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The Importance of Protecting the Badger-Two Medicine Lands

The Blackfeet Nation has a long-standing commitment to preserving the sacred cultural lands in the Badger-Two Medicine area. This region has been an integral part of our ancestral territory, serving as a refuge for our people for countless generations. Despite the challenges we have faced, we have continuously expressed our opposition to any plans of industrializing our cultural homeland. It is essential to acknowledge the resilience and dedication of our Blackfeet elders who fought tirelessly for the protection of these lands, even though some did not live to witness the progress achieved. Their leadership has been invaluable, and we are forever grateful.

After years of unyielding struggle, we are relieved to announce that an agreement has finally been reached between the U.S. government, tribal and conservation partner organizations, and Solenex, LLC (the leaseholder). This agreement aims to retire the last Badger-Two Medicine oil and gas lease. It is crucial to note that the Blackfeet Nation did not initiate this controversy. We had no involvement in the negotiations between the American government and private industry, which led to the establishment of these leases. Our tribal leadership was not consulted, and our community’s welfare was not considered. Nonetheless, it was incumbent upon us to defend our sovereign treaty rights, our ancestral lands and waters, and our cultural heritage. Throughout history, governments and private interests have consistently attempted to profit at the expense of our traditional territories and cultural practices.

The significance of this agreement lies in rectifying a longstanding injustice. By relinquishing industry’s hold on one of our nation’s most sacred areas, the settlement agreement marks the end of a protracted and painful chapter in our history. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our leaders and our numerous partners who dedicated decades of effort to safeguard our sacred mountains. A special mention goes to Hansj├Ârg Wyss, who personally met with Blackfeet tribal members and spent time in the Badger-Two Medicine region. The support of Mr. Wyss and the Wyss Foundation proved instrumental in securing this agreement, which permanently eliminates the threat of drilling on our sacred lands.

The Badger-Two Medicine holds immense cultural, spiritual, and ecological value. It represents our last refuge, serving as a cultural touchstone and a repository of our heritage. It is a living cultural landscape, a hunting ground, and a sanctuary for wildlife. Its importance to the people who rely on it and the wildlife it sustains cannot be overstated. The settlement agreement not only heals a historical wound but also strengthens our efforts to safeguard our traditional lands, culture, and practices.

We also want to acknowledge and express gratitude to other corporate holders of Badger-Two Medicine oil and gas leases who demonstrated good-faith partnership by willingly relinquishing their claims in our traditional territory over the years. Likewise, we appreciate the unwavering support of the majority of Montanans who have consistently stood by us in this fight. We further emphasize the importance of allowing tribes to possess a stronger role in decisions concerning the management of public lands that impact sacred or significant tribal territories. Such involvement can prevent prolonged battles like the one we have endured.

It is essential to recognize that this settlement is just the latest in a series of protective measures taken to safeguard the Badger-Two Medicine region. These efforts include designating the area as a Traditional Cultural District, prohibiting recreational motorized use, and imposing a permanent ban on new mining and leasing activities.

We take great pride in our victories. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting Blackfeet lands, culture, and practices. We will vigilantly oppose any proposals that could compromise our sovereignty and treaty rights in the Badger-Two Medicine region or elsewhere.

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