In these last few months, the water protectors at Standing Rock have definitely occupied center stage. The issues they raised are old, and the prayers they prayed are ancient and enduring. But the unity of purpose that emerged in this place and time is new. It merges the energy of Native nations, Native youth and elders, indigenous people around the world, and allies from all over the continent.
Many Quakers stood with the Standing Rock Sioux; some were physically present while others supported the convergence with their prayers, statements, and contributions. Stories from Standing Rock carry the energy and spirituality of the historic witness.
The issue, in part, is sovereignty. The Dakota Access Pipeline was routed adjacent to the reserved lands of the Standing Rock Sioux and through lands ceded to the tribe in a 19th century treaty. The tribe had not been consulted adequately, and when their objections were raised they were ignored. (In contrast, when citizens of Bismarck objected to the routing of the pipeline near their city, the pipeline was rerouted.)
In large part, however, the issue is desecration of the earth and the potential pollution of the largest aquifer on this continent: the Ogallala Aquifer. That “underground sea” feeds the water sources of most of the Great Plains region.
The Army Corps of Engineers has now informed Energy Transfer Partners – the builders of the Dakota Access Pipeline – that there will be no permits issued for the portion of the pipeline that would extend under the Missouri River. The project will have to be rerouted.
The issue will not stand still. The new administration and the new Congress may well intervene with different policies. What do your senators and representative and your representative know about these issues – and about your concern for them?
Return to the [December 2016 Native American Legislative Update] (https://www.fcnl.org/updates/native-american-legislative-update-518)