Victory

The Stand at Standing Rock

On Sunday, December 4, 2016, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it turned down a permit for the controversial pipeline project running through North Dakota, in a victory for Native Americans and climate activists who have protested against the project for several months.

A celebration erupted at the main protest camp in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, where the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and others have been protesting the 1,172-mile (1,885-km) Dakota Access Pipeline for months.

It may prove to be a short-lived victory, however, because Republican President-elect Donald Trump has stated that he supports the project. Trump takes over from Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan. 20 and policy experts believe he could reverse the decision if he wanted to.

The line, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners LP, had been complete except for a segment planned to run under Lake Oahe, a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River.

That stretch required an easement from federal authorities. The Obama administration delayed a decision on the permit twice in an effort to consult further with the tribe.

“The Army will not grant an easement to cross Lake Oahe at the proposed location based on the current record,” a statement from the U.S. Army said.

Jo-Ellen Darcy, the Army’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Works, said in a statement the decision was based on a need to explore alternate routes for the pipeline, although it remains unclear what those alternatives will be. Protesters have said the $3.8 billion project could contaminate the water supply and damage sacred tribal lands.

“I hope they follow through here with this. They haven’t been following the law all along. So we’ll see – but this is a victory today for our people and our water,” said Gerad Kipp, 44, an irrigation engineer from Missoula, Montana and a Native American.

In a statement, Standing Rock Chairman Dave Archambault II thanked activists for their support in the protest effort.

“The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and all of Indian Country will be forever grateful to the Obama Administration for this historic decision,” he said.

“We want to thank everyone who played a role in advocating for this cause. We thank the tribal youth who initiated this movement.”

Protest organizers had for months argued that crossing the Missouri River adjacent to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation presented a danger to their water source. Protests grew over the months, with hundreds of veterans flocking to the camp in recent days to stand against what they say are aggressive tactics from law enforcement.

Activists at the camp were seen hugging each other and letting out Native American war cries on Sunday, but many remained wary, knowing that Trump has voiced support for the line.

“It’s not a 100 percent victory. But I think the people who’ve been here for almost eight months have earned the right to be excited today,” said Eryn Wise, 26, an organizer with International Indigenous Youth Council, at the camp.

We Stand with Standing Rock

“Let’s be realist… Let’s try the impossible (Che Guevara).
I’m giving all my support to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe!”

FREDDY LOCKS

“The pipeline construction at Standing Rock is not an attack on the North Dakota Native American communities, but an attack on humanity. It’s a Babylon attacking our souls, therefore, I stand strong with Standing Rock!”

LIOR BEN-HUR

“Earth does not belong to any particular person, government or corporation – all of us live here and we all must live together! We also have to protect the land, the water and the air because they are an integral part of life. We can’t survive without them! Money can’t buy life!”

MANWEL T

“For how much longer will the original people of the land and country called the United States of America be disregarded, disenfranchised and disrespected by the Powers that be and big business? Well, if we who know better refuse to stand in solidarity with the Sioux Tribe in defending their rightsto their sacred land, then the prospects of equal rights and justice being granted to them, and any other marginalized and disenfranchised people/group in that country, will continue to grow dimmer and dimmer.

So in solidarity with the Sioux Tribe and the plight of all indigenous people, ways of life/cultures and marginalized groups in the USA and across the world, I stand with Standing Rock! Do you?”

ASANTE AMEN

“One Sharp Mind stands behind the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in their opposition to the Dakota pipeline. ‘Change the World’ is from our new CD ‘Never Give Up’. We hope these titles send out a powerful message of inspiration to stand firm and protect your lands!”

ONE SHARP MIND