The Apostle Island Controversy
  • Home
  • Historical Context
    • The Apostle Islands
    • Ojibwe History
    • Nelson's Accomplishments
  • The Controversy
  • Gaylord Nelson Takes A Stand
  • The Ojibwe Take a Stand
  • Conclusion
  • Research
"Apostle Island Sea Kayaking,"  ND, Wisconsin Historical Society

Thesis

 ​Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator, took a stand for the environment by advocating for Wisconsin's Apostle Islands to be preserved as a National Lakeshore in 1970. However, in the original plans for the National Lakeshore, the Ojibwe people's land was taken, so they took a stand for their rights.  Nelson and the Ojibwe both fought to protect land during the making of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.  They achieved a monumental resolution, preserving the environment, strengthening the economy, and acknowledging American Indians' land rights.
"…the Apostle Islands region with the 21 beautiful islands off the south shore of Lake Superior and the Ashland-Bayfield Superior Duluth area are some of the most beautiful islands and shorelines . . . and  wildlife habitat in all of the great lakes. It has been my feeling for many, many years since the time that I was Governor of this state, that this magnificent, beautiful, asset, recreation area, and wildlife habitat ought to be preserved for posterity so our public can enjoy it for recreation for all time to come…" Gaylord Nelson, ND,  Video AC 430
"Why do they have to take the little we have left? How much recreational area does one state need?" ​- Chippewa and Woodland Indians of Wisconsin and Citizens " - Save the Indian Land" Committee, 1966, Letter to Senator Nelson on the Indian "Land Grab" Bill 24698 
"The importance of an environmental ethic - Gaylord Nelson," 1990, Youtube
Historical Context
Aidan Dresang
Standing  Up for the Land: Gaylord Nelson, the Ojibwe, and the Apostle Islands
​Junior Individual Website
​Student Composed Words:  1191
​​​Process Paper: 478
  • Home
  • Historical Context
    • The Apostle Islands
    • Ojibwe History
    • Nelson's Accomplishments
  • The Controversy
  • Gaylord Nelson Takes A Stand
  • The Ojibwe Take a Stand
  • Conclusion
  • Research