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For Thousands at Standing Rock, a Shocking Day After So Much Waiting
After the pipeline decisions, many at the protest site wonder whether future generations will look back on this as a turning point in U.S.-tribal history.http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/at-standing-rock-a-shocking-day-after-so-much-waiting-20160910
Shouts could be heard Friday afternoon across the encampment at Standing Rock when the long-anticipated U.S. District Court ruling was announced. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s attempt to stop the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline had failed. The judge would allow construction to move forward.
Then, just 20 minutes later, the ceremonial grounds at the camp erupted in cheers and drumming, people raised fists in the air, some clutching braids of sweetgrass. An order had come from three federal agencies to turn a defeat into what seemed like a stunning success —one with implications across Indian Country, and well beyond. A late afternoon rainstorm pelted the crowds, but spirits were flying high as elders, mothers with babies, young activists, all danced and sang, all celebrating, drums echoing across the camp.
“It truly was an interesting event in the universe,” said Faith Spotted Eagle, member of the Yankton Souix and an elder with the Brave Heart Society. “In one minute we had the judge ruling against us, which we expected, and then all of sudden, the United States issued a memorandum that said the whole issue needed to be looked at. That is major. We affected a nation.”
Dallas Goldtooth agreed. The move is evidence of the power of nonviolent direct action, said Goldtooth, an organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network.
Then, just 20 minutes later, the ceremonial grounds at the camp erupted in cheers and drumming, people raised fists in the air, some clutching braids of sweetgrass. An order had come from three federal agencies to turn a defeat into what seemed like a stunning success —one with implications across Indian Country, and well beyond. A late afternoon rainstorm pelted the crowds, but spirits were flying high as elders, mothers with babies, young activists, all danced and sang, all celebrating, drums echoing across the camp.
“It truly was an interesting event in the universe,” said Faith Spotted Eagle, member of the Yankton Souix and an elder with the Brave Heart Society. “In one minute we had the judge ruling against us, which we expected, and then all of sudden, the United States issued a memorandum that said the whole issue needed to be looked at. That is major. We affected a nation.”
Dallas Goldtooth agreed. The move is evidence of the power of nonviolent direct action, said Goldtooth, an organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network.
Much more at the link.
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