Two nights camping in South Dakota in early October is a challenge. First night it was 28 degrees, the second had gusting winds that threatened to lift the rain tarp off our tent – and this is called “Indian Summer” in South Dakota. It will be winter soon, with temperatures well below 0 degrees. You would think that folks would be leaving but the reverse is true and they are winterizing this camp on the banks of the Cannonball River.
This gathering of Native people began with a small group that challenged the building Dakota Access Pipeline under the Missouri River adjacent to their reservation. They know, and we all know, that pipelines don’t last forever and there are too many leaks in the existing pipelines that crisscross our nation.
The Standing Rock Sioux encampment is on the front line with people uprooting their daily lives, making this camp their home and risking their lives for what they know to be true – Water is Life. We can’t live without water and we can’t take the risk of poisoning our water.
This gathering of Native people began with a small group that challenged the building Dakota Access Pipeline under the Missouri River adjacent to their reservation. They know, and we all know, that pipelines don’t last forever and there are too many leaks in the existing pipelines that crisscross our nation.
The Standing Rock Sioux encampment is on the front line with people uprooting their daily lives, making this camp their home and risking their lives for what they know to be true – Water is Life. We can’t live without water and we can’t take the risk of poisoning our water.
Multinational oil companies are not concerned with the quality of our water or the health of our communities. They are only interested in profits and growth, and will let nothing stop them in achieving their goals.
The Standing Rock Sioux have been joined by over sixty other Native nations, in an unprecedented show of unity. There are prophecies that in the seventh generation, after the coming of the white man, the native people will again be able to practice their ways and rebuild their communities.
This spiritual energy is palpable in the camp. People believe in what they are doing – rebuilding their culture, their tradition, bringing their children (there is a school that has sprung up), working together to prepare for winter. Everything is shared and all are welcome. There are supply tents, cooking tents and dining tents. The sacred fire is kept burning day and night, and an elder is always present to welcome newcomers.
This is a peaceful encampment and all actions are prayerful ceremony. Alcohol, drug and violence are not allowed. There is non-violent direct action training each day that is well attended. People are working hard to reinforce their canvas tents, put in wood stoves, and set up solar panels for light.
It is a wholesome place is a land that is both beautiful and unforgiving; were the spirit of the land and of the people is rising. It is a place that gives me hope.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The Standing Rock Sioux have been joined by over sixty other Native nations, in an unprecedented show of unity. There are prophecies that in the seventh generation, after the coming of the white man, the native people will again be able to practice their ways and rebuild their communities.
This spiritual energy is palpable in the camp. People believe in what they are doing – rebuilding their culture, their tradition, bringing their children (there is a school that has sprung up), working together to prepare for winter. Everything is shared and all are welcome. There are supply tents, cooking tents and dining tents. The sacred fire is kept burning day and night, and an elder is always present to welcome newcomers.
This is a peaceful encampment and all actions are prayerful ceremony. Alcohol, drug and violence are not allowed. There is non-violent direct action training each day that is well attended. People are working hard to reinforce their canvas tents, put in wood stoves, and set up solar panels for light.
It is a wholesome place is a land that is both beautiful and unforgiving; were the spirit of the land and of the people is rising. It is a place that gives me hope.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Call the White House -- 202.456.1111 or 1414. Tell Pres Obama to rescind the Amy Corps of ENgineers Permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline.
- Contribute to the Sacred Stone Camp Legal Defense Fund
- Contribute to the Sacred Stone Camp gofundme account to winterize the camps
- Call the Army Corps of Engineers and demand that they reverse the permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline 202.761.5903
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