Hi John,

Ten years ago, Gogebic Taconite proposed a massive open-pit iron mine near the shores of Lake Superior and the headwaters of the Bad River. The mine threatened the environment and the health of nearby communities – namely, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

To stop the mine, Wisconsin Conservation Voices joined with the Bad River Band to organize Native communities and pressure elected officials. The fight and ensuing victory are a testament to the power of organized action and the importance of supporting Native communities in their struggle for climate justice.

The Wisconsin Native Vote program was born from that fight, and this week, we’re celebrating its ten year anniversary.

In these ten years, Native Vote has grown to work in tribal communities across the state to register people to vote, provide civic education, and turn out the vote. Native Vote has increased turnout in every Native community where we’ve worked, often with turnout increases in the double digits.

We are proud of the work we’ve accomplished with Native Vote and look forward to its growth. This year, we’re bringing on an Urban Native Vote Organizer, to connect with and organize urban Native communities in Milwaukee and Madison.

Your support fuels the sustained success and growth of this important program. We look forward to another ten years of building power and making a difference in Native communities across Wisconsin.