Inside White Earth Nation’s Sustainability Journey

Learn about the sustainability work happening at White Earth Nation, including the new recycling program and creation of the White Earth Nation Climate Action Plan.  

Amy Moore, the Natural Resource and Environmental Coordinator at White Earth Nation, is leading her community down the path of sustainability. From purchases of custom-made recycling trailers to teaching her fellow community members, Amy works for climate action.   

“Most community members are willing to talk about anything,” said Amy. “I like it when people learn, and they don’t even know they’re learning.” 

Amy and her team’s work involves all things sustainability across the reservation. This includes a new recycling program, creation of White Earth Nation’s climate action plan, air-quality testing, and education about the effects of climate change.  

A New Recycling Program 

Amy recently purchased three custom-made recycling trailers with a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The purchase marks the beginning of White Earth Nation’s recycling program. They’re located in Mahnomen—one at the casino and two behind the Naytahwaush Sports Complex. When the trailers become full enough to empty, a technician brings them to Polk County Material Recovery Center.

Amy chose Pro-Tainer, a manufacturer of recycling products, to build custom trailers. They’re the Pro-Tilt Recycling Trailer equipped with a handheld controlled pump in a sealed box. Pro-Tainer is based out of Alexandria, Minnesota, and known for their trailer’s versatility. Along with the new trailers, the grant allowed Amy to purchase 150 domestic recycling bins to distribute among the community. 

Climate Action Plan 

The recycling program is part of the overall climate action happening at White Earth Nation. Amy and her staff, along with help from the Region 4 planning committee, are in the process of creating White Earth Nation’s climate action plan specific to the reservation.  

For example, lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and groundwater are important resources to the reservation. While water resources are important to the rest of the region, Amy anticipates there may be a more focused approach to water quality in the White Earth Nation Climate Action Plan because of the importance of wild rice and fisheries in the community. 

Starting with the Survey 

 The planning started with a public survey. Questions from the survey included: 

• What concerns you most about climate change? 
• How much are you willing to spend to help mitigate the effects? 
• How concerned are you about the possible infrastructure and ecosystem impacts of climate change? 
• How much do you agree with the following statement: “It is important for White Earth Nation to take action to prepare for the projected impacts of climate change like more heat waves, heavier rain events, and more days of poor air quality?” 

It’s ongoing, and Amy and the rest of the planning team have received around 200 responses. Once the survey is complete, the next step is creating specific actions for the climate action plan.  

Education for the Future 

Amy and her staff also work in public outreach and education. This includes creating flyers, posting on social media, and informing the community about the recycling drop-site locations. Other education areas include air quality, energy savings, and conservation efforts.   

Climate action must happen at all levels. White Earth Nation should stand as a model for other communities to start their journey toward a more sustainable future.