Echo Valley Hope

10/12/2026

In our 40th anniversary, Rethinking Schools is reflecting on the questions that have shaped our work — whose version of history do we accept, whose do we ignore, and which are taught? Almost four decades ago Indigenous Peoples Day jumpstarted Rethinking Schools’ book production asking, “Why rethink Christopher Columbus? Because the Columbus myth is a foundation of children’s beliefs about society. Columbus is often a child’s first lesson about encounters between different cultures and races.” Since then, we’ve continued to ask questions that challenge the narratives taught as formative to students across the U.S. school system.⁠
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Use the resources at the link below to teach about Indigenous resistance and struggles past and present.

https://mailchi.mp/rethinkingschools/ipd26

09/12/2026

🚨 BREAKING: The Minnesota DNR just canceled one of Twin Metals’ state mineral leases.

This is a HUGE win for the Boundary Waters and for clean water in Minnesota. Minnesota is drawing a line against a toxic copper-sulfide mine on the edge of the Boundary Waters. And it happened because people spoke up! Tens of thousands of you made calls, sent emails, and flooded the DNR’s and the governor’s inboxes demanding action. You kept the pressure on, and it made a difference.

This is an important first step, and it sets a precedent for canceling Twin Metals’ remaining state mineral leases in the years ahead. There’s still work to do, but we’ll keep pushing to protect the Boundary Waters from this polluting industry.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to make a call, send an email, share our posts, or simply stand with the Boundary Waters. We couldn’t do this without you!

09/11/2026

Another opportunity to learn about your self.
Beginning Thursday, Sept 17 at 6:30 pm CST and for the following 9 weeks for one hour...take time for you.
The series is free via zoom.
Please register in advance using the QR code below in order to receive the zoom link and a workbook.
Classes are not recorded, but you can make-up sessions you miss when the program is offered again.

09/11/2026

The head of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking Enbridge to halt work on a new stretch of its Line 5 pipeline around the site of a gas leak in Iron County, saying the company lacks state approvals.

09/08/2026