5 Things You Need To Know About The Dakota Access Pipeline | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

5 Things You Need To Know About The Dakota Access Pipeline

"Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realize that we cannot eat money." -Native American Proverb

15
5 Things You Need To Know About The Dakota Access Pipeline
YES! Magazine

1. There is a newly discovered underground deposit where Montana and North Dakota meet Canada, believed to be rich with nearly 8 billion barrels of untouched oil. In a time where our country is pushing to become more independent, the Dakota Access Pipeline is intended to promote self-sufficiency in regard to oil production. The 1,172-mile pipeline would stretch from the top of North Dakota down to southern Illinois, simultaneously interrupting the livelihood of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, populated by roughly 8,000 people.

2. The "DAPL" was proposed with good economic intentions, but has recently received a lot of heat for not evaluating all other aspects of the project. The US Army Corps of Engineers approved the project and intend on going forward with the construction of the pipeline, in spite of the sacred land they will be disturbing. The pipeline will exist almost entirely underground, leaving hardly any evidence of it's existence. However, supported by the largest tribal coalition united in over 100 years, the Sioux tribe that has lived on the land for centuries refuses to allow construction to proceed, Although the pipeline may induce economic prosperity for years to come, all good things must leave some negative impact. The tribe continues to spread the message that, according to their website, "the Dakota Access threatens everything from farming and drinking water to entire ecosystems, wildlife and food sources surrounding the Missouri.”

3. Beyond the interruption of natural resources, native burial grounds and sacred monuments and artifacts will be completely destroyed amid the construction. With the population of Native Americans dwindling as the years go on, it should be held to extremely high regard that we protect what is left of their culture the best we can.

4. Native Americans are not the only ones being effected by the Dakota Access Pipeline, stretching over multiple states the nationally approved pipeline will be protected by eminent domain, which is when the government has the right to remove you and your property in exchange for financial compensation. Farmers and landowners alike will be sacrificing their livelihood under the ideology that oil production and economic prosperity are more important than actual people. Farmers will be forced to leave their property, crops, and established reputation behind. Children and families will be uprooted and asked to find another place to call home.

5. News of the pipeline and its entailing construction has erupted in the form of massive social media movements, peaceful protests, and the support of politicians and celebrities like Bernie Sanders, Susan Sarandon and Shailene Woodley. Being rightfully dubbed "water warriors", many have taken to social media to do the one thing anyone can do, whether they're standing on the reservation or in their home on the other side of the country, they have refused to remain silent, calling upon president Obama and other powerful political entities to stop the installation and reflect on the damage it will cause. Petitions are available to be signed, formal letters can be written, research can be done, and hashtags can be tweeted, #RezPectOurWater.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181539
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8416
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453331
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23817
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments