Yesterday, militarized law enforcement agencies moved in with tanks and riot gear on water protectors who stand in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline—a massive pipeline project that would cut through four states, impact the water to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and violate sacred sites and ancient grounds. While native elders prayed in peace, they were attacked with pepper spray, rubber bullets, as well as sound and concussion cannons. By the end of the day, more than 140 people were arrested.1 Please, add your name and demand that President Obama reject this pipeline once and for all.
Dear MoveOn member,
My name is David Archambault II, and I'm the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which has long opposed the Dakota Access Pipeline project. This proposed pipeline presents a threat to our lands, our sacred sites, and our water. Current and future generations depend on our rivers and aquifer to live.
Thousands of American Indians, from more than 300 tribes spanning the continent, have joined with us to stand against this violation of our tribe's rights under federal laws and regulations. More than nineteen city and county governments have also joined us to stand in opposition to this pipeline.2
We demand that the construction of this pipeline be stopped before any further damage is done.
While we engage in the long legal process to curtail construction of the pipeline, Dakota Access is still poised to begin construction. Halting the construction was an unprecedented step in response to our powerful movement—and now President Obama must reject the pipeline's permit outright.
Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to your friends.
The Dakota Access Pipeline jeopardizes the heath of our water and would affect our people, as well as countless communities who live downstream, as the pipeline would cross four states. The pipeline, as designed, would destroy ancient burial grounds, which is a violation of federal law.3
Over the past year, I have spent a great deal of time addressing our tribe's concerns about this pipeline. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has failed to follow the law and has failed to consider the impacts of the pipeline on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and neighboring communities.
Last month, Dakota Access bulldozed two miles of burial grounds. Their private security sicced dogs on and pepper-sprayed those who tried to protect the site. This company cannot be trusted. Urgent action is needed to prevent Dakota Access from continuing to violate federal laws.4
We demand to be heard, and we will continue to stand together for our nation, and for all who live with and by the Missouri River, until justice is done.
Thank you.
—David Archambault II
Chairman, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Sources:
1. "North Dakota pipeline: 141 arrests as protesters pushed back from site," The Guardian, October 28, 2016
https://act.moveon.org/go/6481?t=7&akid=172399.10220574.2IJwT9
2. "Standing With Standing Rock: 19 Cities Express Solidarity Against DAPL," Indian Country, October 13, 2016
http://act.moveon.org/go/6454?t=9&akid=172399.10220574.2IJwT9
3. "What to Know About the Dakota Access Pipeline Protests," TIME, October 28, 2016
http://act.moveon.org/go/6482?t=11&akid=172399.10220574.2IJwT9
4. "FULL Exclusive Report: Dakota Access Pipeline Co. Attacks Native Americans with Dogs & Pepper Spray," Democracy Now!, September 6, 2016
http://act.moveon.org/go/6456?t=13&akid=172399.10220574.2IJwT9
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