A growing protest led by hundreds of Native Americans stopped construction of an oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota on Tuesday.
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“I am here to advise anyone that will listen, that the Dakota Access Pipeline Project is harmful”, Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David Archambault II said in a statement on Monday.
Protesters attempting to block the Dakota Access Pipeline have challenged local law enforcement and private security with tribal flags, cell phones and drums.
In one location, the pipeline runs just 500 feet from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s reservation border, according to organizer and property owner LaDonna Brave Bull Allard.
North Dakota’s chief archaeologist says a report of possible human remains being found at a pipeline construction site is unfounded. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.
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“Lawful assembly and peaceful protest is the hallmark of our democracy; however, threats of physical harm or violence and criminal activity is unacceptable”, Hovland wrote in the order.
“All I’ve asked for is peace and prayer”, he said.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol is asking motorists to avoid state Highway 1806 near Fort Rice because of the pipeline protest along the road.
A hearing is set for 2:30 p.m. August 25 in Eagle Courtroom of the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota in Bismarck to determine whether a preliminary injunction should be issued in the Dakota Access suit against the protesters. John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp to “express concerns” about the pipeline.
But supporters of the pipeline argue oil drilling is needed to employ workers, help Bakken oil production – which is in decline – and advance North and South Dakota in the energy industry.
Bill Left Hand, of McLaughlin, S.D., stands next to a sign at the site of a protest Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, against construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline that will cross the Missouri River in Morton County.
The tribe filed a lawsuit last month against the Army Corps of Engineers for approving the pipeline.
Pipeline opponents say the project would disturb sacred sites and could affect drinking water on the reservation and for people downstream.
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Tribal leaders have also reached out to President Obama, who visited the reservation in 2014.
