Women Hold Firm to Protect Oceti Sakowin.
by Benita Moore
Amidst the rolling hills and misty skies of North Dakota, a battle for the ages rages on. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe stands tall, their unwavering spirit a testament to their commitment to protect the waters that flow through their lands. Tens of thousands have rallied around them, forming makeshift camps along the reservation’s borders, determined to resist the pipeline that threatens to devastate their ancestral home.
But the forces of oppression are gathering, their ominous presence a harbinger of the violence to come. The state, the pipeline company, and the county sheriff have assembled a mercenary army, equipped with the latest military hardware, ready to lay siege to the camps. And yet, amidst the chaos, a ray of hope shines through. The women, or winyan, of Standing Rock have risen to the challenge, their unwavering courage and strength a beacon of light in the darkness.
They stand as mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers, defying the fear that grips their hearts. These winyan embody the spirit of resilience and strength that has sustained their people for centuries. They know that their struggle is not just for the waters, but for the very essence of their being, for the land, and the connection to each that define their existence. They stand as the guardians of their ancestral traditions, ensuring that the sacred ways are passed down to future generations. Their unwavering determination is a testament to the indomitable spirit of their people, a spirit that refuses to be broken or conquered.
And so, tonight, as the sun sets on this chapter of the Oceti Sakowin, we honor our Winyan. We celebrate their unwavering spirit, their commitment to justice, and their resilience in the face of adversity. We pray for their protection, their strength, and their wisdom as they hold the camp and the people together. And we stand with them, in solidarity, as they face one of their darkest hours.
