Direct Action as Pipeline Work Resumes
by Darren Moore
Monday, July 17, 2017. Fife, Washington. On Monday evening, momentum built as hundreds converged near the Port of Tacoma, marking the first significant direct action since the “Super 6” blockade in May. Orchestrated by the Puyallup Tribe’s Water Warriors, the event drew a sizeable crowd that included not only tribe members and activists but also a heavy law enforcement and private security presence, the latter contracted by Puget Sound Energy (PSE).
The focus of the evening was the 16-inch pipeline extension currently under construction on 12th Street in Fife, Washington. This pipeline, an extension from the mainline on 20th Street, is planned to traverse residential and commercial zones, even coming alarmingly close to a daycare center. Intended to carry high-pressure fracked gas, the extension is part of a larger infrastructure project. The proposed facility at the pipeline’s end would liquefy the gas at temperatures as low as -260°F for more convenient storage and shipping. These details formed the backdrop of the gathering, underscoring the serious environmental and societal risks at hand.
The atmosphere among attendees was electric but focused as songs filled the air, prayers were shared, and sage was burned. As the evening’s activities were organized well, they unfolded without a hitch. Moments before activists took the boldest step of the evening, a prayer song emanated from a circle of senior Indigenous organizers. Its conclusion acted as a catalyst: roughly 10-15 people promptly sat in front of the machinery, effectively halting work. Echoing across the space were shouts of “Thank you!” and “We have arrestables here!”—a term given to those willing to risk their liberty to protect the environment.
As the sit-in concluded, Dakota Case of the Puyallup Tribe addressed the crowd, acknowledging the protestors willing to put their freedom on the line. “You’ve already succeeded,” he said, inviting them to rise and continue the fight another day. Hands raised in a traditional tribal gesture, the crowd once again found itself enveloped in prayer, song, and the aroma of burning sage. Meanwhile, law enforcement took positions around the machinery, their line of sight meeting those who had peacefully yet assertively made their stance clear.
The images and memories made this evening will be etched into the collective memory of those present and those who watched it unfold live. And while the fight may not be over, the resolve to protect the land, the water, and the people remains stronger than ever.
Additional Information: Link to Ancestral Waters Documentary
First appearing on July 18, 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.
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