Responding to Minnesota Attorney General’s “Assurance of Discontinuance” Action
Community,
Today (2/1/24), the Attorney General released an "Assurance of Discontinuance," indicating the conclusion of an inquiry into Honor the Earth's nonprofit status. We welcome this assurance as it signifies a new phase in Honor’s development, one that allows us to redirect our focus to the important issues at hand - fighting for our rights as Indigenous Peoples, while continuing to develop ways to repair harm within our community.
The new iteration of Honor the Earth has worked tirelessly for the past ten months to redefine the legacy of organizing at Honor the Earth. As many of you are aware, Winona LaDuke stepped down as the Executive Director in April 2023 after an 8-year lawsuit which involved the mishandling of a sexual harassment complaint. It was at this time that Krystal Two Bulls assumed responsibility as the Executive Director.
Since August 2023, Krystal and Honor the Earth’s Senior Management Team have doubled our efforts to develop operating procedures and policies that align with our values and prevent the organization from replicating the same structural harm that we claim to be fighting against. Concurrently, we completed two of three past due audits and have now completed the Minnesota Attorney General’s Inquiry.
To comply with the State of Minnesota Nonprofit Act , Honor the Earth has implemented the following reforms:
Developed a comprehensive long-term plan, adhering to a court order and severing all ties with Winona LaDuke, Akiing 8th Fire, Anishinabe Agriculture Institute or any other organizations affiliated with LaDuke outside of communication to separate the organization and to complete outstanding audits.
Created a new handbook outlining operational procedures and updated sexual harassment policies to cultivate a healthy and safe organizational culture.
Conducted a thorough financial audit with the assistance of a forensic accountant, introducing new financial policies and governance changes.
Appointed two new board members, with plans to replace all directors before April 2023 by the end of February 2024, with the ultimate goal of forming an all-female Indigenous leadership team.
Ceased the employment of LaDuke's family members and filled all positions with qualified replacements.
It is through the implementation of these structural and procedural changes that allows us to continue our work forward through the vehicle of Honor the Earth. With a renewed emphasis on Land Back initiatives, the struggle against ‘green colonialism,’ and resistance to militaristic, settler-colonial projects that lie at the center of many Indigenous struggles, we remain committed to helping people understand—and to act—against these systems.
Nèa’eše
Krystal Two Bulls
Executive Director, Honor the Earth