With thousands of Native Americans recently protesting against the 1172 mile Dakota Access oil pipeline, the USA government has stepped in to aid attempts to resolve ongoing disputes.
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CANNON BALL, N.D., Sept 12 Native Americans protesting construction of a North Dakota oil pipeline near land they consider sacred on Saturday quietly celebrated the USA government’s decision to pause construction on federally owned land, and vowed to press for a full halt to the project. The Tribe claims that the pipeline itself runs through burial grounds and areas of cultural significance. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s attempt to halt construction of. The tribe argues the pipeline would disturb sacred sites and affect drinking water for the thousands of residents on the reservation and the millions who rely on it downstream.
In their joint statement, the three US departments said they would schedule meetings with Native American leaders to discuss how the federal government can better consider the tribes’ views and respect their land. While we are troubled this situation even reached this level of contention, we are grateful that it is now sparking meaningful conversations never held at this level of government – conversations that actually take into consideration the needs and wishes of tribes when it comes to infrastructure projects such as the Dakota Access Pipeline.
The federal government moved Friday to halt a controversial oil pipeline project in North Dakota that has angered Native Americans, blocking construction on federal land and asking the company behind the project to suspend work nearby.
The Corps filed a notice opposing the tribe’s appeal of the judge’s ruling.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II is expected to speak from the North Dakota Capitol shortly after 3 p.m. Friday.
“. construction of the pipeline on Army Corps land bordering or under Lake Oahe will not go forward at this time”.
Energy Transfer has not commented on the request. “We urge everyone involved in protest or pipeline activities to adhere to the principles of nonviolence”, the statement said.
The judge’s order was announced over a loudspeaker at the protest camp near the reservation on North Dakota’s southern border.
Opposition to the pipeline has drawn support from 200 Native American tribes, as well as from activists and celebrities.
That sentiment was repeated by several other labor and business groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, North Dakota Petroleum Council, and Laborers District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota.
Tribal members say they plan on appealing that decision.
Though last week’s announcement did not specify a timeline, the Army will withhold authorization for an easement under Lake Oahe while reconsidering impacts from the site. “And we’re going to make this stand for all water and all life”, Mitchell said at the start of the event, drawing cheers.
“This was an important ruling”, said Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), “I think an appropriate ruling because what’s really at stake is the authority of the United States Army Corps of Engineers”.
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For months, major news outlets have ignored what has become the largest convergence of Native peoples in more than a century.
