(continued) On the day the American Clean Energy and Security Act passed, I was with the environmental community, lobbying every Congressman we came into contact with. It was there where I gained wisdom in the form of a vision. Chasing Dr. Steve Kagen, my representative, down the halls of power, I informed him voting in favor of the bill would benefit my Menominee people tremendously by helping build and maintain our sustainable way of life we have been practicing for over 10,000 years. He looked at me stating, “You know that hits me right at the heart.”

That night, the environmental community flooded the house galleries to watch the passing of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Every time we were asked to leave by Capitol officials because our time was up in the gallery, we would flood the lines and head back in to watch the vote. As I made my way in for the last time, the vote was almost over. I looked on the wall to see if I made an impact on my Congressman. Finding his name, he voted in favor of the bill. I sat there in amazement as the sounds of cheering, clapping, and a gavel slamming on wood recognizing the passage of the bill. Then I had a vision; I saw myself going back to my reservation in Wisconsin and mobilizing the Indigenous people of North America. The environmental community is fighting an uphill battle and they are going to need a model of clean energy and green jobs to show Congress.

I ended my speech to the young, progressive leaders stating, “I would go back to my reservation and launch a Pan-Indian Sustainability Movement that will create economic development, revitalizing culture and language, and bring nutrition back to the public school system. Remember real change comes from the heart and succeeds with unity.” Now, I am back on my reservation, bringing my vision to a reality.  (continued)