Nov 18, 2014 12:25 am
Longtime preservationist and tribal historian Tim Mentz Sr. is taking the stage Nov. 25 at Pierce College Puyallup to shed light on the environmental and cultural implications of a controversial form of accessing oil and natural gas, known as “fracking.”
Fracking is the process of drilling for natural gas and oil deep underneath the ground. Water, mixed with other components, is pumped into the ground to create fractures, which release gas into wells that have been built for collection. Fracking has drawn criticism from activists due to potential environmental impacts including ground water contamination, air quality degradation, increases in seismic activity and more. Mentz hopes to share his own knowledge and perspective with the Pierce College community.
Mentz is the co-founder of an environmental and cultural consulting firm, assisting Great Plains tribes in preserving and protecting sacred places, sites and cultural resource programs.
As a former member of the Standing Rock Tribal Council, Mentz has made it his lifelong mission to preserve and document sacred areas of the Great Plains of the Great Sioux Nation.
During his presentation at Pierce College, he will share evidence he and his sons have collected through their historic preservation work in the Upper Midwest.
“We’re hoping to bring more understanding about this critical issue and hopefully inspire students to learn more about it,” said Sonja Morgan, student life coordinator at Pierce College Puyallup. “This event is not just focusing on a hot topic, but it’s also meant to raise awareness about how far-reaching and important this issue really is.”
The event takes place Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pierce College Puyallup’s Arts and Allied Health Theatre, located at 1601 39th Ave. SE. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive early.