to slow down and listen to the part of me that still knows better. Finally hearing the intuitive whispers still trying to reconnect me with my inner truth.

It was time to find home again.

Life began to reward my efforts for listening. Guiding me with synchronicities that would eventually lead me back to nature and the water…

As the Universe does, it worked, it’s magic. Bringing a new friend into my life!

She reminded me how to play! Which motivated the leveling up of my spiritual journey.

Her friendship felt like a kind, supportive older sister I once knew in another lifetime.

Our connection was slowly rehydrating my verve for life. Like a fresh cool drink of delicious mineral filled water straight from the garden hose on a hot day.

Our playdates got better and longer, each of us doing our best to add more fun and excitement into our lives.

When we planned an outfitted trip to into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for the first time at age 38.

Nervous and excited we joyfully headed north. The return to the familiar evergreen Boreal Forest woke my soul instantly. With the first sniff of nature’s crisp pine aroma therapy.

My spirit nearly screamed. Yes! YES!!!! More please!

We canoed, portaged, played. The stars were plentiful and my eyes wide in wonder.

We had time to be still and absorb all that is good and holy in this world. I was able to see the clear difference in the health of the water around me and inside of me.

Lifting my spirit and opening my heart. Feeling as if the curtains in an abandoned house were open for the first time in years.

We sat in silence on the boulder shore listening to birds sing to the sunrise.

Quietly drinking lake water tea, we witnessed a moose swim past our campsite. A family of loons floated by going in the other direction.

That morning felt like I was participating in a sacred sunrise service. Being baptized by Mother Earth herself. She gave me the blessing of courage to rearrange my outlook on life and the way I was living it.

I floated in the womb of her wisdom until I felt nature Tenderly reconnecting the umbilical cord of my soul to the nurturing spirit of the Divine Mother once again.

The innocent little girl full of life and love. The part of me I cherish the most. Finally felt safe enough to resurface for a chance to experience a long overdue back float.

Surrounded by the forest full of cathedral trees and ancient stone formations. I felt alive and inspired!

So inspired I began to sing to the water.

Words flowing from my heart vibrating appreciation to the vast heaven on earth that surrounded me.

“Thank you, water, I love you. Thank you for loving me too.

I value all you do. I’m your friend and you my friend too.”

When we returned from the deep forest and crystal clean waters of the Boundary Waters. I told everyone who would listen. “I found where God lives.”

The Divine had coordinated a wonderful adventure. It reconnected me to the powerful force of nature that felt a lot like my grandma’s love.

Setting in motion changes that would ripple through my life over a decade later. Reinvigorating my natural disposition and love of adventure. While Waking up a determination to maintain my connection to nature and water.

I finally found where I belong.

I knew I had found my home again.

Let the adventures begin!

My friend and I began to have many different experiences going into The Boundary Waters year after year.

Each of our journeys had lessons to share. And just like my grandma. None of them ever let me down.

Basswood lake reminded me I could keep myself warm and sheltered even with wet firewood and minimal supplies. Reminding me, my connection to nature provides powerful healing.

The portage to Four Town tested my determination. Showing me how strong I truly am inside and out. Teaching me that sometimes… less is more. While reminding me God has a great sense of humor.

And that the best conversations happen on rainy days over a cup of tea and under a tarp.

North Temperance was a reminder to soak up and enjoy sunny days! Because it’s not every day you get the chance to enjoy a ride on a lazy river of life. So, let yourself truly be present and enjoy them when you can.

The explorations of Big Lake and Brule Lake taught me that paddling through the big waves of life that come unexpectantly would be easier to navigate with a hand to hold.

South Hegman Lake was a lesson in being selective in the company I kept. Having good boundaries and carrying your own weight.

Sawbill Lake taught me sometimes it’s best to rest and float through times of confusion and trust in divine timing.

I allowed myself to be grateful for each perfect synchronicity. Not only in the Boundary Waters but in the flow of life I had finally gotten back into. These adventures in nature bringing me closer to the home within myself.

The vibes of the lakes changed with each adventure. Changing me as well.

My soul was patient as I slowly integrated the wisdom I gained by paddling, portaging and floating in the water. Navigating through the forests Turning into life lessons over the years long after the experience have passed.

All these experiences taught me to listen and apply the wisdom; I’ve earned the hard way.

Teaching me to trust in my abilities when I am swimming beyond my comfort zone.

Utilizing instincts and discernment to recognize when it is necessary to take action to retreat to safety. And truly appreciating the times it’s safe to float.

The next year my friend cancelled last minute and could not go on our trip. By now I was so in love with these excursions that the need to return to nature let me conquer fears that kept me from growing.

So, my first solo pilgrimage into The Boundary Waters commenced.

Proving to myself I could make it through scary storms and long rainy days alone. While also reminding me that the right company is preferable.

As I got older, I tried less roughing it and more back floating. Realizing what I needed now was rest, and relaxation. To allow my overwhelmed nervous system to find respite.

This took me to beautiful Lake Kabetogama. Where I floated and sang to the water between naps.

This somehow led to a magical experience on Mallard Island on Rainy Lake the very next year. Where I learned it was the right time to integrate all these experiences into a welcome transformation.

I kept flowing from one adventure to the next. Following the powerful pull of the water.

This time it was just me and my dog Hank on Poplar Lake off the Gunflint Trail.

A whole week of hiking deep into the forest, kayaking, and back floating at least 3 times a day. Even when the air temperature was colder than the lake. People passing by in a canoe wearing hoodies looking at me like I was a little crazy.

I’m as Minnesotan as a hearty tator tot hotdish and I know it. I waved and smiled. Now comfortable in who I am.

I floated until my fingers wrinkled. Unbothered by any judgement and owning my eccentric vibes.

Poplar Lake doesn’t know this, or maybe she does because I sang to her too.

The warm august water of Poplar Lake held me securely in the womb of her wisdom. While I floated and nurtured my broken heart and loved myself back to life.

These journeys into the forest and pristine waters of Northern Minnesota started to feel more like coming home than going away.

Fighting is futile at this point, my spirit knows it is the water calling my soul back home. I can no longer deny nor delay the journey. I feel this powerful magnetic pull on my spirit as if I am being summoned.

Like my mom calling me in from free-ranging when the streetlights came on. It’s time to come home now.

The persistent pull and intuitive demands calling me home to the water are purposeful. There is a deep sacred duty inside. Compelling me to bring crucial environmental awareness to the world around me.

I believe it’s the spirit of water. She is asking me to help keep her safe as she has done for me. I know in my heart must answer.

Realizing I love the water as much as I love my grandmother. It’s a love so great that I was willing to change my life for the chance I might have an opportunity to protect it.

The Universe was urging me to utilize the life skills, and courage I gained on these journeys. Giving me the opportunity to run for State House of Representatives and then again for State Senate.

JUST to Save the Boundary Waters.

We must understand that the Garden of Eden we read about in a book. Is the planet we are living on right here and right now!

We are the stewards of the bountiful beautiful garden of Earth. The one God blessed us with that provides everything we need.

Did you know? The human body contains the same ratio of water as Planet Earth. A clever design that connects us profoundly to nature. We do not live on the Earth. We are of the Earth. Just like the birds, the bears and the whales.

Just like my body. When I nurture her and love her in healthy, kind ways. She provides me with all I need to thrive.

This is not a coincidence, it is a direct connection and symbolism of what will happen to the pristine water of Minnesota if we allow toxic copper mining near the Boundary Waters.

This type of mining has a 100% failure rate leading to catastrophic sulfuric acid pollution. This is forever pollution that lasts over 500 years. Sulfuric acid is basically battery acid that kills all it touches.

Water has no boundaries.

Minnesota is the water bearer of our Nation. Our beautiful land of 10,000 lakes holds over 20% of the entire worlds fresh water.

We cannot allow our public lands, pristine lakes, rivers and our drinking water to be sacrificed for any reason.

If the President gets his way, the pollution from copper mines will poison water sheds that flow into the Boundary waters up to Canada through the Rainy Lake watershed. Then Lake Superior connected to the chain of great lakes. Into Headwaters of the Mississippi River that runs through the heartland of our nation into the Gulf of Mexico.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a rare and irreplaceable blessing.

Our very own garden of Eden must be treated as the sacred gift it is. The water it holds will be more valuable than gold in less than 25 years.

Environmental facts state that by 2050 over half the US will struggle to find clean drinking water.

Because I love the BWCA and water so much. I am compelled to bring awareness to the fact that Minnesota’s watery way of life is facing a death sentence.

Along with a very expensive and futile superfund cleanup to be covered by the taxpayers… thats you and me.

This isn’t an exaggeration. These are historically proven facts that to this day affect the land and residence of Butte Montana, Peru, Chile, South America and every single copper mining site that exists on the planet right now.

During the years I ignorantly denied my inner knowing I was going along just to get along…

This is when my life was dry and barren, harder in every possible way.

I feel as if the water and my grandma have been divinely guiding to my life’s purpose. To use my voice and art to advocate for the vulnerable and valuable environment that cannot defend itself.

By applying the skills I’ve learned from the water and my grandma. Using gentle strength, devotion and unyielding persistence

This reminds me that.

The work… Is the prayer.

Now the inner knowing is profound and undeniable.

Compelling me to continue asking for help on my path to be of service for something bigger than myself.

I stand here. Using this generous opportunity to tell my story about finding home. And ask you for help too.

This is my earnest and urgent call to action. Please help me protect our water.

To stand together and defend The Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

A gift of sanctuary, our garden of Eden, the place where God lives.

Where I finally… found home.

Blessings,

Emy Minzel

EmyMinzel.com

How to help Save the Boundary Waters!!!

Call your local Minnesota State Senators and Local State Representative in your district.

You can find out who they are by searching on the Minnesota Legislature website at www.leg.mn.gov

Or just follow this link and enter your zip code. Which will bring you straight there.

https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/

Contact all parties. Republican, Democrats, and independent representatives with respect and kindness. Some of them are unaware of the dangers copper mining guarantees. I personally met with my Republican State Rep who was very responsive to my concerns. He loves Minnesota too! And meeting with him in person was impactful for both of us.

I believe most of the members in MN congress are good people who want to do the right thing. Not everyone can know everything and it’s up to us the voters to tell them how we want to be represented and what is important to us! Write a letter to the editor. Recruit friends and family here in Minnesota to get involved too. There truly is power in the people.

Here is what you say:

I am asking you to vote in favor of protecting The Boundary Waters by voting to support these three bills.

The Prove it First Bill Bad Actor Bill Taxpayer Protection Act

SF1382 – State Senate SF1744 – Senate SF1383 – Senate

HF 954 – State House HF 1197 – House HF955 – House

The Prove it First Bill SF1382 /HF 954. Simply request that an applicant seeking a permit to operate a copper-sulfide mine must prove that such a mine can be operated and closed without causing pollution. Providing proof they have sites that have been in operation for 10 years and after being closed for 10 years without pollution.

Bad Actor Bill SF 1744 / HF 1197. This bill would prevent Minnesota from granting copper/sulfite mining permits to companies that have violated international laws, including corruption, bribery, or environmental destruction, ensuring Minnesota’s clean water remains protected from irresponsible international mining conglomerates.

Taxpayer Protection Act SF1383 / HF955. Taxpayer protection act would require nonferrous (non-iron) mining companies to fully fund any financial assurance package upfront and in cash. This would protect Minnesota taxpayers from being forced to pay for any environmental clean-up resulting from the nonferrous mining operations. Currently the regular operating methods of these companies are to leave a toxic mess and the cleanup bill to the taxpayers by simply declaring bankruptcy. (Source: http://www.FriendsofTheBoundaryWaters.org)

Minnesota is the water bearer of the Nation that guards over 20% of the world’s fresh water. Fresh drinking water is a dwindling precious resource.

The EPA states that by 2050 over have of Americans will struggle to find fresh drinking water.

In less than 25 years the Nation is going to be facing severe water shortages.

This will be a true National Emergency!!!

With already over half of the water in Minnesota too polluted to drink or eat fish from. Protecting and preserving the water we need to survive is imperative. Voting to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is part of our maintaining our States and National Security.

By voting in favor of these bills. You show your Minnesota residence that you stand up for us and do what is right. You prove that you stand against foreign corporations poisoning the purest water source in our nation in a shortsighted and reckless money grab. As your constituent I am asking you to protect our essential water resources and the Minnesota way of life. We can live without copper. We cannot live without water.

#BoundaryWatersCanoeArea, #naturelover, #signs, #teamwork

Prove It First

February 24, 2025 emyminzel

There was a public hearing at the Minnesota Senate Building Monday February 24^th, 2025. It was to bring awareness and support for proposed Legislation drafted to protect Minnesota from the threats from Copper-Nickel Sulfide Mining.

I was born in Virginia, Minnesota raised on the iron range during the boom. My family has many connections and years of experience in iron ore mines. We are a working-class family, full of sportsmen and women, with respect for the jobs that support us. My connection to the arrowhead region is my heritage. I grew up swimming in the delightfully cold Lake Vermilion with my family.

I cherish the memories I continue to enjoy while visiting the pristine waters in the BWCA each year. We are blessed in Minnesota. Sometimes I think we may be so used to these blessings that we take for granted the quintessential Minnesota way of life. Lake life.

If we are not careful, we will lose what makes our beloved state so great. Look around the nation my friends…

Our fresh water is dwindling quickly. Fact: Over half of the water in Minnesota is already too polluted to eat the fish or drink from. Statistics say that by 2050 over half the population in the nation will have difficulty finding clean drinking water!

This is why I am so passionate about protecting the water in Minnesota. The desire to protect the BWCA is what inspired me to run for the State House of Representative in 2018. Then again for Minnesota State Senate in 2022. Though I did not win, I am still a passionate environmental advocate. Which is why I attended this hearing and support these bills. Now I would like to offer a summary of what I learned.

This is a summary; I will provide a link for the full 52 pages of hearing testimonies below. I am sharing so that you can contact your state representatives and ask them to support these very important pieces of legislation. This is not a democrat nor republican issue; this is a Minnesota issue.

Our water is what makes Minnesota special. We all understand that water is life. Even if we don’t see eye to eye on other subjects. Most of us agree that protecting our Minnesota way of life from foreign invasions with nefarious intentions is something that needs to happen.

Here’s what you should know.

The Prove it First Bill SF1382 /HF 954. Simply request that an applicant seeking a permit to operate a copper-sulfide mine must prove that such a mine can be operated and closed without causing pollution. They must prove an example of a copper-sulfide mine that has been operated for 10 years and has been closed for 10 years without causing pollution.

Bad Actor Bill SF 1744 / HF 1197. This bill would ban Minnesota from issuing nonferrous mining permits to ‘bad actors’ who have already violated specific international laws. Including corruption, bribery, or destruction of natural resources. This common-sense legislation would ensure the legacy of Minnesota’s clean water is not placed in the hands of notorious international mining conglomerates with no regard for Minnesota’s environment or its residents.

Taxpayer Protection Act SF1383 / HF955. Taxpayer protection act would require nonferrous (non-iron) mining companies to fully fund any financial assurance package upfront and in cash. This would protect Minnesota taxpayers from being forced to pay for any environmental clean-up resulting from the nonferrous mining operations. Currently the regular operating methods of these companies are to leave a toxic mess and the clean up bill to the taxpayers by simply declaring bankruptcy.

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Executive Director and Lawyer Chris Knopf shared his personal story that led him to this fight to protect the Boundary Waters.

Chris grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Which became world famous when its river was so polluted it caught fire. That is not the kind of legacy we want to be famous for in Minnesota. He then informed us that Minnesota does not currently have laws to protect its clean water against industrial invasion. Secondly Minnesota regulators are unable to properly enforce the flimsy laws already in the books. That is why they need public support and help reach lawmakers in all districts of Minnesota.

Minnesota State Senator Jen McEwan gave a passionate speech in support of keeping the Minnesota we know and love safe from foreign land grabbers only here to take, pollute and leave. She reiterated that the false narrative that this mine is needed to support green energy is just a marketing wordplay to confuse citizens and lawmakers too. In no way is copper sulfide mining a reasonable way to support green energy simply by how it is produced.

Senator McEwan’s speech was inspiring, and heart felt. Leaving us all with the important task of making sure we do the work of contacting our local representatives and telling them to support this bill. She told the large crowd in attendance. It’s important for you to make noise and get this issue the attention it needs to pass bipartisan legislation!

Dr. Steven Emerman has been a professor of geology for over 30 years and worked in issues related to water and mining for over 40 years. His three main points to share were:

Sulfide-ore mining poses a threat to clean water
The sulfide mining industry has a perfect track record of water pollution
The pollution caused by sulfide mining lasts forever.

He ends his testimony stating. The notion that this kind of mining has been done without polluting the surrounding water systems is simply a myth. The toxic tailings will be a permanent catastrophic curse left for every future generation to come to Minnesota.

Fred Campbell is a retired hydrologist who worked with the MN DNR on the Regional Copper Nickel Study. He’s worked in copper nickel mineral exploration data for numerous mining companies including AMAX, Polymet, Twin Metals and Talon. Proving the tailings of these mining operations are indeed toxic everywhere and do not ever dilute or diminish.

These pollutants have been proven to have effects on human health and the environment with catastrophic impact. His research proves the legacy of sulfide mining sites and districts are all now included on the EPA’s National Priorities Superfund List. (Superfund site is taxpayer-funded environmental cleanup caused by industrial corporate pollution.)

Campbell says Minnesota’s existing legal and regulatory framework cannot protect us from the dangers of sulfide mining. Minnesota needs to enact “Prove it First” and other legislation to permanently protect the BWCA and other sensitive areas.

The Commissioner of Natural Resources for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Kelly Applegate spoke on the long history of sulfide mines irreversibly damaging watersheds. Leaving a legacy of contamination long after the mines are closed or abandoned. He reminds us that water has no boundaries and ripple across the environment into our wetlands, communities and drinking water.

Critical drinking water sources will be in danger throughout the watersheds to the Mississippi river, St. Croix River watersheds and Lake Superior. Without proof that pollution free operations are possible, allowing sulfide mining in Minnesota is a high stakes experiment for the entire ecosystem they are not willing to be part of.

Applegate declared “Our efforts are grounded in our community to preserve Minnesota’s natural environment and water resources for generations to come. There is an Anishinaabe teaching that our people have. We care for our Earth, for those yet unborn and the next seven generations to come. If we make good decisions, we can protect the earth and water and know the next seven generations can have a good life.”

Bob Tammen from Soudan, MN worked on the iron range in the mines. He states. “I worked during the boom of the 1970’s and the bust of the late 80’s and the ups and downs afterwards. During a lifetime of mining I’ve gathered a lot of knowledge of the environmental consequences of our mining activities.”

Referring to the Dunka mines that were closed in 1994. The runoff from that Duluth complex materials is still degrading Birch Lake and running into the Boundary Waters. The State of Minnesota and the mining industry have had over 30 years to work on that problem! And they still don’t have it cleaned up.

Minnesota’s three major watersheds come together on the property of the Hibbing taconite plant. Rainfall at that junction will partly go north to Canada and Hudson Bay, east to Lake Superior, and South to the Mississippi River down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Our water is moving. The failure to clean up Dunka should be a warning that the State of Minnesota is not likely to be able to regulate Twin Metals, PolyMet or Talon, which would respectively pollute The Boundary Waters, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River. When we fight to protect Minnesota’s water, we’re also fighting to protect the water flowing to Detroit and Winnipeg and New Orleans. When we defend Minnesota’s water, we’re defending everybody’s water.

With the wisdom of all his years Bob made a point nobody can argue with, he said. “Eventually, someone else is going to get our water. Let’s be good stewards and send them clean water. Pass Prove It First.

Mike Maleska is an Iron ore miner of 42 years now retired and the local Union President. In his statement in support of the Prove It First bill he says.

Consider this; the companies that intend to undertake this venture are in it for profit. Without proof or evidence these companies make claims such as ‘modern technology and science have made pollution a thing of the past!’ believe me, I hear it all the time.

Now what if the citizens come to believe that copper-nickel mining can be done without polluting without proof. Then our state and federal agencies come to believe it too?

If these false claims are taken to be true by the state and federal agencies gullible enough to permit these mines. We end up allowing the world’s most polluting industry, operating a mine in the most pristine part, of the most pristine state in the USA…

As a former miner and elected union rep, I know that shutting down a mine is incredibly difficult, one might say impossible, never mind how dirty it is. What I want to see is some courage from our legislators to make the mining companies do one simple thing. Show proof that they won’t pollute before they’re allowed to put a shovel in the ground.

Eric Ini.

Eric Ini, Chief Equity and Partnership Officer for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy.

Eric Ini is from Cameroon, a country in Central Africa with diverse economy and like Minnesota, rich in natural resources. He spoke with a powerful message of caution.

“With companies like Glencore doing business with the government of Cameroon, the potential to alleviate poverty is almost impossible. Glencore’s track record of corruption is alarming. I have witnessed firsthand the corrupt practices of Glencore in my home country.

Glencore’s bribes to government officials were not limited to securing oil and gas contracts but also to secure deals to pay reduced taxes and royalties. In Cameroon the company flew millions of dollars on a private jet to bribe government officials, securing lucrative contracts.

This corruption perpetuated poverty, inequity and environmental degradation, causing irreparable harm to our communities. Glencore’s corrupt practices are not limited to Cameroon. Accusations of bribery and corruption are filed in Nigeria, Gabon, other African countries, globally in England, Brazil, UK and America.

NJ Ayuk, a Cameroonian and Chairman of the African Energy Chambers has publicly stated that Glencore is the worst company in the Energy Sector. It’s surprising that countries continue to do business with them.

By barring corrupt and polluting companies from operation in Minnesota. The Bad Actor Bill is designed to prevent what happened in my native county from happening in Minnesota.

I urge you to prioritize the wellbeing of Minnesotans over the profits of this Swiss-based company. Our state’s environment and communities deserve better than to be put at risk by a company with a proven track record of pollution, corruption and disregard for the law.”

Alan Thometz is a Senior Finance Lecturer for the University of Minnesota. He told us he grew up in Butte Montana, home of the largest mining Superfund site in the US. Butte has been at the center of America’s most extensive industrial cleanup efforts for decades. This former copper mine remains one of the most toxic sites in the Nation. Summary of his statement says.

“Superfund designation is proof that financial assurance has failed. There are 1,340 Superfund sites across the country, representing 1,340 instances where companies have avoided their financial obligations, leaving taxpayers to bear the cleanup costs.

Here is an extraordinary fact; Mining companies use bankruptcy as a strategic tool to avoid their environmental cleanup responsibilities. This is not an accident. THIS IS HOW THEY DO BUSINESS.

The five largest global mining companies with Glencore being the biggest, collectively generated $427 BILLION in revenue and $52 BILLION in operating income over the last 12 months…. These companies are far from struggling. Mining companies are incentivized to file for bankruptcy when the ore runs out. The law allows them to return profits to shareholders while leaving environmental liabilities unpaid. Debt obligations should be paid before investors receive returns.

Minnesota’s current financial assurance laws fail to protect its environment and taxpayers. It’s time to fix this broken system. We must require mining companies to fully fund their cleanup responsibilities in bankruptcy-proof escrow accounts. This is financial assurance that works. This is how we protect our environment and our taxpayers. Let’s get it done!”

In contrast to the older men who spoke before her. The last person to testify in support of these important bills was a fresh-faced 18-year-old.

Clair Peterson is a freshman attending the University of Minnesota. She is studying to be an Environmental Engineer. I am quoting most of her testimony verbatim because she moved familiar emotions in many.

Clair said, “Two years ago I was able to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for the first time in my 16 years of existence. It might be confusing as to why someone who has just started college, has only been to the Boundary Waters once, and has little experience in political activism, is here to speak to you today. Despite this, I know, without a doubt, that the Boundary Waters is a special place.

It has the ability to connect people to each other and the world around them in a way that not other place can. While I was in the Boundary Waters I got to see loons, and snapping turtles, beavers, minks and garter snakes and eagles. I even got to hug a 1,000-year-old cedar tree!

I hauled 30-pound bags and canoes through the wilderness for four days. My crew and I woke up at 5am every morning so we could get an early start on paddling. We had to work together to support and motivate each other through long portages. It was hard, but through it, I got to connect with my peers. It was a beautiful and wonderful experience that I am deeply privileged to have shared with my friends. I know I will cherish the memories I made in the Boundary Waters for the rest of my life.

My hope for the future is that young people like myself, can continue to discover and fall in love with the Boundary Waters. Where they can witness unspoiled beauty year after year. The decision to pass these bills – Prove It First, the Bad Actor Bill, and the Taxpayer Protection Act will not only affect the next 20 years, it will affect the next 70 years of my life. I, for one, would much rather spend the rest of my life planning trips to the Boundary Waters with my family rather than trying to cleanse it of sulfide sludge.

I urge you to act.

The Boundary Waters is a sanctuary that should be preserved for the future. Just as people need the Boundary Waters, the Boundary Waters needs us.”

Out of the mouths of babes… Clair’s testimony moved me to tears with her earnest passion and love for nature. There were dozens of children in attendance at the hearing. Reminding us it’s more than just the facts that are important. The future generation needs us to do this right now.

Clair understood how to articulate the feeling you get after your very first visit to the BWCA. It only takes one trip to feel there is a sacredness in the pristine waters and forest of the beloved Boundary waters Canoe Area.

After my first visit to the BWCA I came home telling everyone I was certain. That’s where God lives.

What Minnesota has is more than clean water and mineral resources. We host the responsibility to protect the sacredness of its purity. A place so special nowhere else in the country can boast. One that must be protected by the Prove it First bill.

Link to Hearing minutes:

Friends of the Boundary Waters Proposed Legislation – Google Drive

Educational video link:

#spiritual, adventure, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Uncategorized

Release the Worms!

July 29, 2024August 1, 2024 emyminzel

Lessons Through Joy ~ Chapter 2

by Emy Minzel

Ready or not here we come!!! Neither of us had never been to the Boundary Waters before. We had no idea what we were getting into. Folks from all over the world come to experience the
grand vastness and purity of our dwindling truly wild wilderness. No cell
signals, no electricity, you carry everything you need on your back and the
canoe too. It offers time and silence I need to get back to the simplicity our
lives are supposed to contain. Over the years it has been a vital necessity for
me to take this time to connect with myself and the earth I appreciate so
greatly.

Before leaving we had scoured the Outfitters website for a list of items to bring and added our own necessities like blow up tubes for floating. At the time we were both excited
to do some fishing in the BWCA. The fish “Up North” are legendarily big and
plentiful. This would be a first for both of us to have to “clean” or filet
own catch. We are both no fuss kind of women who do what needs to be done, even
the hard stuff. I love that about us. We make a great team. We both love
nature, water, and canoeing. We knew we were going to love this!

Our first fishing trip was a success. We reeled them in and released a few. We
didn’t want to take more than we needed for dinner. Both looking to each other
for guidance when we pulled the basket out of the water. After a few failed
attempts to put the fish out of its misery, our hearts deflated a bit. We
decided to let them suffocate on the boulder before cleaning them. Both of us
felt remorseful about what we put the fish through. Yet we were depending on
fish for our food and hunger was prompting us to get through it.

I will not lie. The fish was delicious. However, this experience of taking a life had gotten to us both. The spirit inside of me felt sad for the fish and maybe even disappointed in myself. Neither of us said anything to each other while we continued to catch and eat fish that year.
Next year we vowed to find a better way to ‘release its spirit’ before we ate it.
At the time it felt empowering to be able to feed myself from the wild in this
way. The men in my life always took care of “gross” things like that.

Yet, when I took the time to contemplate it deeper. I realized there should be nothing ‘gross’ about it at all. It was a transformational experience realizing what it felt like to take an animal’s life and respect its sacrifice. I know it would serve humanity to acknowledge and appreciate the folks who do the work of getting us food from the farm and water to our tables.

I began to honor the hardworking folks and sentient animals who give me the energy needed to live. It was clear to me that I was too far removed from the food I ate. I was part of an ignorant bliss trend in humanity, blind to where my food comes from, how it’s treated, and how it’s processed… I saw I was a piece of capitalism contributing to tragic and detrimental factor in the environment and unethical treatment of animals. I was beginning to see that looking the other way is part of the human behavior damaging the planet and all who reside on it. I had never taken the time to contemplate or acknowledge it until this BWCA experience.

Continuing to the 2^nd trip the next year into the BWCA. We brought our fishing
poles, worms and leaches. Try as we may, there were no fish! What the heck?! No bites at all. No matter where we decide to try our luck, not even a nibble. It wasn’t a big deal; we had packed enough food to keep us satisfied without the fish this trip. We were fishing just to pass
time.

One morning we both were on separate ends of our very large camping site with
hundreds of feet between our fishing spots. The spot was a peninsula of boreal
forest beauty. We were doing our best to enjoy the blue sky and warm day when
Stacy walked over to me and asked. “Are you having any luck?”

As I reeled my line in. Seeing the lifeless worm hanging from my hook. I looked at her and said “Nope. Nothing.”

I turned to Stacy and confessed. “I am having a really hard time with what I am
doing to this worm… I am torturing it. Stabbing it with a hook then repeatedly drowning
it until if finally gives up and dies.”

My sensitive heart was empathizing with the experience of this living being. A
creature of nature. Even though it is a creepy creature, I know it has purpose.

She looked at me compassionately and agreed. Then she asked. “Do you want to free the worms?”

I thought about it for a second and answered. “Yes! Yes. I do! I don’t think I
can fish with live bait anymore.” I also felt relieved to be met with empathy
and understanding from my friend. Joy and relief replaced guilt.

She told me while over on her side of the campsite, she was feeling the same thing.
This happens often with us. Seemingly energetically in sync even when far apart.
It’s the magical workings of the same soul connection that brought us together.

We pulled the white Styrofoam container with the remaining worms out of the cooler
then headed into the woods. We found a nice spot that looked like it had
healthy soil, dug a hole for them and released the worms. It felt so right! It
was my soul acknowledging even the weirdest of creatures has feelings, and
awareness.

I believe all animals are sentient. They absolutely know when it’s
in pain and when death is their destiny. Honoring that knowledge has helped me
become a gentler person. We thanked the worms for the life lesson and said a
prayer for them to live long, happy worm lives.

On this BWCA excursion we decided to only use lures, or faux bait. I still liked the idea of fishing, being on the water in the sun. It gave me pleasant childhood memories of my Uncle Bob who is no longer with me. So, we were loaded up with a bunch of cool little lures and our fish basket. Carrying knowledge learned from last year we had collapsible poles which were far easier to pack and carry. Who knew that was even a thing? Many folks of course! We were catching on one trip at a time. You know what happened after all that planning? We didn’t put a line in the water even once.

I realized that I was honoring my feelings and didn’t feel right to take a
life. I packed most of the food for our 5-day forest adventure. By this year, Stacy had chosen a pescetarian diet which is mostly vegetarian with sprinkling of fish and eggs. I support her decisions, and she supports mine. We had an abundance of fresh organic veggies, rice, quinoa, beans, and nuts for protein. We both love to cook, and I made sure we had all the ingredients we needed. I realized. Why take something if it’s not needed? We already had plenty.

At the time I was a midwestern woman, raised on meat and potatoes. A Minnesota Tator
tot hotdish making Queen. I appreciate that Stacy is nonjudgemental of other people’s food
choices. However, by just being her, she has raised awareness in me. It made me ask myself. “Do I want to keep eating meat?”

I was completely satisfied with the vegetarian diet we ate while camping with Stacy.
Never feeling deprived or hungry. I told Stacy. “I think I will stop eating so much meat.”

Stacy just smiled and said “You get to make the rules for your life! Do what you feel
is best for you.”

I suppose she has already been through these feelings and this journey. This transition
usually doesn’t happen overnight. I recognize that people stop eating meat for
their own personal beliefs and they are not the same as another’s decision. In the end what others eat is none of my business. I must do what feels right for me, my body, and my spirit.

This experience led to research on where and how mass meat production happens. There are so many great informative documentaries about our food. This knowledge has altered my
appetite and made me a more conscious consumer. I must honor that for the sake
of my animal loving heart. I have tried to be vegetarian, but my body did not agree with my choices. Now I add more veggies and grains and skip the meat several times a week.

I do my best to ensure it is animal products are free range and humanely treated. I choose to support small family farmers, shop the Farmers Market and co-ops when possible. By doing this, I also get to vote with my dollars. I realized change is all about choices. I get to make choices all day every day. I allowed myself to change my minds and habits as I learned more and allowed myself room for growth. I do not judge others and I am not trying to convert anyone either. This is just one of the seeds planted in the BWCA long ago that have sprouted since.

My opinions and perceptions of life, living sentient beings, spiritual signs, emotional
maturity, and personal growth. We have both changed dramatically since those early years
when we first naively embarked into the BWCA. We had no idea how profoundly these
adventures would contribute to the soulful alignment of our daily lives in
years to come. The story that follows is one of my favorite examples.

The very last time I went fishing was when I was running for the State House of Representative. I was on a mission to learn about tensions relating to my local and famous
Mille Lacs Lake in central Minnesota. I was invited by the Band of Ojibwe on a boat and
fishing tour. Where we discussed environmental, and racial political issues dividing our community.

During this trip, I was accompanied by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Natural Resources
Director and the independent Scientist they hired to do research. The Band was
helping and collaborating with the State of Minnesota DNR in hopes of finding
solutions. There were four of us on the boat including my campaign manager Jake,
who is an ecologist.

I brought my own fake lures to use while fishing. Out of curiosity they questioned why.
Using my story about the BWCA trip and the worms to explain my decisions. That I
no longer ‘release the spirits’ of worms, spiders, or bugs as I see them as a
necessary component of nature. Not one of them gave me guff about this decision. Even after I didn’t catch a darn thing on the lake known for its abundance.

It was if Spirit knew, I didn’t need to. Just being on the water, learning from experts
on how I could support my community and environment if elected was enough. The whole day was an amazing experience I will never forget. All the while realizing that without a doubt; I would have never been on that boat, with those experts, or a congressional candidate. If I had I not stepped foot into the BWCA five years before. This was a life lesson learned through joy!

The lessons the fish and worms have taught me were to honor my feelings. If it feels bad, don’t do it. The worms were a sudden and final decision to not use live bait. I still have a great time being on the water with my friends or by myself, and there is no longer a need to fish. I learned to trust my inner guidance and be brave enough to do what feels right for me. Even if it means allowing my voice to shake and tears to flow while doing so. This happened often while campaigning.

If it had not been for the empowering adventures in the Boundary Waters. I would not have had all of these world expanding experiences. I’ve learned that I am capable
and brave enough to roll with the waves of transformation on my life path. I have the free will to change my mind and my actions. I know deep down; we all do the best we can in the time and space we are given. It’s okay to be human. That’s how we learn and hopefully grow.

As the wise Maya Angelou said. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when
you know better. Do better.”

With much love,

Emy Minzel

Heart Centered, Nature Lover, Writer, Advocate,
Adventurer, Yogi, and so much more…

EmyMinzel.com

BWCAdventureSisters/Facebook.com

***Public Service Announcement***

We have since learned that worms are an invasive species and should never be released other than where they are found. I feel terrible that I did not know this at the time! I feel it is important to share the wisdom of our blunder. As we certainly would have made a different choice in where we released these worms. Like they say.

“You don’t know, what you don’t know. Until you know.”

Much like learning about washing your boat or canoe off before launching into a different body of water to prevent the spread of invasive weeds or mussels.

Now we know.

Uncategorized

Hooray for Hemp!

January 24, 2019January 24, 2019 emyminzel

I am a girl who is in love with Hemp products and I want to tell you why! First off, hemp is great for our environment. It is naturally resistant to insects and pests. So, it requires no harmful chemicals that pollute our soil and groundwater to grow. Hemp actually pulls pollution out of the soil!!!

Hemp is so diverse that there are literally thousands of uses for this eco-friendly plant. I am so looking forward to the days when America gets on board with Hemp Production that can produce sorely needed biodegradable packaging to replace plastics that are leaching toxic chemical into our land and water.

When I was running for State Rep, I advocated for the Industrial Hemp production here in Minnesota. I wanted to help bring awareness of the benefits that hemp has to offer and the employment opportunities it could bring! An Industrial Hemp Manufacturing Facility could put a whole lot of people to work here in central Minnesota. Farmers could grow a crop that does not pollute the water and a local manufacturing facility would support all sorts of workers from office personnel to drivers and machine operators. I hope one day I get to see this dream realized!

Did you know that the human body is equipped with cannabinoid receptors that allow us to process the medicinal uses of the hemp plant? But what about it being a drug to get you high, people ask. Even if you ate a whole Hemp plant, there wouldn’t be a mind-altering high. Yet Hemp is very medicinal in so many ways! Hemp is not marijuana. Hemp has been proven safe and effective for many uses. I have a friend who is a Hemp farmer and he suggests being sure you are using pure organic hemp products that have not been grown with pesticides. You do not want to ingest any of those!

Hemp products I have used that really work!

CBD – CBD comes in many forms, I have been using it in lotion, as it helps when my hands are aching from overuse. According to the Canabo Medical Clinic website; CBD drops that have been proven to have a positive effect on pain, seizures, anxiety and sleep issues.

Hemp oil – You can use in cooking, beauty products or skin care. I’m thinking Hemp oil will become the new coconut oil. Both be used effectively for multiple things.

Hemp seeds – Are full of nutrients that the body needs! Just add them to a salad or smoothie. They are full of protein at 9 grams per tablespoon, unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help our bodies function better. They are high in Omega-3 and that promotes heart health. They are also known to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Hemp-based Shampoo and Conditioner – I recently tried a local Hemp artisans, beauty products out of curiosity. I must tell you that the one product I am over the moon about is the shampoo and conditioner. I have been having a problem losing my hair at an unsustainable rate. I was very concerned actually. By divine guidance, I was led to this hemp product that has slowed my hair loss by at least 75%. My scalp feels healthier and I am actually growing hair again! My head is thanking me for not subjecting it to all the added chemicals commercially manufactured products have! (This is my personal experience anyway.)

Hemp Fiber – This is one of my favorites! As an environmentally aware person, I am truly ecstatic about the prohibition of Hemp being reversed. Hemp fibers can be used to supplement and replace many of the uses and reasons we cut forests down for! Hemp fibers can be used for building materials, paper, textiles, paint/stain, biodegradable plastic, biofuel, food, animal feed and so much more!

I hope this blog has helped inform you a little more and made you more open to trying Hemp products! I am so excited about the extraordinary possibilities for the health of our planet and ourselves that Hemp has to offer.

*This is not a paid ad, just a girl sharing what I love!

Wishing you an abundance of magical blessings!

With love,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

Uncategorized

This is nuts! Did you know squirrels plant our forests?

January 20, 2019January 18, 2019 emyminzel

You may not know this about me, but I am a huge animal lover. Of course, I love dogs and cats, but I love all animals. Even gators, lions, tigers, bears and more! I often sit at my kitchen table to write. I have a wonderful view of the wildlife that surrounds our house. I choose to feed the birds and critters all year long; because they bring me peace while I watch them out my window. I get to enjoy seeing wild turkeys, possums, raccoons, deer, squirrels and lots of birds! It’s like my own wildlife reality show.

Raccoon

Heard of deer

Possum on the porch

Not long ago I was reading an article, on the National Wildlife Federation blog spot, that stated a great many of the trees in our forests are planted by squirrels! I suppose it makes sense. If a squirrel does not dig up the acorn, they hid in the Fall by that Spring, that it would probably sprout. I never put the two together before but knowing this has brought a much greater appreciation for squirrel shenanigans than I have had previously.

Every place the Adventure Sisters camp, the squirrels are always the first to visit us. A couple of years ago while my husband and I were camping with Stacy and Marty, we were all woken by a feisty red squirrel throwing pine nuts onto our kayaks we had stored under his tree. I am sure the squirrel was just throwing them onto the ground, so it could more easily gather them for safe keeping later. Each time it dropped one, it sounded like a small firecracker going off at 6 am.

Marty called out to my husband from his tent. “Is that you Jay?” my husband replied; “Nope. It’s the squirrels pelting us with pine nuts.” Jason had woken up early and was reading a book in his camping chair, just watching the whole situation go down. At the urging of our campsite critters, we all decided it was just time to get up and enjoy the morning too.

Squirrels make me laugh as they hang upside down raiding the bird feeders, no matter where I try to put them. They will chase each other and do acrobatics all over the porch and in the yard. Squirrels have also learned to communicate with me through the windows. I swear they peak right into my window, holding their little paws together as if they are praying. Then look at me with their big adorable eyes and seem to say; “Excuse me Mama, but the feeder is empty, and we would all like some more.” As I imagine them speaking in a Tiny Tim voice.

It just goes to show, that all animals on this planet have a purpose. From the pollinating bees to the eagles in the trees. The squirrels that reside in the live oaks of the south or the mighty pines of the north; are all a huge asset to our forest environment. Our forests produce oxygen that keeps us alive, provides shelter, prevents soil erosion, filter groundwater, and give us beautiful views. Squirrel should probably be every environmentalist mascot if you ask me!

I fully believe that all animals are sentient beings with thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Any animal that can show fear, can also show affection. If cats and dogs can express their selves, then so can any other animal. If you take time to observe them, you can see it too. I like to respect all animals, as I do any other living being, because we are all here for a reason.

By giving the squirrels the space, they need to feel safe and help them put food in their bellies; I feel like I am doing a small part to help keep our little piece of forest alive and show my appreciation. They are giving me way more than I give them. I hope this blog helps you see the magic in all the critters we have been blessed to share this planet with. They are helping us and the planet!