This spring, Clean Wisconsin staff and members visited theaters across the state to see Bad River, a powerful new documentary from award-winning director Mary Mazzio. This moving film chronicles the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s ongoing battle for sovereignty and environmental justice.
It’s a tale that spans centuries of oppression, from settler colonialism to the present-day struggle against Canadian pipeline operator Enbridge Energy’s Line 5—a 70-year-old oil pipeline teetering on the verge of catastrophic rupture into Lake Superior. Bad River confronts the brutal realities of history head-on, exposing a traumatic legacy of exploitation and displacement, while also celebrating the Tribe’s remarkable strength and cultural resilience.
At the core of this story is the deep connection between the Bad River Band and their ancestral lands and waters. From the pristine shores of Lake Superior to the meandering bends of the Bad River, every aspect of the natural world holds significance to the Tribe—a bond forged over millennia of stewardship and reverence.
Through a series of interviews and archival footage, Bad River captures the essence of this relationship, underscoring the Tribe’s commitment to protecting their homeland and natural resources. From the “Walleye Wars” of the ’70s and ’80s to the present-day legal battles against Enbridge Energy and the Line 5 oil pipeline, it is clear the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa do not sit idly by when their way of life is under threat. Despite monumental challenges, the Tribe remains committed to safeguarding the earth for future generations. This is a message that resonates deeply, even with viewers who were unaware of the Tribe and their efforts to protect America’s largest freshwater resource.
Bad River is more than a story of conflict; it’s a testament to the strength and resilience of the Bad River Band. It’s a beautiful and heartbreaking portrayal of the Indigenous experience. It’s a call to action. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a profound sense of respect and justified anger. Many viewers felt moved to join the growing chorus of voices calling for justice and basic environmental protection.
We encourage all Clean Wisconsin members to watch Bad River and join the movement to support the Bad River Band’s fight for sovereignty and environmental justice. Don’t miss this movie.
The film is now streaming online, visit www.badriverfilm.com to learn more.
