Winona State University will host a Teach-in with Winona LaDuke from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Tau Center on west campus. Later that evening, LaDuke is scheduled to speak as part of the Frozen River Film Festival at 6:30 p.m. in Harriet Johnson Auditorium, Somsen Hall.
The Teach-In program will include a presentation by LaDuke on “How Energy Activism Honors Mother Earth.” LaDuke will discuss the differences between extreme energy and clean energy options, explain how the Cowboy-Indian Alliance is challenging pipelines, and introduce local scientists and activists who are concerned about the unexpected impacts of fracking, silica mining, processing and shipping infrastructure posing potential health and safety threats for the citizens of Winona and others in the region.
The program will also include “A Scientist’s View on Climate and Energy Interactions” with Toby Dogwiler, WSU professor of geoscience; “Facts on Fracking” with Don Arnosti, Director of Conservation Programs for the MN Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America; and Johanna Rupprecht of the Land Stewardship Project hosting a short film and a panel that features local and regional organizations addressing threats.
The presentations will be following by facilitated roundtable discussions and recommendations. The Teach-in will give diverse grassroots organizations an opportunity to describe their concerns about energy infrastructure hazards to local communities, public trust resources like the Mississippi River and climate.
The Teach-In is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested. To register call the Land Stewardship Project in Lewiston at 507-523-3366 or register online.
LaDuke is an internationally acclaimed author, orator and activist. She is the founder of Honor The Earth and the leader of the White Earth Project. She graduated from Harvard and Antioch University with advanced degrees in rural economic development. She was twice Ralph Nader’s running mate – candidate for Vice President on the Green Party ticket. LaDuke has dedicated her life to protecting the lands and life ways of Native American communities. She belongs to the Anishinaabe Tribe and lives in the White Earth Community north of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
The teach-in is co-sponsored by: Land Stewardship Project, Citizens Against Silica Mining, Citizens Acting for Rail Safety and Houston County Protectors.
For more information, contact WSU Sustainability Advisor Tex Hawkins at ahawkins@winona.edu or 507-457-5390.
