In a surprising turn of events, the Army Corps of Engineers delivered a stunning announcement to the thousands gathered at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation: they would not issue a permit for the Dakota Access Oil Pipeline to proceed beneath Lake Oahe, which sits on sacred American Indian land. This decision effectively halts construction of the 1,172-mile pipeline, just half a mile south of the reservation, igniting celebrations among protesters, as reported by NPR.
The movement at Standing Rock originated from the Sacred Stone Camp, established in April by activist LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, and quickly evolved into the largest Native American gathering in a century, drawing thousands of supporters from across the nation. The Army Corps of Engineers stated that while discussions with the Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access had been ongoing, more work was needed to address concerns. Jo-Ellen Darcy, the Army’s assistant secretary for Civil Works, emphasized the need to explore alternate routes for the pipeline.
Tribal Chairman David Archambault II expressed immense gratitude for the decision, praising President Obama and various governmental departments for their courage to take a stand on this historic matter. He stated, “The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and all of Indian Country will be forever grateful to the Obama Administration for this historic decision.”
The pipeline, which posed risks of contaminating drinking water and disturbing sacred sites, would have transported up to 470,000 barrels of oil daily, close to Sioux land. Among the threats were burial sites of esteemed leaders like Sitting Bull, as well as numerous other sacred locations. The construction crews had previously destroyed significant cultural artifacts, prompting further outrage from tribal leaders.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, they were marred by instances of police violence, including the use of attack dogs and water hoses in freezing temperatures. Many protesters faced violent arrests, pepper spray, and tear gas, leading to the arrival of 2,000 veterans who stood in solidarity to defend the demonstrators from police and DAPL security.
Following the announcement, celebrations erupted in the protest camps and on the Sioux Reservation. However, caution prevailed among some. As noted by legal counsel for the tribe, Jan Hasselman, the potential for lawsuits from Energy Transfer Partners remains, and the incoming administration under Trump could attempt to overturn the decision. Tribal member Frank Archambault cautioned, “It’s a trick. It’s a lie. Until that drill is shut down, it’s not over yet.”
In summary, the decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to deny the permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline marks a pivotal moment for the Standing Rock protesters and the larger Native American community. While the announcement has brought joy and relief to many, concerns over future developments linger, reminding everyone that vigilance is crucial in this ongoing struggle for justice and preservation of sacred lands.
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