In 2016, the Oceti Sakowin, the Seven Council Fires of the great Sioux Nation, made history as they came together at Standing Rock, North Dakota for the first time in over a century. The historic gathering saw hundreds of other tribes and thousands of allies join the Oceti Sakowin in a powerful show of unity. This unforgettable moment was a testament to the strength and resilience of the indigenous community and a moving tribute to the power of prayer and solidarity.
VIDEOS
ARTICLES
Youth Run for Water
Protecting The Water Not Protesting The Pipeline
North Camp Continues to Grow
Pipeline Company Attacks Protectors and Destroys Sacred Sites
Paddle to Standing Rock
Standing Rock Historian On Black Snake Fight
DAPL Cops Evict Treaty Camp as Buffalo Nation Arrive
Protectors attacked at Backwater Bridge.
Defiance As Mni Wiconi Eviction Looms
Surrounded. Women hold firm to protect Oceti.
The Water Protects The Protectors. Mni Wiconi!
Nations Rise up at Washington, D.C.
Despite fierce opposition, a decision had been made to build an oil pipeline under the Missouri River just north of the Standing Rock reservation, on land protected by the Ft. Laramie Treaty of 1851 and 1868. This treaty was meant to protect the land and resources of the indigenous people. This disregard for the rights of indigenous people and their resources is reminiscent of colonial practices and highlights the ongoing systemic injustices faced by native communities.
The Standing Rock movement was a call to action, not only to protect the clean water supply of millions but to also shed light on the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights and sovereignty. The movement was a powerful reminder that the fight for environmental justice and indigenous rights are multi-generational and ongoing.
A Tribute to Joye
Joye Braun (Wambli Wiyakawin) passed away on Sunday the 13th of November, 2022, at her home on the Cheyenne River Sioux reservation.
No report of the events of the NODAPL efforts are complete without mention of this indomitable spirit.
Joye was the apex Water Protector. The very first camper at Standing Rock. It could be argued that she was one of the most important people on our planet over the past couple of decades and that the world climate movement would look a lot different had it not been for the life and work of Joye Braun.
Joye’s legend may still be unknown to the majority of the world – indigenous invisibility is a real thing – but because of her huge and giving heart, the people she touched, and the things she helped inspire, everyone has and will continue to reap the rewards of her incredible existence.