Assemblywoman Jenne was one of the speakers at a rally Saturday in Ives Park prior to a People's Climate March through downtown Potsdam. Marchers were protesting changes to federal environmental policies. The event, organized by the North Country 350 Alliance, drew close to 400 people.
She pointed out she is the seventh generation of her family to live in the North Country.
"That means my ancestors did work with their hands, lived off the land, depended on their neighbors and eked out a living. That ethic, the sense of who we are, is still what the North Country is all about," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"We've lived off the land, and we have depended on our neighbors. We know the importance of taking care of our land and waterways. When we have some elected officials that are denying science, that don't understand how interdependent we all are and that one thing impacts the others, they think they can use empty rhetoric to lull us into a situation where we will just nod and go along with the craziness they are proposing," she added.
But she noted North Country residents have a unique relationship with the land, rivers and lakes in the region and understand the importance of protecting the natural resources in the area.
"I have faith - because I'm from the North Country - that our way of life is to use science, use it responsibly and to make sure our world is ready for the next generation to take over," Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out.
"Coming from the North Country, I know we are going to fight back this back. We come from a generation that knows what we do today is absolutely going to impact what comes tomorrow," the assemblywoman noted.
She urged those in the crowd to share the facts about climate change with their neighbors and beyond the North Country.
'We come from a tradition here of leaving a legacy. We do not deny science. I am heartened by all of you standing here raising your voices. I know today is not the end of your advocacy. I know you are going to continue on, and I'm going to stand shoulder to shoulder with you, arms together, until we take back our country," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"This is science. We have to take the facts to the world. Let's take the facts to them and win this argument," she stressed.
Other speakers at the event were Jon Rosales, an associate professor of Environmental Studies at St. Lawrence University; Rev. Deborah Packard, Presbyterian Church of Potsdam; and Mike Jock, a representative from Akwesasne. Folksinger Celia Evans also performed at the rally.
People's climate Marches were also held in Plattsburgh and Glens Falls, both in the 21st Congressional District, along with Syracuse, Washington, D.C., and several other locations around the country.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne speaks to the crowd prior to the People's Climate March Saturday afternoon in Potsdam.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne listens to a speaker prior to Saturday's People's Climate March in Potsdam.
The People's Climate March attracted a crowd ranging from youngsters to elders.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne speaks to the crowd gathered Saturday afternoon in Ives Park prior to the People's Climate March in Potsdam.
A large crowd marched through downtown Potsdam on Saturday to voice their opposition to federal policies that are peeling away environmental protections.
