Protectors Attacked at Backwater Bridge
by Darren Moore
On November 20, 2016, the world witnessed an event in American history that will forever be remembered as a day of shame. A day when security forces, akin to the Cavalry during the Indian Wars of the 1800s, unleashed their wrath upon indigenous protectors who were trying to defend their land and clear a roadblock on the bridge that was affecting emergency response and access to vital resources for residents of the reservation. This roadblock was set up as a result of the security forces blocking all traffic to the reservation on Highway 1806, a clear violation of basic human rights and dignity
The protectors were met with a hail of rubber bullets, with at least one causing a protector to lose an eye, tear gas, concussion grenades, and the use of the LRAD sound cannon. Despite the protectors dancing and singing, imploring the security forces to do the right thing, with already injured protectors still praying for each of the cops on the other side of the razor wire, the brutality continued for hours. But the most egregious act of cruelty occurred when the security forces deployed water cannons in sub-zero temperatures. The water instantly turned to ice upon impact. The police were unrelenting, leaving over 150 protectors injured, some with life changing injuries.
Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II spoke to NBC News about the attack, saying, “From the beginning, we’ve had water protectors attacked by guard dogs, rubber bullets, and mace. Last night, law enforcement upped the ante by using exploding tear gas canisters and water cannons in sub-freezing temperatures. Many were taken to a gymnasium suffering from extreme hypothermia. Approximately seven people with more serious injuries, including two elders who were tear-gassed and who suffered near cardiac arrest, were sent to a hospital in Bismarck for emergency treatment.”
The question remains, where is all the money coming from to bankroll this response, with the authorities’ presence growing daily and their array of new war toys? Who might have the resources and motivation to support such cruelty and hatred? This event will forever be remembered as a dark chapter in American history and a reminder of the ongoing fight for indigenous rights and sovereignty.
