Standing Rock protests

Standing Rock protests were a series of Dakota Access Pipeline protests that took place in 2016 and 2017, primarily led by the Sioux Nation, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and other Native American tribes, including the Oceti Sakowin, Lakota people, and Dakota people. The protests were against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota, which was owned by Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Logistics. The protests drew international attention and support from various organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Greenpeace, and Amnesty International, as well as from notable figures such as Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Background and context

The Dakota Access Pipeline was a 1,172-mile pipeline project that aimed to transport crude oil from the Bakken formation in North Dakota to Patoka, Illinois, passing through South Dakota and Iowa. The pipeline was designed to carry 470,000 barrels of oil per day, with the potential to increase to 570,000 barrels per day. The project was met with opposition from the Sioux Nation and other Native American tribes, who argued that the pipeline would contaminate the Missouri River and threaten their water supply, as well as damage sacred sites and cultural resources, including the Lake Oahe and Cannonball River. The protests were also supported by environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, and Natural Resources Defense Council, which raised concerns about the potential oil spills and climate change impacts.

Timeline of events

The protests began in April 2016, when a group of Lakota and Dakota youth from the Standing Rock Indian Reservation started a spiritual run to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about the pipeline project and its potential impacts on their community. The run was supported by various organizations, including the Native American Rights Fund and the Indian Land Tenure Foundation. In July 2016, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the pipeline project, which sparked widespread protests and demonstrations, including a prayer ceremony at the Cannonball River and a march to the North Dakota State Capitol. The protests drew support from notable figures, including Jane Fonda, Mark Ruffalo, and Shailene Woodley, as well as from organizations such as the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Journalists Association.

Key issues and controversies

The protests centered around several key issues, including the potential contamination of the Missouri River and the destruction of sacred sites and cultural resources. The Sioux Nation and other Native American tribes argued that the pipeline project violated their treaty rights, including the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 and the Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1868. The protests also raised concerns about the use of excessive force by law enforcement, including the Morton County Sheriff's Department and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, which used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse protesters. The protests were also marked by the presence of private security contractors, including TigerSwan, which was hired by Energy Transfer Partners to provide security services.

Legal and political responses

The protests led to several legal and political responses, including a federal court ruling that temporarily halted the pipeline project and a presidential memorandum issued by Barack Obama that called for a review of the project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also announced that it would conduct an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the pipeline project, which was supported by organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The protests also drew support from various state and local governments, including the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party and the City of Seattle, which passed resolutions opposing the pipeline project.

Impact and legacy

The protests had a significant impact on the national conversation about energy policy, environmental justice, and Native American rights. The protests drew attention to the need for greater consultation and cooperation between federal agencies and Native American tribes on issues related to energy development and environmental protection. The protests also inspired a new generation of environmental activists and social justice advocates, including Greta Thunberg and Varshini Prakash, who have continued to push for greater action on climate change and environmental protection. The protests also led to the creation of new organizations and initiatives, such as the Native American Rights Fund and the Indigenous Environmental Network, which continue to work on issues related to Native American rights and environmental justice. Category:Environmental protests in the United States