The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been continuing their fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline since 2016. The pipeline, which runs under the Missouri River, poses a grave threat to the tribe’s water supply and sacred lands. Despite facing numerous legal battles and intimidation tactics, the tribe remains steadfast in their determination to protect their community.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as many supporters have joined them in their cause. The movement has gained widespread attention and has become a symbol of indigenous resistance against corporate and government interests. The ongoing struggle of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of marginalized communities and preserving the environment for future generations.
As the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline continues, it is crucial that we remain informed and actively support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Their fight is not just their own, but a fight for the protection of the planet and the recognition of indigenous sovereignty. We must stand with them in solidarity and oppose any efforts to disregard their voices and endanger their lives and culture.
“Standing Rock Sioux” ~ bbaz
The Battle Continues: An Update on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Fight Against the Dakota Access Pipeline
It has been over four years since the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North Dakota began their fight against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). This proposed oil pipeline would cross under the Missouri River, the main source of drinking water for the tribe and millions of others downstream. The tribe has argued that the pipeline would not only threaten their sacred land and water but also violate their treaty rights. Here is a comparison of the current situation with where things stood a few years ago:
The Beginning
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe began their opposition to the DAPL in the spring of 2016 when they launched a legal challenge against the pipeline. At the heart of their argument was the claim that the pipeline would harm their water supply and threaten their sacred sites. The pipeline was originally set to cross under the Missouri River north of Bismarck, ND, but concerns were raised about potential contamination to the city’s water supply. The path was then moved south towards the Standing Rock reservation.
The Protests
The starting point of the protests against the DAPL occurred on April 1, 2016, when LaDonna Brave Bull Allard established the Sacred Stone Camp near the planned pipeline’s path. By the end of the summer, it had grown into a protest involving thousands from across the United States and even other countries. The protesters – known as water protectors – sought to halt construction of the pipeline, arguing that it violated indigenous sovereignty and was environmentally hazardous.
The International Spotlight
The protests at Standing Rock drew national and international attention, with celebrities like Mark Ruffalo and Shailene Woodley actively promoting the cause. Support also came from other Native American tribes, environmental organizations, and theologians, who saw it as a moral issue. Journalists broadcast the demonstrations and movements of law enforcement on social media. The demonstrators even received public support from former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
The Legal Battle
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe took the case to court and won some initial victories to halt construction of the pipeline. However, the incoming Trump administration fast-tracked the project, issuing an executive order to push it through. Native American protesters remained at camps along the pipeline’s path until police evicted them in early 2017.
The Death of Sarah Jumping Eagle and Calls for Accountability
The ongoing protests had human costs, including the death of Sarah Jumping Eagle, a pediatrician, and an Indigenous child advocate. Many groups called attention to the lack of accountability for her death and other instances of police brutality and escalation.
The Biden Administration and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
The Biden administration revoked the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline, which had also faced opposition similar to the DAPL. This move gave hope to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other Native American nations that the new administration would be more supportive of their causes. With this in mind, the tribe again asked a federal judge to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes an environmental impact statement.
The Latest Decision
In March 2021, U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg ordered a full environmental review for the Dakota Access Pipeline, ultimately dealing a victory for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for the time being. The court acknowledged that the previous review done by the Trump administration did not fully account for possible water contamination and other risks. The pipeline must now shut down and undergo a full environmental review, which could take years.
The Significance of the Decision
This ruling is significant not only because it gives the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other Indigenous organizers a win, but because it upholds the importance of environmental justice, Indigenous sovereignty, and the symbiotic relationship between Indigenous peoples and the ecosystem that they inhabit. This decision also signals that companies cannot continue to skirt environmental regulations and bypass meaningful consultation with the tribes whose lands they want to build on.
Conclusion
The battle against the DAPL has been a long one, with many ups and downs. The recent legal victory marks a turning point in this struggle for Tribal rights and environmental justice. It also shows that solidarity and sustained activism can make a difference, however daunting the odds may be.
| 2016-2017 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Protests | Thousands gather at Sacred Stone Camp and other sites; police evict protesters in early 2017. | Water protectors are no longer on-site at Standing Rock, but there have been ongoing efforts to stop the pipeline’s operation. |
| Legal Challenges | The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe wins initial battles, but the Trump administration fast-tracks pipeline construction. | U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg orders a full environmental review for the Dakota Access Pipeline. |
| Public Attention | National and international focus on the protest movement, with support from celebrities, environmentalists, and other Native American tribes. | The issue has not received as much attention recently, but supporters of the cause continue to champion it. |
| Political Climate | Donald Trump actively supported the building of the pipeline. | Joe Biden’s administration has shown willingness to address environmental justice issues, which has given the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe more hope towards their cause. |
My Opinion
The story of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline exemplifies the struggles that marginalized groups face when policies prioritize profits over people or the environment. This story has highlighted the importance of collective action and the role that influential political figures and celebrities can play in amplifying the voices of those fighting for change. While there is still work left to do, the legal victory is a step in the right direction towards ensuring respect for the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, the protection of sacred lands, and access to clean water for all.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been engaged in a long and challenging battle against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. As visitors to this blog, you may be familiar with the tribe’s efforts to protect their sacred lands, water sources, and cultural heritage from potential harm caused by the pipeline.
Despite facing numerous legal and regulatory obstacles, the tribe has remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting its people and the environment. This fight is far from over, as the Dakota Access Pipeline continues to operate and pose risks to the safety and well-being of the tribe and the surrounding communities.
We encourage you to stay informed about the developments in this ongoing struggle and to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in any way you can. From writing letters to your elected representatives to donating resources to the tribe’s efforts, there are many ways that you can contribute to this important cause. Thank you for joining us in promoting awareness and justice for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
People also ask about Standing Rock Sioux Tribe continues fight against Dakota Access Pipeline:
- What is the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe?
- Why is the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe protesting the pipeline?
- Has the pipeline been completed?
- What legal action has the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe taken?
- What is the current status of the fight against the pipeline?
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is a Native American tribe in North and South Dakota, USA. They have been fighting against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline since 2016.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe believes that the pipeline threatens their water supply and sacred sites. They are also concerned about the potential for oil spills and leaks that could harm the environment and wildlife.
Yes, the pipeline has been completed and is currently in operation.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed lawsuits against the federal government and the company building the pipeline. They have also been engaged in protests and demonstrations to raise awareness of their cause.
While the pipeline is currently operating, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their supporters continue to fight against it through legal action and activism. They are also advocating for greater recognition and protection of Native American rights and sovereignty.