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Stand at Standing Rock

'The Movement Isn't Over' Say Water Protectors Facing Eviction

By teleSUR

22 February 17

Despite fears of arrest and police violence, water protectors vow to continue to defend the water and Indigenous sovereignty.

n the eve of Wednesday's 2 p.m. scheduled eviction of the Oceti Sakowin Camp at Standing Rock, the remaining water protectors called for solidarity and vowed to continue the resistance to the US$3 billion Dakota Access Pipeline re-approved by President Donald Trump.

On Tuesday, the Army Corps of Engineers refused to extend Wednesday's eviction deadline set by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum last week, citing concerns about flooding.

However most involved in the water protection camp — which, since its founding last April, has galvanized millions in the fight for Indigenous sovereignty and the battle against pipelines — say the move is simply a ruse to end the movement.

"This is a message of intimidation," one water protector told The Intercept.

Water protectors had requested an extension of the eviction order to allow for a clean up the camp, also noting that a vital environmental impact study has yet to be completed on the project which violates the Treaty rights of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation and threatens the drinking water of millions of people.

In a viral video released on Twitter on Monday, women water protectors expressed their continued defiance to the project as well as concern about arrests and police brutality during the planned eviction.

"After the deadline we are all at risk of facing arrest, police brutality, federal charges and prison time," says one of the unnamed women in the video

"In the history of colonization, they've always given us two options," says another. "Give up our land or go to jail, give up our rights or go to jail. And now, give up our water, or go to jail. We are not criminals."

"They've been trying to take us down for hundreds of years," another woman says. "They can keep trying, and we're still going to be here, and we need help. There aren't many of us left."

"They don't understand people are willing to die here," one 90-year-old woman told The Intercept. "They don't understand we will not back down. We have our ancestors with us and we are in prayer that Tunkashila (Great Spirit in Lakota) will guide us in our freedom."

The neighboring Sacred Stone Camp, which is on land owned by Stand Rock Sioux Tribe member LaDonna Allard, was also issued an eviction notice last week by the Bureau of Indian Affairs which claims jurisdiction on the land, despite the fact that the camp had been endorsed in a vote by the Standing Rock Sioux council back in June.

Despite the expected eviction, those remaining at the camp and their allies were defiant that the fight against the pipeline isn't over.

The Indigenous Environmental Network issued a statement on their Facebook page calling on people to join a massive March 5 action planned for Washington, D.C., in protest of the pipeline project.

"The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Indigenous grassroots leaders call on our allies across the U.S. and around the world to peacefully March on Washington, D.C.," the statement said. "This movement has evolved into a powerful global phenomenon highlighting the necessity to respect Indigenous nations and their right to protect their homeland, environment, and future generations. For those who cannot march with us, we ask that you take peaceful action at home in your tribal nations, states, cities, town, villages, and provinces," it concluded.

"The whole movement isn't over," said a water protector in an IEN video.