Obama Plans to Evict Standing Rock Water Protectors From Dakota Access Protest Camp

By teleSUR

26 November 16

The Army Corps of Engineers said it the camp said that on Dec. 5th over safety concerns and in order to create a free speech zone.

he Standing Rock Sioux Tribe announced Friday that it rejects the Obama administration's decision to close access to a campsite where water protectors have been demonstrating the Dakota Access Pipeline since April.

“Our Tribe is deeply disappointed in this decision by the United States, but our resolve to protect our water is stronger than ever,” said Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Chairman Dave Archambault II.

The Army Corps of Engineers said that all lands north of the Cannonball River, which is where the main Oceti Sakowin camp is located, will be closed by Dec. 5. The move is allegedly intended to “protect the general public from the violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officials that have occurred in this area,” while the government agency will create a “free speech zone” to replace the camp.

“It is both unfortunate and ironic that this announcement comes the day after this country celebrates Thanksgiving – a historic exchange of goodwill between Native Americans and the first immigrants from Europe. Although the news is saddening, it is not at all surprising given the last 500 years of the treatment of our people,” said Archambault. “We have suffered much, but we still have hope that the President will act on his commitment to close the chapter of broken promises to our people and especially our children.”

Local tribes want to halt construction of the US$3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline, claiming it threatens local tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, local water supplies and sacred burial sites.

The government has twice requested the pipeline operator to voluntarily stop construction near the tribe's reservation while the project's route is being reconsidered by the authorities. However, courts have refused to order a halt.

Protests have turned violent as authorities have deployed hundreds of heavily-armed police officers from several regional police agencies to disperse the protesters, mostly Native Americans, with water cannons, pepper spray, rubber bullets and concussion grenades, with hundreds of injuries reported.

The protest has grown into a larger movement in the United States, drawing in tribes from across the country, as well as environmentalists.