Vigil to Protect, Second Night
by Darren Moore
Tuesday, 26 June, 2017. Tacoma, Washington. On a pivotal Tuesday night, the Water Warrior Movement gathered for the second day of their ongoing campaign against the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility at the Port of Tacoma. This evening was singularly marked by the influential presence of a cadre of women warriors—Patricia Gonzalez, Joanne Gutierrez, Melinda James, Amanda Gower, Deonna McCloud, and Penny Octuck Cole. Their collective energies were palpably woven into the fabric of the night, amplifying the significance of the grassroots resistance led by the Puyallup Tribe.
Amidst the relentless drone of construction and drilling, the night was held together by the hauntingly beautiful and powerful voices of these women warriors. Each took turns leading in prayer songs, backed by the rhythmic pulse of drums. Their harmonies served as both an antithesis and an antidote to the clamor of machinery in the background. They drowned out the incessant drilling, in essence reclaiming the soundscape of their ancestral land if only for the night.
The stand against the LNG facility is deeply rooted in the community’s connection to the earth, their history of activism and continued assertion of tribal sovereignty. The looming structure, if completed, would pose significant environmental risks and trespass upon ancestral lands, violating sacred bonds with their ancestral waters and the Tribe’s treaty rights. Adding to the urgency is the impact on the local economy. With the Fourth of July season approaching, the construction activity has created delays on the main access route to “Firecracker Alley,” affecting the sales of fireworks, a vital part of the tribal economy.
This specific night served as irrefutable evidence to the growing collective resolve to shut down the LNG plant. The conviction was further buoyed by the arrival of allies from Seattle and Olympia. The women warriors stood as a living embodiment of the movement’s history, its spirituality, and its future. They were a beacon for what could be achieved when a community unites in the face of adversity.
The power of this evening’s resistance lay not only in its vocal objection to environmental degradation and the infringement of tribal rights but also in the unspoken unity that permeated the atmosphere. It united generations and with women leading the way, set a tone that has provided a glimpse into the unyielding spirit that will surely characterize future struggles. The Water Warrior Movement is emboldened, prepared for the long road ahead, and excited to see what collective action can achieve in the coming months.
Relation to Ancestral Waters: A Documentary
First appearing on June 28, 2017, this article is part of an ongoing series documenting the Indigenous-led campaign against the Tacoma LNG facility.
The article has since been edited to remove time-sensitive elements, such as calls to action, in order to serve as an historical and educational resource. You can also explore other related articles and resources on the Ancestral Waters page for a more contextual understanding of the issues and events.
While the full “Ancestral Waters” documentary is available for screenings, we invite you to watch the trailer for a glimpse into the comprehensive story of resiliency and activism told in the film.
