https://www.facebook.com/nahkoandmedicineforthepeople/videos/10154045610196541/
Yesterday, 76 Water Protectors were arrested at Standing Rock, ND after setting up a camp on ‘private property’ to oppose construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Despite some “fake news” reporting, the new camp, known as “Last Child Camp”, was deconstructed peacefully. Among those arrested was activist and lawyer Chase Iron Eyes, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux.
Yesterday’s protest comes just days after President Trump signed an executive action to continue construction on the DAPL. Sidenote: Until recently, Donald Trump had a vested financial interest in Energy Transfer Partners, the lead company in charge of DAPL. Trump sold off his shares in the company in order to diffuse a possible conflict-of-interest as president-elect.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have been fighting tooth-and-nail for an Environmental Impact Study (EIS), and recently things have been looking up. The fear now is that the EIS will not be completed due to the president’s executive action. One might question why there already hasn’t been an EIS on such a huge, potentially hazardous project. One might also question the reasoning behind building a pipeline through Native land, directly underneath their source for fresh drinking water. Lastly, one might ponder why it was so simple for the residents of Bismarck, ND to have the DAPL re-routed away from their city. All that it took for these residents was some complaining (meanwhile, men, women, children and elders are taking rubber bullets to the body at Standing Rock and their requests still have not been met).
The biggest argument is over the ownership of land. The land belongs to the Standing Rock Sioux. Here is a definitive article with excellent information and cited sources which debunks any belief counter to this fact.
Watch the video at the top of this article. The song is Love Letters to God by Nahko and Medicine for the People. The video includes footage from the long, drawn out battle for Standing Rock. Water Protectors are disciplined and non-violent, and we are fighting for everyone. Mni Wiconi. Water is Life.
Stand Strong, Standing Rock.
