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Oblate Presence and Solidarity with Native Americans in Minnesota Pipeline Controversy January 27th, 2021
“According to the owner, Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, the purpose of the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project is to replace the Minnesota portion of the existing Line 3 pipeline (built in the 1960s) to: 1) address known integrity risks, 2) reduce apportionment due to decreased transport capacity related to integrity issues, and 3) restore flexibility to the Enbridge Mainline System for more efficient operation. The new Line 3 pipeline would have an annual average capacity of 760,000 barrels per day and would serve the same markets and transport the same products as the existing Line 3 pipeline.
Operationally, the new Line 3 pipeline would continue to transport crude from Canada to the Enbridge terminal facility in Clearbrook for subsequent delivery to Minnesota refineries via interconnected pipeline facilities operated by Minnesota Pipeline Company, and would deliver crude oil to the Superior Wisconsin terminal for subsequent delivery on the Enbridge Mainline System to refineries in the Midwest, Eastern Canada, and the Gulf Coast.”
Visit OMIUSA.org to read the full story.
Missionary Oblates Urge Congress to Fund Native American Programs October 27th, 2015
Missionary Oblates JPIC recently joined other faith groups in a sign on letter on behalf of Native Americans. In the letter, the interfaith group expressed concern that the voice of Native Americans are often drowned out by more powerful interests or larger constituencies. The letter was sent to the Senate and House Appropriations and Budget committees in the U.S Congress, requesting that they uphold specific funding commitments to Native Americans. Our missionaries, Oblates of Mary Immaculate work closely with indigenous peoples around the world, including North America and strive to respect their culture and aspirations while ministering to their needs.
National Apology to Native Americans December 10th, 2012
On December 19, 2009, the United States government officially apologized to Native Peoples – but didn’t tell anyone.
A diverse group of citizens plans to change this with an historic public reading of the national apology to native Americans in Washington, DC on December 19th. The reading, which will be broadcast via live-stream video, will take place in front of the US Capitol.
Mark Charles, a member of the Navajo Nation, has created a compelling, short video about the apology from the perspective of native peoples (watch the video). What is truly needed, he says, is an opportunity for a new national conversation for reconciliation between Native America and the rest of the country.
The gathering’s intention is to invite the nation’s citizens and leaders, and members of the global community to “join our efforts to communicate as publically, as humbly and as respectfully as possible the contents of H.R. 3326 (and the apology enclosed therein) to the Native American tribes, communities and citizens of the USA.”
For more information about this event and to RSVP, please click here. You can also go to this site to watch a live-stream video of the public reading on December 19.
Thanks to the Sojourners Community for this information. Mark Charles is a member of Emerging Voices, a project of Sojourners.
Tribal Law and Order Act Awaits Presidential Signature July 22nd, 2010
The Tribal Law and Order Act was passed by the House on July 21!
H.R. 725, which includes both the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act and the Tribal Law and Order Act passed the House under suspension of the rules by a roll call vote with a 2/3 majority (326 yeas). This strong bipartisan support is welcome, particularly given the partisan atmosphere that has come to characterize both the House and the Senate.
The bill enjoyed bipartisan support in the House as it did in the Senate, and now awaits the president’s signature to become law.
The Tribal Law and Order Act (H.R. 1924), developed in consultation with Native Americans, takes steps to improve public safety across Indian Country, where the average crime rate is 2.5 times the national average. The Friends Committee on National Legislation was very active in promoting the legislation, coordinating advocacy through letters and visits. The Oblate JPIC Office actively supported passage of this bill and is delighted with the bill’s passage.
More information on the legislation is available on the FCNL website.
